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Kia dealers will have access to the currently fastest-growing market sector when
The Kia Stonic SUV goes on sale on 23 October at UK dealerships.
Priced from £16,295 to £20,495, the Stonic is Kia’s first entry in the B-segment crossover/SUV market.
In the last three years this segment has grown 50% and current predictions see it increasing by a further 40% by 2020, by which time there will be 2.2 million such vehicles on European roads.
Kia expects to supply 10% of the market and in the UK is predicting 7,000 Stonic sales in 2018, rising to 10,000-plus a year.
B-segment SUV sales are being driven by those who have previously bought superminis, and are attracted to the new cars by their greater road presence.
The Stonic is based on the platform of the latest Rio supermini launched early in 2017, and will be built alongside the Rio in Korea. At 4140mm in length it is 90mm longer than its sister model, but also 70mm taller and with a ride height increased by 42mm.
The Stonic will be launched with three powertrain options – petrol units in 1.4-litre 99PS and 1-litre 120hp form, the latter turbocharged, and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 110hp. All are fitted with a start-stop function as standard, and combined with six-speed manual gearboxes – currently there is no auto option. Similarly the Stonic will only be available in front-wheel-drive form – Kia says that in this market the demand for all-wheel-drive is only 8%.
Kia does not intend the Stonic to be regarded as an entry-level car. Two trim levels will be available, the base grade being 2, and all three powertrains will be available with this grade. The higher-specification First Edition trim will be offered with the 1.0 petrol and the diesel.
Standard equipment on all models will include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, all-round electric windows, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming, projection headlamps with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights.
All versions also include a safety package encompassing Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and a hill-hold system. First Edition models add auto-emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, blind-spot warning and a rear cross-traffic alert, along with a driver attention monitor and auto high-beam headlamps.
Also upgraded is the infotainment system. In 2 models the system is centred on a 7-inch screen with DAB radio and MP3 compatibility, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. First Edition versions are fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen and navigation system with Kia’s Connected assistance service. They also gain two-tone paintwork.
Andrew Charman