Kia's new entrant in SUV war revealed
Fresh off the back of the international launch of the Hyundai Kona comes Kia's all-new Stonic SUV (just quietly, I'm digging these names. Beats everything just being meaningless alphanumeric nonsense).
After a mild initial image leak, a full set of Stonic images were released to the press overnight; showcasing a car that's quite clearly seeking out young or young-at-heart buyers. A two-tone colour scheme compliments chunky styling all round and a smart interior.
So while the Stonic and Kona are cousins, they'll also be battling against one another in the increasingly competitive B-segment SUV space, alongside the new Toyota C-HR, the Nissan Juke, and more (although, it's not yet confirmed to be coming to New Zealand).
Four engines have been announced for the completely front-wheel drive Stonic, three of them are extracted from its blood brother — the Rio. Kia's new turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDI is probably the most interesting of the bunch, while a couple of naturally aspirated four cylinders (1.25-litre and 1.4-litre, respectively) and a low-emissions 1.6-litre diesel are also on the menu.
Inside a sharp layout frames a decent amount of technology. Heated seats, automatic cruise control, automatic emergency braking with forward-collision and pedestrian alert, and blind-spot assist are all there. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are reportedly options, included if the buyer goes for the seven-inch infotainment screen.
Should it come to New Zealand? As one of the most dominant segments in the country, you'd have to admit that not bringing it here would raise a few eyebrows. Particularly with the Kona already confirmed. Meanwhile, if you happen to be reading this from Europe, then you'll be able to nab a Stonic before the end of 2017.
