Kia Stonic compact SUV unveiled – not for Australia

Kia has taken the wraps off their new baby SUV, the Kia Stonic, which is set to be an important conquest model for Kia in Europe in the fast-growing compact SUV segment that counts the Mazda CX-3 and recently launched Toyota C-HR as rivals.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, comments: “By volume, the B-SUV market is expected to overtake the C-SUV segment by 2020, when more than 1 in 10 new cars sold in Europe will be from the Stonic’s segment. The B-SUV segment attracts buyers from across the spectrum, with 21% of all customers upsizing from a supermini, and another 15% downsizing from their family hatchbacks. Cars like the Stonic also appeal to those looking to replace their compact MPVs.

“The Kia Stonic will be one of the most compelling new cars in this rapidly-expanding class, backed by Kia’s unique warranty, and the brand’s reputation for reliability, quality and contemporary design. As the segment expands, the Stonic looks set to become one of our best-selling cars.”

Like many of its rivals, the Stonic will the most customisable Kia ever, both inside and out. Sporting a youthful design, the body blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces. Inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept, the Stonic’s ‘Targa’-style roof is customisable in up to 20 two-tone paint finishes, with a choice of five distinctive colours for the roof.

Buyers have the choice of Kia’s lightweight 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, producing 88kW, as well as 1.25- or 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines. An efficient 1.6-litre diesel engine completes the range, offering the lowest emissions in the line-up.

The car’s European-tuned steering and suspension are designed to offer an exciting drive, with immediate handling responses and a stable ride. The car comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Specific functions of VSM include Torque Vectoring by Braking, Straight Line Stability, and Cornering Brake Control.

Buyers can choose from a selection of Kia’s DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to further enhance active safety. These technologies include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian recognition and Forward Collision Alert (FCA); Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). Backed by a new fusion camera system, Stonic offers High Beam Assist (HBA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) to further satisfy the safety needs of customers.

Like its exterior, the Stonic’s European-designed cabin is also highly customisable with a range of vivid colour packs. It is available with heated front seats, automatic cruise control, keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia says the Stonic offers class-leading shoulder room and generous leg and headroom, while the 352 litres luggage space expands or shrinks as required with a two-step boot floor.

The Kia Stonic goes on sale in Europe in Q3 2017, but will not be coming to Australia. A different model, currently under development and closely related to the Hyundai Kona, will come to Australia around 2019.