{"id":116560,"date":"2017-06-07T04:47:58","date_gmt":"2017-06-07T08:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?p=116560"},"modified":"2017-06-09T08:25:49","modified_gmt":"2017-06-09T12:25:49","slug":"hyundai-gets-stonic-with-its-new-subcompact-crossover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/2017\/06\/hyundai-gets-stonic-with-its-new-subcompact-crossover\/","title":{"rendered":"Kia Gets Stonic With its New, Subcompact Crossover"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kia sketches out plans for its entry into the subcompact SUV segment with new Stonic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even before we had a chance to check out the three renderings of Kia\u2019s new subcompact crossover, the Korean carmaker\u2019s press release got our minds working overtime. What exactly is a \u201cStonic\u201d? What could it be trying to convey with that curious name \u2013 and how might it resonate with consumers.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrong\u201d and \u201cSupersonic,\u201d perhaps, or \u201cSpeedy\u201d and \u201cBionic\u201d? Well, we were getting warm. The name actually blends the words \u201cSpeedy\u201d and \u201cTonic,\u201d it turns out. And, if nothing else, we\u2019re betting Kia\u2019s legal team likes it because it\u2019s likely not going to conflict with any existing trademarks anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

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Subscribe Now!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Kia Stonic appears to be the smaller Korean carmaker\u2019s answer to bigger sibling Hyundai\u2019s new Kona \u2013 of which we got a pair of teaser images just a few days ago. Both models are believed to share the same, underlying platform as the redesigned Hyundai Accent coming out later this year.<\/p>\n

(<\/strong><\/em>Click Here<\/span><\/a> for a first drive of the new Kia Soul EV.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/strong>here the bigger brand delivered two actual photographs to our inbox, Kia is only offering three renderings of the new Stonic \u2013 though that package includes a look at the CUV\u2019s interior. We\u2019ll have to wait to get a look at the Kona\u2019s cabin.<\/p>\n

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The Stonic will be Kia's smallest ute.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The basic hardpoints, including the location and rake of the steering wheel and the basic platform layout, are common between both Korean models. The running lamps and headlights of the Kia Stonic are far less exaggerated, however, though the split layout is common \u2013 with both reminding us, a bit, of the Jeep Cherokee.<\/p>\n

If these teaser sketches are accurate to the production models, Kia is opting for a relatively chopped-looking greenhouse, the roofline tapering back a bit as it flows towards a roof-mounted spoiler. The graphics of the taillights, meanwhile \u201camplify Stonic\u2019s young and futuristic appearance,\u201d Kia\u2019s press release suggests.<\/p>\n

The release also highlights a \u201csweeping roofline,\u201d vaguely reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoq. Add aht is dubs a \u201cuniquely designed roof rack.\u201d<\/p>\n

In silhouette, the Kia Tonic has some sculptural details, such as the sharp-edged wheel arches and the feature line running midway through the doors, but it is far less of an exaggerated look than that of the Kona.<\/p>\n

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The Stonic will share platforms with sibling Hyundai's own new CUV, the Kona.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We\u2019ll have to see what carries over into the production model. We\u2019d expect somewhat smaller tires than we see here filling the wheel wells. Will Kia carry over the distinctive, flush door handles? Most likely, the 2018 Kia Stonic will feature the new take on the brand\u2019s familiar \u201ctiger nose\u201d grille, however.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe European-designed cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, with straight lines, smooth surfaces and geometric design forms,\u201d says the carmaker. \u201cThe Stonic\u2019s interior places technology and ergonomics at its heart, with smart packaging maximising space for all occupants, and a \u2018floating\u2019 HMI (human-machine interface) seamlessly blending smartphone access with the car\u2019s many functions.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the more interesting tidbits found in the release is the promise that the Stonic \u201cwill be the most customizable Kia ever, inside and out.\u201d<\/p>\n

(<\/em>Click Here<\/span><\/a> for a first look at the upcoming 2018 Hyundai Kona.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hyundai teased the 2018 Kona SUV earlier this week.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

(<\/em><\/strong>A number of questions have been left unanswered, among them: what powertrain or powertrains will Kia opt for. We\u2019re expecting something similar to what will show up in the Hyundai Kona. The current Accent, which shares underpinnings, motivated by a 1.6-liter inline-four in U.S. trim. We might see a somewhat heavier CUV get a bit more boost, perhaps Kia\u2019s 2.0-liter alternative. Look for a more options, including diesels, in other markets.<\/p>\n

The decision to go after the subcompact ute segment next is no surprise for either manufacturer. Globally, it is one of the fastest-growing market niches and has been gaining traction in the U.S. rapidly. We\u2019ve seen all of the major Japanese makers get into the game. Jeep recently came onboard with the Renegade and Ford has its own model coming, the American version of the EcoSport making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November.<\/p>\n

We should learn more about the Kia Stonic even before its official launch which, the carmaker says, will be during \u201cthe second half of 2017.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Toyota could take to the air for the 2020 Olympics. <\/em>Click Here<\/span><\/a> for the full story.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kia is getting ready to enter the subcompact SUV market with the all-new 2018 Stonic. But what exactly does “Stonic” mean? TheDetroitBureau.com has the answer — and some details and pics of the new model.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":116562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"make":[],"post-state":[],"category_old":[151],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116560"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116560"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116560\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116560"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=116560"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=116560"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=116560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}