Kia Unveils New Stonic Compact Crossover with Bold Design and Advanced Tech
Kia has officially unveiled the new Stonic, which takes the 2017 formula into the mid 2020s without a chassis change. That aside, this new facelift looks massive, with massive upgrades coming in all departments including styling, refinement, connectivity, safety and more. It’s unlikely we’ll get this model, unless Kia Motors Malaysia goes for a very strong push into the mainstream here.
Compact Yet Versatile
Measuring 4,165 mm in length with up to 352 liters of cargo space, the new Stonic balances urban-friendly proportions with everyday practicality. Inside, it offers 1,070 mm of front legroom and comfortable rear passenger dimensions, ensuring space and comfort for both city drives and longer journeys.
The updated powertrain lineup includes a 1.0-liter T-GDI engine, available in petrol and mild-hybrid (MHEV) formats. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, giving them a blend of efficiency and performance suited to different driving styles.
Confident New Design Identity
Inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the new Stonic introduces a bolder and sharper exterior look. Up front, it features:
- Star Map Signature Lighting
- A more structured grille
- An updated front bumper
At the rear, a redesigned tailgate, refreshed taillight signature, and a cleaner bumper give the Stonic a modern and athletic stance. New 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels enhance its presence, with exclusive designs reserved for the GT-Line trim. The palette expands with two new vibrant shades — Adventurous Green and Yacht Blue.
Premium Interior for the Segment
Inside, the Stonic raises expectations for compact crossovers with features usually found in higher-end models. The highlight is the panoramic dual display layout, combining two connected 12.3-inch screens for a digital instrument cluster and infotainment.
A Multimode Touch Display replaces conventional HVAC controls, letting drivers seamlessly switch between climate settings and infotainment.
Other updates include:
- A redesigned steering wheel and gear knob
- Updated dashboard and center console
- USB-C fast charging ports
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Ambient lighting for added sophistication
Smarter Connectivity
The new Stonic integrates Kia Connect, offering cloud-based services, remote vehicle control, and real-time diagnostics through the Kia app. The Digital Key allows drivers to unlock and start the car using a smartphone or smartwatch — a feature usually reserved for premium vehicles.
Safety at the Core
Kia has equipped the new Stonic with one of the most comprehensive ADAS packages in its class. Key features include:
- Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5)
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
These advanced driver assistance systems bring big-car safety levels into the compact crossover segment.
