Kia reveals new subcompact crossover dubbed Stonic

Kia just unveiled the Stonic, which said to be an important model for the Korean automaker in the subcompact crossover segment. It will go up against the likes of the Ford EcoSport and Nissan Juke, but will it replace the Soul? No one knows yet, but this new model offers a whole lot of new aesthetics. 

Outside, it features a hip and modern look with its inverse trapezoidal headlights, Kia's 'tiger-nose' grille with metallic silver accent, and a wide bumper with grey trims on the diffuser. Kia adds that the Stonic is available in 20 two-tone combinations.

The European-designed cabin, on the other hand, infuses comfort and technology. Buyers can choose from a range of vivid color packs for individuality, as they get features for enhanced safety and infotainment technology. Of note, the car is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Kia claims a wide cabin space for the Stonic, offering good amount of shoulder-, leg-, and head-room with a 352-liter trunk capacity.

In Europe, the engine range for the new Stonic includes both turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. The Stonic can be powered by a 1.0L turbocharged gasoline engine that can produce 120 hp. A 1.25L and a 1.4L gasoline engines are also available. On the other hand, Kia’s new subcompact crossover can also come with a 1.6L diesel engine. Power output ratings are yet to be released by the Korean automaker.

Kia says that all engines will be paired to a manual transmission, however, stakes are high that an automatic variant may also come as well.    

The Stonic is bound to go on-sale in Europe this 3rd quarter of 2017. If you are thinking whether this new subcompact crossover segment contender will be available locally, you may have to wait for a while until Kia releases further details.