2021 Kia Stonic GT-Line – Sophisticated Compact Crossover. 2021 Kia Stonic GT-Line- Drive, Interior and Exterior. Please Consider Subscribing.
0:00 Interior and Exterior
2:00 Facts and Figures
3:30 Drive
The upgraded Kia Stonic will offer the brand’s new petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain. Pairing a new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine with a 48-volt MHEV system, the EcoDynamics+ powertrain delivers greater efficiency by seamlessly deploying and recuperating electric power. A compact 48-volt lithium-ion polymer battery supplements the engine’s torque output with electric power and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG) unit.
The new Smartstream engine replaces the Stonic’s earlier ‘Kappa’-generation 1.0-litre T-GDi powertrain and is equipped with Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology.
The Smartstream engine produces the same power as the previous Kappa engine – 118bhp – but enables a 16 per cent higher peak torque output of 200Nm on the seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT).
The upgraded Kia Stonic also features major revisions to its existing range of petrol engine options, maximising efficiency, lowering CO2 emissions, and improving driveability. As well as EcoDynamics+ models, the line-up features a non-hybrid Smartstream petrol engine – the new 1.0-litre 99bhp T-GDi engine.
The exciting new ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models deliver a strong and sporty design, with ‘GT-Line’ front grille, LED headlights and daytime running lights, together with more dynamic front and rear bumpers that integrate a front skid plate and LED fog lamps. ‘GT-Line’ models feature a black rear spoiler with integrated high-mounted brake light, while the ‘GT-Line S’ versions features a rear spoiler painted in body colour. Unique 17-inch alloy wheels and a ‘GT-Line’ emblem on the rear tailgate completes the exterior makeover. ‘GT-Line’ versions are available in six paint finishes, while the two-tone ‘GT-Line S’ editions are offered in five hues, with a choice of black, red or yellow roof, depending upon the colour chosen.
The sporty ambience is enhanced by a leather D-cut steering wheel with ‘GT-Line’ motif emblazoned upon it and a carbon look crash pad. The black cloth and faux leather seats are embossed with the ‘GT-Line’ logo and feature stitching and piping. The new 8-inch multimedia and navigation system dominates the cabin, and a 4.2-inch colour supervision display is nestled within the instrument cluster.
Safety performance is placed very high on the agenda, with ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models featuring Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA) and High Beam Assist (HBA), with ‘GT-Line S’ versions additionally featuring Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), with DCT editions also boasting Blind Spot Collision Avoidance for the rear of the car. Other advanced technology features include rear parking sensors and a reversing camera system, with ‘GT-Line S’ models also featuring front parking sensors.
Quality – perceived and actual – is evident in the fit and finish and the choice of materials. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter are standard, and there are silver or satin chrome interior door handles. ‘Connect’ and ‘GT-Line S’ versions have a Smart Key with engine start/stop button and ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ editions feature sporty aluminium pedals.
The extensive interior storage areas include a centre console box and cupholders, bottle holders in every door, an illuminated glovebox, an overhead sunglasses case and a front passenger seat-back pocket.
The column mounted MDPS requires just 2.52 turns between the extremes of lock for a tight turning circle of 5.2 metres. Ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs are fitted across the range and supported by anti-lock (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and a Brake Assist system (BAS). Collectively, these allow Stonic to be steered and braked at the same time without risk of going out of control, ensure that most braking effort goes to the wheels which are best able to take advantage of it, and automatically deliver maximum stopping power in emergency braking, regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.
Alloy wheels of 16- or -17 inches in diameter are standard, with either 195/55/R16 or 205/55/R17 tyres. ‘2’ models feature the smaller size wheels, while all other editions have larger 17-inch items. All models have a tyre mobility kit in place of a spare wheel alongside a tyre pressure monitoring system.
