Many heading for the Kia stand at the Frankfurt show will be looking to check out the Proceed Concept revealed last week, but also debuting is an important new crossover, the Kia Stonic.
Further expanding Kia’s presence in the fastest-growing segment of the UK and European market, the Stonic will soon be in showrooms – The Car Expert will be bringing you a full UK test this time next month.
Designers of the Stonic describe it as ‘an eye-catching and confident compact crossover’ and ‘the most colourful Kia ever.’ The car is clearly aimed at the lifestyle market, with the mass-selling Nissan Juke its prime rival.
More colours than any other Kia
Signature styling elements such as the ‘tiger-nose’ grille remain but the car also boasts a two-tone paint finish. It can be ordered in up to 20 colour combinations, with a choice of five contrasting colours for the roof. Similarly, buyers can choose from a range of colour packs for the interior. But Kia adds that the basics have not been forgotten, the Stonic packaged to release as much interior space as possible, and available with all the latest safety and connectivity technology.
Kia is not yet releasing details of the Stonic powertrain line-up, only stating that they will comprise a range of lightweight petrol and diesel engines, each paired with a manual transmission – suggesting that initially at least there will be no auto option. The engines are likely to replicate those in other Kia models, including petrol units in 84hp 1.25-litre, 100hp 1.4 and 120hp 1.0 turbo form, and a 110hp 1.6 diesel.
Kia expects big things of the Stonic, predicting that it will become one of the brand’s top three sellers.