Finished in eye-catching Signal Red metallic – Kia's official name for this vibrant, deep-lustre red on the Stonic range – this 2020 Stonic Connect brings genuine kerb appeal to Kia's compact SUV. The colour is complemented by the Stonic's distinctive two-tone roof treatment, sculpted wheel arches and 'tiger nose' front grille, giving the car a sporty, youthful stance that stands out from the usual sea of greys and whites on the used SUV market. Under the bonnet sits Kia's 1.0-litre T-GDi three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, enhanced with 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology. This clever set-up pairs the punchy turbo unit with a Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator, which recovers energy under braking and deceleration and feeds it back in to assist the engine under load, cutting fuel consumption and emissions without sacrificing the responsive, eager character this three-cylinder engine is known for. Driving through a slick 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this MHEV derivative is officially rated at 115mph flat out, with the mild-hybrid assistance sharpening throttle response and refinement, particularly around town where the stop-start system and electric torque-fill make for a noticeably smoother, quieter drive than the standard petrol Stonic. Efficiency is a real strength of this MHEV derivative. Kia officially quotes 49.6mpg on the combined WLTP cycle, with CO2 emissions of 129g/km, figures that make this Stonic a genuinely economical companion for daily driving as well as longer motorway trips. The car sits in insurance group 10, keeping running costs sensible for a wide range of drivers, and the mild-hybrid system's ability to shut the engine off and coast more of the time means real-world economy tends to track closely with the official figures. Connect trim sits in the heart of the Stonic range and is where the model really comes into its own for value and equipment. At the centre of the dashboard is Kia's upgraded 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, running satellite navigation and UVO Connect telematics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto meaning smartphone integration without ever needing to plug in a cable. DAB digital radio, Bluetooth with multi-device pairing, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors are all part of the package, alongside cruise control, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights and a smart set of alloy wheels that suit the Signal Red paintwork perfectly. Connect also brings a suite of driver assistance technology as standard, including lane keep assist and forward collision avoidance systems, giving real peace of mind for family use as well as the daily commute. Practical, efficient and finished in a colour that genuinely turns heads, this Stonic Connect MHEV combines Kia's renowned reliability and generous warranty backing with modern hybrid-assisted efficiency and a comprehensive specification – making it a compelling choice for anyone after a stylish, well-equipped compact SUV that won't break the bank to run.