Against the backdrop of market competition and the strengthening shekel, another updated model is being launched at a lower price than its predecessor. The refreshed Kia Stonic will start at NIS 130,000 for the EX trim level.
Kia has not touched the powertrain, which remains a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 100 hp, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 179 km/h. Fuel consumption? An official 17.8 km per liter in the EX version with 16-inch wheels, and 17.2 km/l in the better-equipped GT Line, which receives 17-inch wheels.
The dimensions also remain unchanged: 4.17 meters in length, 1.76 meters in width, 1.5 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.58 meters. The trunk offers a capacity of 332 liters.
What has changed is the exterior design, which has become more modern and now resembles electric vehicles. The interior has also been updated accordingly, with the driver’s area now similar to that of the EV3, featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and controls and for the instrument cluster (in the higher trim). Additional updates include a redesigned steering wheel, a refreshed instrument display with updated graphics, and a new center console.
The lineup includes two trim levels:
EX (from NIS 130,000): 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 12-inch instrument cluster and 4-inch information display, synthetic leather upholstery, rear USB-C port, reversing camera, and a spare wheel, which is not a given these days.
GT Line (from NIS 138,000): Adds an electric sunroof, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, sporty styling package, rain sensor, and LED headlights.
Safety: Additions include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a warning for opening a door into an occupied lane.
The prices represent a reduction of several thousand shekels: The last price of the LX version before the facelift was NIS 139,000. The EX, which is now better equipped, is NIS 2,000 cheaper than the SEAT Arona, and NIS 6,000 cheaper than the hybrid Chery Tiggo 4, which offers similar fuel consumption.
Since 2018, 28,000 Kia Stonic units have been sold in Israel, of which 26,900 are still on the road.