Here’s our first look in and around Kia’s brand-new
Stonic subcompact crossover that follows barely a week after the presentation
of Hyundai’s Kona. Despite the Korean group’s efforts to give each model a
distinct character on the outside, especially up front where each car
incorporates their respective brand’s styling features, you can tell that the
Hyundai Kona and Kia Stonic are related.
They have a similar footprint and silhouette with
both companies offering customization options such as two-tone schemes with
different color roofs, with Kia going a step further by adding the exterior
mirror caps as well.
From the single image we have of the Stonic’s cabin,
the interiors seem to be a bit more differentiated, with each car getting a
different dashboard and trims. Again, there’s a splash of color in the Kia with
orange accents around the center consoles.
We should have official details soon on the Stonic,
but expect similar dimensions to the Kona that’s 4,165 mm long,
1,800 mm wide and 1,550 mm tall, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase.
Powertrains will most likely be common too, with
Hyundai having already announced the availability of an optional all-wheel
drive system, along with several engines, including a 147 hp 2.0-liter
and a 175 hp 1.6-liter turbo. Markets outside North America will get a
1.0-liter T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine and 1.6 diesel
units, while Hyundai also announced a pure-electric version too.
The new Stonic will have its global motor show
premiere in Frankfurt this September.
