Updated by new energy, the pace of automobile modification has accelerated significantly, from the previous "one change every three years" to "one change every year", and some brands even "three changes every year". However, in the face of such industry trends, some traditional car companies still maintain their own pace, and Kia is an example.
Recently, Kia officially released the 2026 Stonic, the car is called "Yipao" in the domestic market. Since its first launch in 2017, this time it has ushered in its second mid-term facelift. The new model has obvious upgrades in terms of appearance and interior, and offers two power options: 1.0T fuel engine and 48V mild hybrid system.
Compared with the domestic 2021 Yipao, the new Stonic has added more electrification elements. The originally rounded front has many sharp lines and has become more square. The upper air intake grille has been changed to a closed front face, matched with right-angle headlights, the front bumper is blackened with large area, and different styles of decorative parts are added under the grille according to different models, further enhancing the sporty sense, and the overall style is closer to the family's latest design language.
The side of the body continues a compact hatchback contour, with smooth lines, and a slightly lower front of the car, creating a visual effect of diving forward.
The rear shape of the car has also become more square, and the taillights have been replaced with a blackened L-shaped shape, which echoes the front of the car. The rear bumper shape has also been greatly adjusted, with large-area trim and hollow chrome decoration, enriching the layering of the tail.
In terms of size, the length, width and height of the new Stonic are 4165/1760/1520mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2580mm. In comparison, the length, width and height of the current domestic Yishang are 4100/1735/1533mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2570mm. It can be seen that the new Stonic only increases in size due to the appearance adjustment, and the interior space does not change much.
Interior is the upgrade focus of the new Stonic. The original independent central control screen has been cancelled and replaced with a suspended dual screen composed of 12.3-inch full LCD instrument + central control screen. It is equipped with the latest car system and combined with the through-type air conditioning outlet, the overall sense of technology and texture have been significantly improved. The new Stonic is equipped with a two-color multi-function steering wheel embedded with the Kia logo. The gear handle is still mechanically structured and retains physical buttons. It provides practical configurations such as a wireless charging panel for mobile phones and electronic handbrakes. In addition, the car is also equipped with ADAS advanced driving assistance system, which supports high-speed assisted driving and anti-collision warning functions.
In terms of power, the new Stonic is available in 1.0T three-cylinder pure fuel and 48V mild hybrid versions, with a maximum power of 100 horsepower and 115 horsepower respectively, and is matched with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Ai Dianping
Obviously, this face-up Stonic captures the external manifestations of the new energy era, such as more electrified design, more technological interior, and lighter hybrid power. But aside from these "industry standard configurations", Kia still maintains the restraint of traditional car companies - mechanical gear handles, physical buttons, etc., exposing its "pragmatism" background. However, the three-cylinder power is not very popular in the country! If the car has the opportunity to be introduced into China, do you think this "Korean young actor" still has room for survival in front of domestic competitors such as BYD Yuan UP and Geely ICON? Welcome to discuss in the comment section.
