Kia teases its most customizable vehicle – the Stonic compact SUV

Kia will soon unleash a new compact SUV that will try its luck in the already highly competitive B-segment crossover segment – the new 2018 Kia Stonic.

According to the South Korean carmaker, the new Kia Stonic takes inspiration from its larger SUV siblings in its current lineup – both in terms of form and function. Thus, just like its larger siblings, the new Kia Stonic features a design with a splash of European taste.

People may wonder why this new compact crossover is dubbed as Stonic. It is not because it is as solid or as archaic as a stone. Rather, the moniker Stonic is a fusion of two different words – “Speedy” and “Tonic,” which usually refers to the first and the last note in the musical scale. Thus, in a sense the Stonic moniker was given to Kia’s newest compact crossover to suggest that this new product isn’t just quick and agile but is also a vehicle that offers something new and fresh in its segment. After all, the new Kia Stonic will have to challenge more renowned compact SUVs like the second generation of the Nissan Juke as well as the Renault Captur.

To further intensify the hype leading to the eventual official launch of the new Kia Stonic in the second half of 2017, the South Korean carmaker has released three teaser images of the new compact SUV. Two of these teaser images show the exterior of the Stonic, showing its front end, flanks and rear end. The third teaser image, on the other hand, shows the interior of the new Kia Stonic, but only includes the front cabin where the driver and the front passenger are accommodated.

As the teaser images reveal, the new Kia Stonic comes with a roofline with a distinctly designed roof rack, making the new compact SUV look sporty and at the same time dynamic. It seems to have a compact greenhouse and sleek side mirrors. Its rear end features distinct taillamp graphics while its flanks are marked by a combination of horizontal feature lines and softer sculpted surfaces. In addition, the new Kia Stonic as rendered on these images ride on somewhat oversized alloy wheels. However, since these are only teaser sketches released by Kia, we could expect some revisions when the final production model is formally unveiled, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017.

Insider, the interior of the new Kia Stonic has a strong semblance of European flair, as defined by smooth surfaces, straight lines and geometric design forms. Despite its compact size, the new Kia Stonic is able to maximize space for all occupants by employing smart interior packaging. In addition, the new Kia Stonic features a so-called floating HMI (human-machine interface).

Kia promises that the new Stonic would be the most customizable Kia vehicle – both inside and out – once it goes on sale in the second half of the year.

PRESS RELEASE

Kia introduces the Stonic: an eye-catching and confident compact crossover

Kia’s new B-segment crossover will be named ‘Stonic’. An eye-catching and confident compact crossover with true European design flair, the Stonic is inspired by the form and function of larger Kia SUVs.

The name ‘Stonic’ combines ‘Speedy’ and ‘Tonic’, which refers to the first and last note in the musical scale. Thus, ‘Stonic’ suggests that the vehicle is agile and offers something new and fresh in the compact SUV segment.

A sweeping roofline and uniquely designed roof rack add a sporty look to the vehicle. The unique tail lamp graphics amplify Stonic’s young and futuristic appearance.

The car blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces, and brings compact dimensions and a low centre of gravity to the class.

The European-designed cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, with straight lines, smooth surfaces and geometric design forms. The Stonic’s interior places technology and ergonomics at its heart, with smart packaging maximising space for all occupants, and a ‘floating’ HMI (human-machine interface) seamlessly blending smartphone access with the car’s many functions.

On sale in the second half of 2017, the Stonic will be the most customisable Kia ever, inside and out.