Last month, Kia Philippines confirmed that the Stonic will be launched in the Philippine market soon. Even its variants and initial price tags have been revealed, and there’s even an ongoing pre-launch discount offer if one reserved before October 15.
While we’re set to get the Stonic locally soon, Kia introduced a GT Line version of the said subcompact crossover for the European market. It includes the new Stonic GT-Line and GT Line S. As the names indicate, they stand out a bit from the regular Stonic.
Check out the Stonic GT-Line's color scheme
Under the hood, both of these Kia Stonic GT Line variants use the new “EcoDynamics+” mild-hybrid powertrain. The said powertrain’s internal combustion component is the new “Smartstream” 1.0-liter T-GDI engine that enables the car to enter a “generator” mode to recharge the car’s on-board battery when free-wheeling and decelerating.
When you give it power, like when accelerating, the system enters a “motor” mode. In this mode, the generator will help the combustion engine thus reducing emissions. It’s a seamless system and will switch in-between modes automatically.
The electronic component is a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a Mild Hybrid Starter Generator. The system may come with the new intelligent Manual Transmission (i-MT), or a seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT). With the DCT, the EcoDynamics+ powertrain can provide a maximum of 118 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. It wasn’t stated outright by Kia, but we can assume that the i-MT produces less torque while having the same maximum horsepower output.
Note the new set of wheels
Apart from the new hybrid powertrain, the Kia Stonic GT Line and GT Line S look more futuristic than the Stonic that we’re getting. The front fascia looks sharper and more futuristic, and the LED headlamps are much more striking. The GT-Line also gets a sporty two-tone paint scheme, as well as a set of GT-Line specific 17-inch alloy wheels.
Both variants also come with numerous GT-Line badging inside and out. And lastly, the Stonic GT-Line gets an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a good number of driver-assist features. This includes Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed-Limit Assist, and many others.
>>> Related: What can 2021 Kia Stonic offer with a P675k price tag?
The 2021 Kia Stonic GT-Line's interior
The Kia Stonic will officially be launched in the Philippines on October 15. The PH-spec Stonic comes with several features such as a rear parking sensor, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, electronic stability control, and hill start assist for the top-spec EX variant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come as standard in all Stonic variants. In terms of power, all variants are powered by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
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