KIA DOUBLES ITS ODDS IN THE GROWING COMPACT CROSSOVER MARKET
The eye-catching Stonic, based on the hugely successful Rio is Kia’s newest addition to the B-SUV segment. One of the newest and fastest-growing vehicle segments, this market accounts for over 1 million new car sales in Europe annually, roughly 7% of a market that is expected to grow to 2 million annual sales by 2020! Incidentally, this is the same market that Kia’s boxy Soul plays in, but the introduction of the Stonic crossover further enhances Kia’s possibility of converting more drivers to the brand. The Stonic will be going up against crossovers like the Renault Captur, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke, and Fiat 500X.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, comments: "The Kia Stonic will be one of the most compelling new cars in this rapidly-expanding class, backed by Kia's unique warranty, and the brand's reputation for reliability, quality and contemporary design. As the segment expands, the Stonic looks set to become one of our best-selling cars. By volume, the B-SUV market is expected to overtake the C-SUV segment by 2020, when more than one in ten new cars sold in Europe will be from the Stonic's segment. The B-SUV segment attracts buyers from across the spectrum, with 21% of all customers upsizing from a supermini, and another 15% downsizing from their family hatchbacks. Cars like the Stonic also appeal to those looking to replace their compact MPVs."
The design of the car is 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. Designed in Europe, in collaboration with Kia's Korean design studio, the body blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces. Individuality is important to many customers in the B-SUV segment, and the Stonic's 'Targa'-style roof enables buyers to choose a two-tone paint finish, inspired by the design of the 2013 Kia Provo concept.
The Stonic's Euro-designed cabin places technology and ergonomics at its heart, offering buyers as much potential for individuality as the exterior with a range of vivid colour packs for buyers to choose from. One of the smartest cars in its class, it provides owners infotainment technologies designed to enhance safety, comfort and convenience. The car gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, bringing seamless smartphone functionality to the touchscreen 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 with a length of 4,140mm, width of 1,760mm and height of 1,500mm features sleeker and less bulky design than its sister Hyundai Motor’s compact SUV Kona, while its smart packaging maximizes interior space for all occupants. Within its compact exterior dimensions, Stonic offers class-leading shoulder room and generous leg- and head-room.
The car is built on a strong, safe and lightweight platform and bodyshell, with Advanced High Strength Steel accounting for 51% of materials used. The body ensures driving confidence, passenger comfort and refinement in all conditions. Backed by a new fusion camera system, Stonic offers High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning to further satisfy the safety needs of customers.
Backed by Kia's quality promise, the car will be sold as standard with the company's unique seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty. It is currently on sale in Europe, but there is no news on a South African introduction.
