Kia unveils facelifted Stonic

KIA Motors has made significant changes to the Stonic compact crossover, which strengthens the car's position in the European B-SUV segment.

The redesigned Stonic now offers a range of new Smartstream motors that incorporate innovative solutions to improve efficiency. These include the KIA Eco Dynamics+ drivetrain, which includes a new 48V micro-hybrid system, as well as an intelligent manual transmission with no direct mechanical actuation of the clutch switch.

The Stonic's interior and exterior design is largely unchanged, with buyers given more customization options, with new body and roof color schemes, and a choice of new wheels. Infotainment and navigation system with a large 8.0-inch touchscreen and plenty of telematics features. A new version (Phase II) of the UVO Connect system is available as an option. - technical systems.

Launched in Europe at the end of 2017, the Stonic became Kia's fourth annual bestseller (following the Ceed, Sportage and Picanto family of models). Total sales in Europe are currently over 150,000 units.

The advanced KIA Stonic will be sold in Europe from the third quarter of 2020, cutting Kia's 7-year industry warranty. or 150,000 km, which is available on all models as standard.

Drive units

New petrol engines, EcoDynamics+ micro-hybrid system and new intelligent manual transmission.

The facelifted KIA Stonic will also be available with the company's new gasoline engines equipped with micro-hybrid technology (MHEV) coupled with "EcoDynamics+". With a compact 48V lithium polymer battery, the Micro Hybrid Starter Generator (MHSG) increases torque. to this engine, and also prolongs its shutdown time.

The MHSG is connected to the engine crankshaft via a belt drive and smoothly transitions from engine mode to generator mode back. When operating as an engine, such as during acceleration, the MHSG provides electrical assistance to reduce engine stress and emissions. When the car slows down, under certain conditions, the MHSG switches to generator mode, thus regenerating energy from the transmission by charging the battery.

The new Smartstream engine replaces previous Kappa 1.0 T-GDi generation Stonic engines and is equipped with Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology. The CVVD system allows the engine to smoothly transition to different combustion cycles depending on the load and thus improves efficiency in various driving modes. The Smartstream engine has the same horsepower as the previous Kappa engine - 100 hp. or 120 hp in different versions - but has a slightly higher maximum torque, depending on the transmission. Torque version 120 hp seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) - 200 Nm or 16% more.

The new EcoDynamics+ drive is available in both 100 HP and 120 HP versions. On the new engine, the drive mode select system allows the driver to set the driving experience to optional Eco, Sport or Normal.

Models with EcoDynamics+ are also available as the Kia iMT intelligent manual transmission. The system without direct mechanical actuation of the clutch by wire, combined with the MHEV system, provides lower fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions while maintaining driver commitment using a conventional transmission. Instead of using a mechanical connection, the iMT connector is activated electronically. It works in conjunction with MHSG to disengage the clutch sooner than KIA's conventional Stop & Go start-stop system - even while the parking brake is in motion.

Both transmissions, iMT and 7DCT, allow periods of engine stop and drive to improve drive efficiency. This happens when driving at speeds up to 125 km/h, and the engine turns on again when the driver presses the accelerator, brake or clutch pedal.

New Smartstream Gasoline Engines

The advanced Kia Stonic's engine line-up includes many modifications to the existing gasoline engine line-up to improve efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and improve handling. In addition to the EcoDynamics+ models, the range in Europe is now available with a choice of Smartstream petrol engines without a hybrid system - the new 1.0-liter T-GDi engine with 100 hp. and a new naturally aspirated 1.2 cc KIA engine. cm with an innovative dual fuel injection system with a maximum power of 84 hp.

1.0-liter T-GDi with 100 hp now offers a choice of six-speed manual transmission, replacing the previous five-speed and 7DCT.

Official data regarding the dynamics and fuel consumption of the new Stonic engines, including EcoDynamics+, will be made public shortly before the start of vehicle sales.

Technologies

Modern infotainment systems and innovative telematics UVO ConnectPhase II

The Stonic is equipped with an advanced touchscreen navigation system offering Kia's innovative "Phase II" UVO Connect telematics system, enhancing connectivity and vehicle control.

The large 8.0-inch touchscreen is available as standard with Display Audio or optionally with sat-nav, depending on vehicle specification. The new system includes a multifunctional Bluetooth connection, allowing users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time - one for hands-free phone connection and the rest for media use only. The system allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be used wirelessly for models equipped with the new 8.0-inch audio system, reducing the need for drivers to connect their smartphones via cable.

The upgraded Stonic offers KIA's new "Phase II" UVO Connect telematics system with a range of on-board services including real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, and information on and off the street. Street parking details - prices, location and availability. Online voice recognition allows users to search for places of interest, addresses, weather updates, or send text messages using voice commands. New online navigation services use real-time data and previous traffic data to more accurately determine the most time-efficient routes than ever before.

Compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, the UVO app also offers a number of new Phase II features, including last mile navigation. This allows users to continue navigating to the last point of a trip even after they have parked and left their vehicle. In addition, it allows KIA customers to use navigation services in cities where parking spaces are some distance from shops, cafes and restaurants.

The new User Profile Transfer feature allows drivers to save their UVO preferences by setting up cloud technology and transferring data from one car to another. The technology is designed for customers who frequently replace different UVO Connect-equipped KIA vehicles, such as fleet drivers sharing vehicles or families with more than one UVO Connect-equipped KIA vehicle.

Design and customization

Both externally and internally, the design of the refined Stonic has remained largely unchanged, but full LED headlights have been added with a breathtaking design.

The exterior design of the sled is available with 16-inch aluminum wheels as new colors arrive in Perennial Gray and Sporty Blue. The color palette offers customers up to nine color options to choose from. In addition, new exterior and roof colors offer a wide range of color contrasts. With the Yellow Most roof, the total number of two-tone combinations is increased to 20. Depending on the market and vehicle performance, the two-tone combination is popular with Stonic buyers, with 33% of all car buyers in Europe choosing this option.

In the interior, in addition to the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, the driver can also look forward to a new 4.2-inch digital display located in the instrument cluster.4, depending on vehicle specification and market. variegation and freshness of the "salon", with bright color shades on the dashboard and center console.

New ADAS security systems

The advanced Kia Stonic offers the latest generation of systems in Kia Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), depending on specification. These include Forward Collision Prevention Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, Cars, as well as the newly introduced Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Vehicle Collision Warning (BCW). ) and collision with blind spots. Prevention Assistant (BCA), Intelligent Speed ​​Limit Warning (ISLW), Intelligent Cruise Control (SCC) and Lane Detection Assistant (LFA).

The LFA, in conjunction with the SCC, controls acceleration, braking and steering based on the vehicles ahead and road conditions. Operating at speeds below 180 km/h, it uses a camera and radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to keep the Stonic moving along the center line of the lane. There's also Rear Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and front and rear parking sensors, as well as a new Rear OccupantAlert (ROA) system that alerts the driver if a vulnerable passenger or pet is accidentally forgotten.

The advanced model is equipped with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and tie-downs and anchor points.