Kia Stonic PE2: Mild Hybrid Tidy-Up Meets the Budget Brawl

Kia’s pint-sized Stonic was quickly showing its age. Like other Kias that have received the laying on of hands, applying the ultra-flashy EV model design language to the ICE range, Sontic finally got the glow-up. Normally called a “facelift”, Kia’s Product Enhancement (PE) brings a completely new look although it is little more than posh lippy and a new handbag.

The PE2, giving the Stonic a light spruce-up for Australia, is quietly rolling into showrooms this month with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system slapped across the entire range. No fireworks, no confetti cannons — just a cheapie upgrade designed to cut fuel use, trim CO₂, and give the little 1.0-litre turbo a bit more dignity when hauling itself into traffic. Is it enough to see off the very stiff competition? Only time will tell.

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ABOVE: Kia Stonic Facelift (PE2)

While Kia has applied a light dusting of hybrid glitter, the rivals are turning up to the party with full drag looks, budget pricing and an attitude that screams, “Move, grandma.” Several Chinese car models in Australia can be purchased for under $35,000 — the Chery Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7 Pro, and the BYD Atto 1 (Seagull) are all lined up like bargain-bin contestants ready to snatch the Stonic’s wig. Even GWM is in on the act, with the Haval Jolion and various H6 models practically begging you to buy them with drive-away deals that feel illegal.

Meanwhile, Kia is over here charging +ORC, as if the Stonic PE2 has transmogrified Sontic into Prince Andrew Willy.

Stonic PE2 Pricing (Australia)

Driveline: 1.0L T-GDI MHEV, 7-speed DCT

• S: $28,180 + ORC
• Sport: $32,290 + ORC
• GT-Line: $35,740 + ORC

How It Compares: Chery, BYD & GWM

Chery

• Tiggo 4: $23,990–$26,990 drive-away
• Tiggo 7 Pro: $29,990–$33,990 drive-away

BYD

• ATTO 1 Essential: $23,990 + ORC
• ATTO 1 Premium: $27,990 + ORC
• ATTO 2 Dynamic: $31,990 + ORC
• ATTO 2 Premium: $35,990 + ORC
• EA1 Hatch & Yuan Plus SUV: Under $35,000 drive-away

GWM

• Haval Jolion: Under $35,000
• Haval H6 Premium/Vanta FWD: ~ $33,990 drive-away

So, the Stonic PE2 soldiers on, armed with mild-hybrid eyeliner and a fresh handbag, stepping bravely — if slightly delusionally — into a market full of cheaper, louder, more glamorous competitors who aren’t afraid to undercut it just for sport.

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