Skip advert
Advertisement

New Kia Stonic EV could join the range

Mild hybrid technology will launch on the new Kia Stonic in 2019, with an all-electric version under consideration, too

Kia Stonic - studio front/side

The all-new Kia Stonic will get mild hybrid tech in 2019, helping drive down CO2 emissions and boost performance for the compact crossover. Bosses are assessing the feasibility of an EV version, too.

Initially, the Stonic will launch with two petrol engines and one diesel unit. The hybrid tech will likely be added to one of the petrol motors to help lower emissions and boost performance. It will work in a similar fashion to Suzuki’s SHVS system, storing surplus energy to power things like the air-con and radio in stop-start traffic. Acceleration and throttle response should see a boost, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

New Kia Stonic 2017 review

Speaking at the launch of the new SUV in Berlin, Kia Europe’s vice president for marketing Arthur Martins told Auto Express: “We are looking at mild hybrid for the Stonic.”

While the Kia Stonic won’t be offered as a full hybrid or plug-in for the time being, an all-electric version is in the pipeline. Despite bosses previously denying speculation, a Kia spokesperson has confirmed the brand is looking at the tech – insisting a full EV is “doable” on the Stonic’s platform, which it shares with the Rio supermini. 

Rather than developing bespoke EVs, Kia will electrify its existing product range. No time frame was given for the all-electric Kia Stonic, but with the Soul EV already on sale and a Niro EV due in 2018, the range isn’t in need of immediate bolstering. However, with Kia’s notoriously short product cycles, it’s likely we’d see an electrified version of the Stonic before the end of the decade.

Would you buy an all-electric Kia Stonic? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box
New Kia EV3 - front cornering

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box

Kia’s new app sends data to your insurance provider in order to receive usage-based premiums
News
25 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived

Kia’s ID. Buzz rival can potentially go further on a single charge than first thought
News
18 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025