South Korean car maker Kia has revealed its latest SUV offering, the Stonic. It’s the smallest crossover in the family of successful SUVs by Kia alongside the Sportage, Sorento and Niro hybrid.
The all-new Kia Stonic is an eye-catching compact crossover. The design of the car is undoubtedly 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.
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Designed in Europe, in collaboration with Kia’s Korean design studio, the body blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces. The Stonic will be available 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 petrol and diesel engines will be available, each paired with a manual transmission, maximizing driver engagement and efficiency. The choice includes Kia’s lightweight 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, producing 120ps, as well as 1.25 or 1.4 liter naturally-aspirated MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines. While a 1.6 liter diesel engine completes the range, offering the lowest emissions in the line-up.
The Stonic is fitted as standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), specific functions of which include Torque Vectoring by Braking, Straight Line Stability, and Cornering Brake Control.
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The car also gets Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as standard, bringing seamless smartphone functionality to the touch-screen 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.
Stonic is built on a strong, safe body-shell and lightweight platform, with Advanced High Strength Steel accounting for 51% of materials used. Buyers can also choose from a selection of Kia’s DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to further enhance active safety.
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These technologies include Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition and Forward Collision Alert; Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; and Lane Departure Warning System. Backed by a new fusion camera system, Stonic offers High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning to further satisfy the safety needs of customers.
Premiered in South Korea earlier this month, the Stonic will reach global markets during the third quarter of 2017.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
