New-look Kia Stonic now available to lease

According to the ancient Greek myth, everything King Midas touched turned to gold. Whether or not Midas is based on a real person is open to debate, but the gold part is most definitely an invention of human imagination. We know this, because Midas appears to be a car designer rather than a jeweller, and they've recently applied their golden touch to the brand-new Kia Stonic.

The latest launch in a growing catalogue of success stories, the new Kia Stonic is a stylish compact crossover, and the perfect example of how Kia is bringing premium design and technology to the mainstream leasing customer.

Featuring a bold new look, advanced technology, and updated powertrain options, the new Kia Stonic represents a major overhaul of the Korean brand’s popular urban crossover. This significant update sees the Stonic receive a major exterior and interior redesign, bringing it in line with Kia’s latest electric and petrol models, as well as introducing new tech to the small car segment.

A new front end introduces Kia’s Star Map Signature Lighting and new front and lower grilles, and an updated bumper design. The redesigned rear also features a new bumper alongside a new tailgate layout, taillight signature, and an updated skid plate. These changes are complemented by new wheel options across the range, including 16-inch and 17-inch alloys.

The Kia Stonic’s interior has received the same treatment too.

A brand-new feature is the panoramic dual display layout with two high-resolution screens merging infotainment and vehicle information into one clear and intuitive display. Further enhancements, such as USB-C fast charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and ambient lighting, provide you with a more refined in-car experience. The cabin also introduces new two-spoke and three-spoke steering wheel designs, a resculpted gear knob and centre console, and an updated dashboard design.

Available in three different trim specifications, the new Kia Stonic promises to give you a generous range of design and technology features, even in the entry level ‘Pure’ trim.

Kia Stonic equipment choices

Standard equipment across the entire Stonic line-up includes a 12.3-inch navigation screen, smartphone connectivity, six-speaker audio system, rear parking sensors and reversing camera, cruise control, handy roof rails for extra load capacity, and a whole suite of Kia’s latest safety systems. On top of that (and much more), ‘Pure’ models also add 16-inch alloys, front fog lights, and manual air conditioning to that list.

A step up from the entry-level trim, the new Stonic ‘GT-Line’ features a sportier look overall and brings with it the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lights front and rear, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, and automatic climate control.

Range-topping ‘GT-Line S’ models go even further, expanding the equipment list to include a sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry, customisable ambient lighting, extra USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop/start, and a larger 12.3-inch driver display screen.

In terms of powertrain options, Kia is fully embracing electrification across its entire model range. At the same time, it recognises that not everyone is ready – or able – to opt for an electric car, so a traditional internal combustion engine remains an option in the new Stonic.

Kia Stonic drivetrain options

To keep the decision-making experience simple, the Kia Stonic is available with a single, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine across the line-up. Sending a peak power of 98bhp to the front wheels, it enables the new Stonic to accelerate from 0-62mph in around 11 seconds, and on to a top speed of 111mph. Hardly exhilarating numbers, but then that’s not really the point of the new Kia Stonic.

If you opt for a ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ you will grab yourself a bit more performance from the addition of 48V mild hybrid technology. Coupled with a slightly tuned version of the engine for a bit more power, the boost from the mild hybrid system shaves a little time off the acceleration and adds a couple of mph to the top speed, but the main benefit will inevitably come in the form of improved efficiency rather than unnecessary performance.

‘Pure’ and ‘GT-Line’ variants will be fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, with an option to upgrade to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Range-topping ‘GT-Line S’ models feature the seven-speed automatic as standard.

With each variant boasting a wide range of features, Kia has made leasing your new Kia Stonic as simple and straightforward as possible. Once you’ve decided on a trim level and drivetrain, the only ‘optional extra’ involves deciding whether to stick with the white base colour or upgrading to one of the premium paint finishes.