Kia has unveiled the new Stonic in Dubai, featuring design tweaks, a cleaner cabin layout, and enhanced technology. The compact SUV retains its small-car size but adds features typically found on pricier models, including dual 12.3-inch displays, connected services, and a more comprehensive driver-assist suite.
Power comes from a 1.0-litre T-GDI engine in petrol or mild-hybrid form, paired with manual or DCT gearboxes. Specs will vary by market, but the brief is simple: city-friendly proportions, easier daily use, and a safety kit that earns its keep.
Design and dimensions
The look is sharper without changing the footprint. You get new lighting, a tidier grille and revised bumpers. Wheels go up to 17 inches on the GT-Line. Two new colours join the palette. Inside, the layout is cleaner with a focus on the twin screens and simplified controls.
- Length: 4,165 mm
- Width: 1,760 mm
- Height (incl. roof rack): 1,520 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,580 mm
- Boot: up to 352 litres
- New colours: Adventurous Green, Yacht Blue
- GT-Line gets exclusive 17-inch alloys
The updates focus on clarity. Star Map signature lighting fronts a neater nose, and the rear has a cleaner tailgate and bumper. The size remains compact, ideal for tight parking spaces in Bur Dubai and older malls with narrow ramps, which is particularly important in many UAE communities. The cabin moves bulky controls into a Multimode Touch Display so the dash looks less busy.
Powertrain choices
The Stonic keeps a simple engine plan built around the 1.0-litre T-GDI. You can opt for petrol or mild-hybrid power, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. Output and performance vary slightly by spec.
- Engines: 1.0T petrol; 1.0T MHEV
- Transmissions: 6-MT or 7-DCT
- Power: 100 PS (ICE) or 115 PS (MHEV)
- 0-100 km/h: 11.0–12.1 s (ICE), 10.7–10.8 s (MHEV)
- Top speed: 179–182 km/h
- CO₂: 120–133 g/km range depending on variant
This mix covers daily commutes and inter-emirate runs without chasing big displacement. The MHEV trims get the higher torque figure with DCT and the best sprints on paper. As usual, final spec sheets can differ by country, so UAE dealerships will confirm local trims and figures.
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Tech and connectivity
The Stonic moves up a class with two 12.3-inch displays that sit side by side. Climate and infotainment share a multimodal touch Display for faster switching. You also get USB-C charging, wireless phone charging and ambient lighting. Kia Connect brings cloud-based services, diagnostics and app-based control, plus a Digital Key for phone or watch access.
- Dual 12.3-inch screens
- Multimode Touch Display
- USB-C and wireless charging
- Kia Connect and remote features
- Digital Key for smartphone or smartwatch
For UAE buyers, remote features are a priority. You can check status, send routes and handle basic functions from the app. The Digital Key means one less thing to carry when you’re juggling mall parking tickets and coffee cups. The hardware list reads like a segment up, which is the point.
Safety and driver assists
Kia loads the Stonic with its latest ADAS pack. The list includes blind-spot and forward collision systems, lane-keeping assistance on highways, and cruise control that anticipates bends using navigation data—Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist handle spacing and centring on motorways.
- Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Safe Exit Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control
- Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist
These are the features people actually use: warnings when a cyclist is in the blind spot, smoother speed control before a tight interchange, and lane support on E11 trips. The stack brings the Stonic in line with larger models in terms of core safety technology.
FAQs
What screens does the new Stonic use?
Two 12.3-inch displays, connected, handle instruments and infotainment. The climate and media shortcuts sit on a Multimode Touch Display below.
What engines and gearboxes are available?
A 1.0-litre T-GDI engine is available in petrol or mild-hybrid form, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is 100 PS (ICE) or 115 PS (MHEV).
Which driver assists are included?
Key items include Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Safe Exit Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and Lane Following Assist.
