This will be Kia’s first foray into the hotly contested CUV/SUV part of the market. With sales expected to start next month.
Five models will be available at launch, with two trim options. Trim options will be ‘2’ and ‘First Edition’ and three engines will be available. These include a 98bhp 1.4-litre, a 118bhp 1.0-litre diesel and a 108bhp 1.6-litre diesel. Each model will be equipped with a six-speed manual gear box and Kia’s start/stop system, to prevent fuel wastage.
UK Demand
Each of the Stonic model choices, have front-wheel-drive, as the need for four-wheel-drive in this market, is very slim. Kia has took the decision to offer the mid- to high-grade versions of the Stonic in the UK, after demand from both retail and fleet buyers.
Based on the Rio supermini, and built alongside it in South Korea, the plant has had production increased, to accommodate the new model. While the two cars share the same platform, the Stonic has ‘bespoke’ body and interior components.
Stand out from every angle in our brand new compact SUV. Say hello to the Kia Stonic: https://t.co/9H5oxZVeBx pic.twitter.com/6DBnqOvd4y
— Kia UK (@KiaUK) September 26, 2017
High spec
Equipment isn’t something the new Stonic is short of. With safety and connectivity featuring heavily in the ‘First Edition’ versions. Two-tone paintwork, also ensures the Stonic stands out from the crowd. Colour options for the ‘First Edition’ model includes Clear White, Blaze Red and Zest Yellow and are all available with a black roof. Midnight Blue is available with a red roof, Graphite with a lime green roof and Urban Grey and Satin Silver with an orange roof. These colours are options on the grade ‘2’ model. The standard paint colour for the ‘First Edition’ is the Sienna Brown, with a black roof.
Stability control and Vehicle Stability Management are key features and will focus directly to the families, who may consider this car as their family car. Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning System are standard on the ‘First Edition’ and an optional extra on the grade ‘2’. All-round electric windows, Bluetooth with voice recognition and music stream, complete the deal.
Kia is moving with market environment, by offering the Stonic, which sees customers moving into small crossover models from superminis, small MPVs and three-door hatchbacks. Kia is hoping the new Stonic will attract buyers from different brands and not from other models in the line-up.
Prices for the new Stonic range from £16,295 to £20,495 and order books are open now.
