For those who have been living under a rock, the news is that electric vehicles in
Australia are selling their socks off. According to industry analyst VFACTS in August
EVs outsold petrol, diesel and hybrid new vehicles.
Brands such as BYD, Tesla and Omoda Jaecoo helped drive electric vehicles to record
market share, up 4.9 per cent on the same month last year. EVs accounted for almost
one quarter of the overall new-vehicle market, at 24.9 per cent – a record level of
market share for this powertrain.
A comprehensive study published by the International Council on Clean Transportation
in Europe reveals that electric vehicles charged at home cost roughly 33 per cent less to
run than their fossil-fuel powered counterparts, even when drivers rely entirely on
commercial public chargers, which are notoriously more expensive than domestic rates.
Also, the actual purchase price of an electric vehicle is rapidly plunging toward true
mass-market affordability. A massive price shift is driven by a 35 per cent collapse in the
cost of raw battery manufacturing across the global supply chain.
In Australia, in August, Tesla was top with its Model Y (6414), then came the Chinese
with BYD Sealion (2213), Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X and Jaecoo J5. Every one of Australia’s
eight best-selling EVs in August was manufactured in China. Tesla, BYD, Geely, Zeekr,
and Chery’s Jaecoo brand together account for the bulk of Australia’s battery electric
vehicle sales.
Challenge is coming from the likes of Kia with its MY26 Stonic light SUV, designated
PE2, in three models – S, Sport and GT-Line – with its mild hybrid. The entry-level S is
on a special driveaway offer for less than $30,000. China’s Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid kicks
off from $29,990 drive-away, while the larger MG ZS Hybrid+ can be had from $30,888
drive-away.
The Stonic Hybrid is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with
capped-price servicing for the same period, and up to eight years of roadside
assistance.
STYLING
Now 25mm longer (4165mm), there’s a new angle to the MY26 Stonic Hybrid, literally,
with the curves being hammered out in a switch to Kia’s new Opposites United design
language, following EV3 and K4.
A GT-Line Package consists of front and rear bumpers, front fog light, reverse light and
rear reflector, plus tilt-and-slide sunroof and new 17-inch alloy wheels.
INTERIOR
The refreshed cabin features a new steering wheel (now heated) and gearshift, plus
premium cloth and artificial upholstery, six-way driver’s seat adjustment, heated front
and steering wheel, plus ambient mood lighting.
Cabin storage is generous, highlighted by a front centre console with armrest atop a
storage compartment. Rear seats are 60:40 fold allowing space for cargo of 352 litres
with the seat backs up and 1155 litres with them folded flat.
INFOTAINMENT
Added are USB-C outlets, plus Multimode Touch Display, including touch switches
switches for climate control and media adjustment, 12.3-inch infotainment display and
12.3-inch instrument cluster. The phone charger is wireless, Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto are not.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Stonic, from 2024, continues to use a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol
engine, but now features a 48V mild-hybrid system. Peak torque is unchanged at
172Nm, but maximum power has jumped from 74kW to 88kW.
Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle is down from 5.4 litres per 100
kilometres to 5.0 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions are down from 125g/km to
116g/km. The test car hovered between 5 and 6 litres per 100 kilometres over a week of
town and country conditions
SAFETY
Six airbags, including front, front-side and curtain) are standard over the Stonic Hybrid
range, while active safety is covered by autonomous emergency braking with vehicle,
pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot assist, lane-keep and lane-following assist,
lane centring, lead vehicle departure alert, multi-collision brake, parking sensors (front
and rear}, reversing camera
The Sport and GT-Line driver is given a hand by adaptive cruise control, while collision
avoidance tech is uprated by autonomous emergency braking, junction turning assist,
as well as multi-collision braking.
DRIVING
From a standing start, an identifiable boost from the starter generator, the is negated
somewhat by the petrol engine’s stop/start system. The seven-speed double-clutch
automatic transmission, as is its wont, can hesitate.
Take the pick of three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. With the car defaulting to
Eco on the get-go there’s an upshift in throttle response from Eco through to Sport,
without troubling the ride and handling
Charitable steering – giving more than it takes – contrasts with the sharp locally tuned
suspension. On the open road, road noise is noticeable but is no worse than in most
rivals. The electronic rear-view mirror is easy on the eyes.
SUMMARY
While new-car buyers seek comfort and convenience; polish and performance through
deals for product, it is the bargain basement that often wins out. The Chinese are well
aware of this and have made big strides down market. However, the Chinese elephant
in the room, reliability, access to spare parts and unknown resale value, cannot be
ignored. Not so for the Kia Stonic GT-Line from South Korea.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 7
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Stonic S Hybrid: $29,990
Stonic Sport Hybrid: $34,690
Stonic GT-Line Hybrid: $38,190
Note: these prices are drive-away
SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Stonic GT-Line 1.0-litre FWD Hatchback)
ENGINE
Capacity: 998cc
Configuration: three cylinders inline
Maximum power 88kW @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 172Nm @ 1500-4000rpm
Fuel type: Unleaded petrol 91 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 5.0L/100km
CO2 emissions 116g/km
DRIVELINE: Double-
clutch automatic, seven speed, FWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4165m
Width: 1760mm
Height: 1520mm
Wheelbase: 2580mm:
Turning circle: 11.1m
Tare weight: 1265kg
Fuel tank: 45L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Seven years / unlimited kilometres (vehicle)
Seven years / 150,000 kilometres (HEV components)
Roadside assist up to 8 years
