Kia’s smallest SUV is likely to be given mild-hybrid power next year, the brand’s local product boss has indicated.
Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the all-new, all-electric EV3 small SUV, Kia Australia general manager for product planning – Roland Rivero – said his company is keen to get its hands on the 48V-assisted Stonic.
“We have our hand up for it… if we can make it happen, the sooner the better,” Mr Rivero said. “It’s probably a next year exercise.”
It seems Mr Rivero’s team has backtracked on comments he made in November 2023, when Kia’s local product boss effectively ruled out the electrically assisted variant.
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Stonic Eco-Dynamics+ MHEV
The Stonic ‘Eco-Dynamics+’ mild-hybrid draws upon the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as the model sold in Australia, but with a 48V mild-hybrid system for added fuel-efficiency via coasting and extended idle stop/start technology.
Currently, the Stonic MHEV sold in overseas markets like the UK produces the same 74kW as the non-electrified versions, but claims a nominal 0.3L/100km improvement in combined fuel-efficiency on the WLTP standard according to UK specifications.
While that’s a small gap on paper, it would likely widen in real-world urban use. EcoDynamics+ models can ‘coast’ by deactivating the petrol engine under low loads at speeds of up to 125km/h to enhance efficiency.
Kia Australia has never sold 48V MHEV versions of the Stonic or the closely related Rio hatchback, instead standardising the torquier and more efficient 1.0-litre turbo engine for MY25 vehicles last year. Previously, a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine was the motor of choice for entry-level versions.
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Stonic Sport
CarExpert understands the Stonic, originally released as a crossover companion to the long-running Rio, which has subsequently been discontinued, will receive a second facelift and tech upgrade in the coming 12 months or so.
The city-sized Korean crossover first received a mid-life facelift back in 2021, which was also when it first launched in Australia. Kia first debuted the original Stonic back in 2017, when it reserved for markets like Europe and Korea.
A mild-hybrid Stonic would give the Korean manufacturer (mild) electrification representation in the light SUV segment, in which the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and Jeep Avenger EV currently offer electrification in Australia.
Soon, sister brand Hyundai will also add the all-electric Inster city car, which is based on its sister car to the popular Kia Picanto – the Casper – which isn’t sold in Australia. Stay tuned to CarExpert for more.
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MORE: Everything Kia Stonic
