UPGRADED versions of the Kia Stonic, including a new mild hybrid variant, will go on sale in the UK towards the end of the year.

On the outside Kia has adopted an ‘if it ain't broke don't fix it' approach, so there's little to distinguish the 2021 model from the highly successful original other than newly designed full LED headlamps and a new 16-inch alloy wheel choice. But there's also a new palette of two-tone paint finishes to choose from, taking the total number of two-tone colour options to 20.

Inside the 2021 Stonic gets a larger eight-inch touchscreen and a new higher-resolution 4.2-inch digital display in the instrument cluster. New interior customisation options are also available for the cabin.

Most of the changes are under the bonnet with a new range of more efficient powertrains including Kia's new petrol 48V mild-hybrid powertrain and a new ‘clutch-by-wire' intelligent manual transmission.

Depending on trim level, the latest Stonic will also be available with a range of latest-generation advanced driving assistance systems including forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, vehicle and newly introduced cyclist recognition.

Final specifications and prices for the UK market will be announced nearer to the new Stonic's arrival in British showrooms in the last quarter of this year.