(June 20, 2017) Hyundai recently unveiled its new B-segment small crossover vehicle, called the Kona, to go on sale later this year in the U.S. Now it's Hyundai sister company's turn to unveil the Kona's sibling, the Kia Stonic. Kia derived musical inspiration for the name combining the words "Speedy" and "Tonic," referring to the first and last notes in the musical scale.

Kia says the Stonic is an eye-catching and confident compact crossover, and is set to become an important conquest model for Kia in one of Europe’s newest and fastest-growing vehicle segments.

The Stonic will go on sale in Europe later this year, but Kia has yet to announce whether the model will be offered in the U.S.

The B-SUV segment currently accounts for 1.1 million new car sales in Europe each year — around seven per cent of the market — and is forecast to expand to more than two million annual sales by 2020.



Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe, comments: “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.”

 “By volume, the B-SUV market is expected to overtake the C-SUV segment by 2020, when more than one in ten new cars sold in Europe will be from the Stonic’s segment. The B-SUV segment attracts buyers from across the spectrum, with 21 per cent of all customers upsizing from a supermini, and another 15 per cent downsizing from their family hatchbacks."

The design of the car is one of the brand’s most striking to date, yet it is immediately recognizable as a Kia thanks to key signature design elements, such as the ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Designed in Europe, in collaboration with Kia’s Korean design studio, the body blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces.

Individuality is important to many customers in the B-SUV segment, and the Stonic’s ‘Targa’-style roof enables buyers to choose a two-tone paint finish, inspired by the design of the 2013 Kia Provo concept. It will be available in Europe with up to 20 two-tone color combinations, with a choice of up to five distinctive colors for the roof.

A range of lightweight, downsized, turbocharged gas and diesel engines are available, each paired with a manual transmission, maximizing driver engagement and efficiency. European buyers have the choice of Kia’s lightweight 1.0-liter T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, producing 120 ps, as well as 1.25- or 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines. An efficient 1.6-liter 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 is fitted as standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), ensuring the front-wheel drive Stonic remains enjoyable and confidence-inspiring to drive in all conditions. Specific functions of VSM include Torque Vectoring by Braking, Straight Line Stability, and Cornering Brake Control.

The Stonic’s European-designed cabin places technology and ergonomics at its heart, offering buyers as much potential for individuality as the exterior with a range of vivid color packs for buyers to choose from.

One of the smartest cars in its class, it provides owners infotainment technologies designed to enhance safety, comfort and convenience. The car gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, bringing seamless smartphone functionality to the touchscreen infotainment system. Like other Kia models, it is available with a broad range of technologies to enhance comfort and convenience, including heated front seats, cruise control and keyless entry.

Within its compact exterior dimensions, the Stonic’s smart packaging maximizes interior space for all occupants. The car offers class-leading shoulder room and generous leg- and head-room.