Ah, the Kia Stonic. Back in the day, thinking about that little Korean crossover would make you nod off. A compact suv that lurked in the shadow of its bigger siblings, with a face like a box of rain-soaked tissues. But now? Kia has shaken things up like they've chucked a bucket of cold water over it. The result is an upgraded version that hasn't just had a facelift—it's gone through a full-blown identity crisis and come out the other side a winner. Almost entirely new, they say. And for the first time in ages, I believe them.
Let's start with the looks. Kia has unleashed their 'Opposites United' philosophy on this beast, aligning it with the electric crew in the lineup. Up front, a new bumper that yells 'I'm ready', a grille that's no longer bland but a bit cheeky, and those Star Map LED headlights that light up the nose like a bargain-basement disco ball. At the back? Total rebirth. The taillights have been sharpened into a signature you'll spot a mile off, and new 16- or 17-inch wheels give the whole thing a sportier stance. Oh, and don't forget the colors: Adventurous Green for when you're pretending to be an explorer, and Yacht Blue for those moments you imagine owning a yacht in the Ardennes. It's no Lamborghini, but for something under 4.2 meters long, it feels like an upgrade from economy to almost VIP.
Step inside, and you're in a cockpit straight out of a not-too-distant future—or at least a decent sci-fi flick. Two 12.3-inch screens fused into one big digital marvel. No more dusty buttons; instead, a Multimode Touch Display you control with a swipe, like a smartphone on steroids. The steering wheel's been freshened up, the center console feels premium, and there are enough USB-C ports to charge your whole family at once. Wireless phone charging? You bet. Ambient lighting that flips from blue to red with your mood? Absolutely. It's like Kia listened to all the gripes about interiors that looked like empty subway stations and thought: 'Alright, let's make this fun.'
Now, the heart of the matter: the engine. Here, things stay a tad... modest. No roaring V8 or electric madness, no. We're talking a 1.0-liter petrol engine, bolstered by mild-hybrid tech, pumping out 115 hp. Pair it with a six-speed manual for that pure driving feel, or go for the seven-speed dual-clutch auto if you're feeling lazy—and let's be honest, who isn't? There's also a non-hybrid version with 100 hp for purists who reckon less is more. It's no rocket, but for city runs and weekend jaunts, it's just enough to keep you from yawning at the wheel. In a world gone hybrid-hysterical, this is a refreshing dose of realism: efficient without promising a battery that powers your house.
Tech-wise, Kia hasn't skimped. Kia Connect keeps you linked via the app, so you can check on the car while stuck in traffic. The Digital Key lets you unlock it without fumbling for keys. Safety systems? Up there with the big boys: adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance smarter than your ex, and parking modes that make the car dance into tight spots. It's like a suv that's done its homework, instead of just looking pretty.
Prices? Still a mystery, but expect something that won't have your wallet in tears—classic Kia, affordable with a dash of surprise. It'll hit Europe, including Belgium, by year's end, so keep an eye on the showrooms. Because this isn't just a refresh; it's a statement. The Stonic says: 'I'm small, but I bite.' And after all those years of boredom, that bite tastes pretty damn good.
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