Kia Motors Corporation has previewed its imminent compact SUV, the Stonic, via presenting official sketches of the vehicle, online.
Speculations are the full fledged crossover will make its global appearance at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. While, its debut in the European markets will take place sometimes in the second-half of this year. However, the South Korean car maker has not revealed any official information about its launch there.
Post launch, the Kia Stonic will go competition with available players in the European market with the likes of upcoming two new products from Renault-Nissan alliance, the Renault Captur, the Nissan Juke, and the Honda HR-V among others. The Kia Stonic will be positioned between the Hyundai Creta and the Tucson in the segment.
As per the Kia, the ‘Stonic’ name of the crossover is a blend of ‘Speedy’ and 'Tonic'. And, its development with the relatively low centre of gravity will definitely offer a better dynamics, as company claims.
Aesthetically, the compact crossover will be featured with the sharp horizontal character lines, a sweeping roofline and a sharply raked rear windscreen, which adds an aggressive appeal to Stonic appearance. Altogether, the sleek, wrap-around head and tail lamps are some major highlights of the upcoming crossover. While, the dual-tone bumpers and all-around body cladding offers a Crossover-ish essence to the Stonic. Inside the cabin, the Stonic resembles to the all-new fourth-generation Rio hatchback along with a floating touchscreen infotainment system.
In April 2017, Kia has confirmed its official entry in the Indian market latest by 2019, with the introduction of a compact sedan and a compact SUV. While, a deep research suggests, it will enter in India in 2019 with a manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh.
Here, it will lock its horns with the same above mentioned contenders, the upcoming Honda HR-V, the Captur and the Nissan Kicks, two new products from Renault-Nissan alliance by next year.