Hyundai and Kia have been working on B-segment crossovers for some time, and the result will be the new Stonic
Whereas Hyundai’s high-riding model doesn’t have a name yet, the Kia could be christened “Stonic” according to a recently filed trademark application. Caught on camera, the Kia Stonic was snapped testing in northern Sweden today. Even in the snow, Kia’s upcoming subcompact crossover looks like it can hold its own.
From a design standpoint, however, the rear three-quarter windows and the shape of the C-pillars are very similar to those of the 2017 Rio supermini. The Euro- and U.S.-spec Stonic also happens to pack the 17-inch alloy wheel used by Kia for the all-new Rio. It remains to be seen, however, if the Stonic will be a front-wheel-drive affair only, like the Opel Crossland X, or if Kia will go full nelson with AWD capability. Bearing in mind the Nissan Juke can be had with AWD, it’s a no-brainer, but if the Kia Stonic is related to the Chinese KX3, then FWD will be the norm.
Under the hood, the most likely engines will come in the form of a 1.0-litre T-GDi and a 1.4-litre CRDi. In the case of the 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine, the output will be 120 hp. The turbo diesel powerplant, meanwhile, has fuel economy going for it, being capable of 3.5 l per 100 km combined.
Already confirmed for debut in 2017, the Kia Stonic or whatever it will be called could see the light of day at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany this September. On American ground, the debut for the subcompact crossover could happen this December at the Los Angeles Auto Show.