Last weekend, Kia Motors gave us a sneak peek at its latest entry into the fiercely-fought B-SUV or subcompact crossover segment. Known as the Kia Stonic, the little Korean crossover looked set to take the segment by storm. Now, it officially does so as Kia unveils it to the world.
With a segment that accounts for some 1.1 million vehicles a year in the European market, the Stonic goes up against such marques as the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke, the Toyota CH-R, and Hyundai’s own new entry, the Kona. The Stonic begs to differ by offering buyers the freedom to customize their ride to their liking.
The body colors, for instance, can be spec’d in various two-tone color schemes. Thanks to the Targa roof, one can choose up to 20 different hues with five distinct shades for the roof. These paint finishes match the Stonic’s flowing European-inspired lines and signature Tiger Nose grille.
Like the exterior, the cabin can be configured to suit one’s personality and taste. Buyers will likewise get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the touchscreen infotainment system, a capacious 352-liter cargo area that’s expandable with a two-step load floor, heated seats, automatic cruise control ad keyless entry, just to name a few.
Built on a lightweight yet strong platform that utilizes Advanced High Strength Steel, the Kia Stonic makes use of the brand’s DRIVE WISE driver assistance and safety systems. Stuff like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Recognition, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and the like are all standard or optional extras.
The new Kia Stonic will be powered by a range of gasoline or diesel motors that offer both power and efficiency. These include a 1.0-liter T-GDI gas with 120hp, a 1.25-liter or 1.4-liter direct-injection gasoline, or a 1.6-liter diesel mill. These powerplants are backed by Euro-tuned steering and suspension that promise both comfort and exceptional handling in any driving situation. These come with standard Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management. The latter even comes with goodies like Cornering Brake Control, Torque Vectoring by Braking, and Straight Line Stability, among others.
The Kia Stonic goes on sale in the 3rd quarter of this year.
