New Trim Level for the 120-HP Turbo Petrol Engine with Mild Hybrid System

Kia’s most popular models in 2019 were the Ceed, Sportage, Picanto and Stonic. The last of these, a compact SUV measuring just 4.14 meters in length, recently received a facelift. The trim lineup now expands to include the sportier-looking GT Line, offered exclusively with the new electrified powertrain: the 1.0 T-GDI 120 paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

Buyers can choose between the “intelligent” manual transmission (iMT) and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Both versions are capable of coasting with the engine switched off at speeds of up to 125 km/h. The engine restarts automatically as soon as the driver touches the accelerator, brake or clutch.

At the front, the GT Line features a modified grille with thin chrome trim strips along the top and bottom. On the Stonic GT Line, LED daytime running lights are integrated into the standard LED headlights. The lower air intake is flanked by additional intakes on either side, with a gray trim strip beneath it also housing the standard LED fog lights. The exterior mirror caps come finished in glossy black.

The most eye-catching detail, however, is the set of three vents positioned below the grille: on two-tone models, their surrounds are painted to match the roof color. Like the standard Stonic, the GT Line is also available in 15 two-tone paint combinations featuring a contrasting roof.

At the rear, the GT Line stands out with a bold gray diffuser-style element and large dual exhaust tips. Specially designed 17-inch alloy wheels round out the overall look.

Inside, the GT Line comes with black seat upholstery in a fabric-and-leatherette combination featuring white contrast stitching, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The instrument cluster consists of two round dials with a 4.2-inch display positioned between them, complemented by the Stonic’s new standard 8.0-inch touchscreen.

The infotainment system includes smartphone connectivity (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) and DAB radio, with a navigation system offering real-time traffic updates available as an option.

Standard equipment also includes a smart key, automatic climate control, heated and height-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, cruise control, light and rain sensors, front and rear parking sensors, heated and electrically foldable side mirrors, and electric front and rear windows.

The vehicle also comes equipped with a collision avoidance system featuring pedestrian and cyclist detection, an active lane-keeping assistant and a high-beam assist system. Optional extras include adaptive cruise control (available only with the DCT version), blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert (with automatic braking on DCT models), and traffic sign recognition.