Kia Stonic looks to shake up compact crossover market

Kia has revealed details of its latest new model - the Stonic.

Designed to grab a share of the inceasingly popular compact crossover segment, the Stonic will take on the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and incoming Hyundai Kona.

Revealing the car, Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe, said: “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.”

The B-segment crossover was designed in Europe to appeal to European sensibilities.

Likewise, its steering and suspension have been tuned for Europe and aim to give “immediated handling response and a stable ride”.

The Stonic will be offered with a choice of Kia’s turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine or non-turbo 1.25 and 1.4 petrol options. Asingle1.6-litredisesel rounds out the range.

All models will be frontwheel-drive and come with a manual gearbox.

In keeping with the industry desire to offer more personalisation, the Stonic will be available with 20 two-tone colour combinations such as the one pictured. The interior will, likewise, offer a variety of colour packs and will come with Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto connectivity as standard.

It wil also be available with luxuries such as heated seats, cruise control and keyless entryand arangeofsafety aids such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.

The Stonic is due to go on sale this autumn. Prices have not been announced but with rivals such as the Juke and Captur starting at around £14,000, expect it to be in that region.