THE Kia Stonic is the Korean company's smallest SUV and while it has been on sale for a fewyears now it stillcatches the eye.To keep it fresh new features including a hybrid power train and sporty GT-Line models were added to the range.

There are now a number of variants, priced from £18,700 headed by a pair of efficient new Smartstream 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol powertrains rated at 99 and 118bhp, with cutting-edge innovations designed to boost efficiency along with Kia's new 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

The more powerful engine is available with the new ‘clutch-by-wire' intelligent manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new hybrid powertrain is offered with the 118bhp version of the new engine and comes with a drive mode select system allowing drivers to select ‘Eco', ‘Sport' and ‘Normal' modes.

The range features new GT-Line and flagship GT-Line S specs, while the entry level model is branded as Stonic 2.

The GT-Line models boast sporty design features including a special front grille, LED headlights and daytime running lights, together with more dynamic front and rear bumpers that integrate a front skid plate and LED fog lamps.

Inside, the sporty feel is enhanced by a leather D-cut steering wheel with GT-Line motif and a carbon look crash pad. The black cloth and faux leather seats are embossed with the GT-Line logo and feature stitching and piping.

A new eight-inch multimedia and navigation system dominates the cabin, and a 4.2-inch colour display is nestled within the instrument cluster.

Safety features have been boosted with GT-Line and GT-Line S models featuring forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning and high beam assist, with GT-Line S versions additionally featuring blind spot collision warning and intelligent speed limit assist.

Other advanced technology features include rear parking sensors and a reversing camera system, with GT-Line S models also featuring front parking sensors.

Other equipment highlights include rear privacy glass, electrically folding door mirrors, automatic air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system with the very latest UVO Connect Phase II telematics software.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard equipment.

I have been sampling the GT-Line S model with the 1.0 T-GDI 48v mild-hybrid engine combined with the seven-speed DCT automatic transmission.

It is good enough to take the stylish little SUV, which is based on the Rio hatchback to 60mph in 10.4 seconds before going on to a top speed of 115mph.

It proved to be quite economical averaging just under 50mpg overall although on a longer run I achieved about 58mpg.

The Stonic was easy to drive and had enough room for four adults and this version was crammed with kits. Some scratchy plastics let the interior down a bit compared to some of the opposition but it was functional and well put together.

The ride is quite firm but the Stonic feels well-balanced and poised while the steering is sharp and accurate.

It is agile out on the open road and cruises comfortably at motorway speeds and thanks to the automatic box and fine vision it is at home in busy towns.

The little three-pot engine is impressive although it can sound a bit gruff if you push it too hard.