Kia's smallest SUV may be about to take the first step towards full hybrid technology in Australia with a model update next year.
Kia's smallest SUV – the 2026 Kia Stonic – looks increasingly likely to introduce mild-hybrid technology in Australia as part of a model upgrade next year, as strict CO2 emissions rules for new vehicles loom.
Offered in Europe for some time, the 48-volt technology is not a full hybrid akin to a Toyota Yaris Cross, as it cannot drive the wheels on electric power alone.
Roland Rivero, Kia Australia's head of product, hinted at plans for reducing fuel consumption in the brand's smallest SUV.
"Even though we do have a strong EV [electric vehicle] component, every vehicle line has to think about the future and do its part for NVES as well, so that includes Stonic."
The Stonic – which accounts for about one in eight city-sized 'light SUVs' sold – has always used petrol-only, non-hybrid power in Australia despite its main competitor, the Yaris Cross, offering full hybrid technology as standard.
Yet in other markets, the city SUV has been available with Kia's 'EcoDynamics+' mild-hybrid technology since 2020.
It utilises 48-volt mild-hybrid technology capable of switching off the petrol engine when the driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal to let the car 'coast', or providing a small power boost under hard acceleration.
It is not a true hybrid – as it cannot drive the wheels on electricity – but lowers fuel use by a claimed 5 per cent, or 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres, based on European WLTP testing.
The Stonic mild-hybrid also sees an improvement in emissions from 135g/km to 129g/km of CO2 in European lab testing, important for the new Australian emissions rules.
While the Stonic was discontinued in Kia's home of South Korea in 2020 due to declining sales, Rivero said there are no plans to axe the city SUV in Australia.
"We have no desire to kill it off anytime soon. If you want longevity in Stonic, you're going to have to do the right thing by that vehicle so that it's contributing to the overall weighted average [in emissions across the fleet]."
More details on the updated Kia Stonic are due closer to its release, expected next year, which will likely include confirmation of mild-hybrid technology for the Australian market.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
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