Kia Stonic SUV – Kia’s take on the Hyundai Kona – previewed ahead of Frankfurt debut

The Kia Stonic Compact SUV, sister car to the new Hyundai Kona, is previewed ion design sketches ahead of a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

As the market for SUVs of all sizes continues to grow, Kia is keen to have a presence in the compact urban SUV market – a market almost created by the Nissan Juke – so its take on the new Hyundai Kona arrives at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September to stake its claim.

The new Kia Stonic, for that’s the moniker Kia has chosen for the compact SUV, is closely related to the soon to be revealed Hyundai Kona and, says Kia, is a confident, eye-catching compact crossover full of European design flair.

To get the point across, Kia has released a couple of design sketches of the new Stonic (above and below) which, say Kia, is inspired by the form and function of its larger SUVs.

But the Stonic does look to be taking a new design direction (although its look is no doubt exaggerated in the design sketches) with its sharp creases contrasting with smooth, rounded surfaces, new nose and coupe-like roofline.

Kia are promising an interior which is as individual, with a focus on technology and a floating HMI which seamlessly blends Smartphone functions with the Stonic’s infotainment.

Rumours say the Stonic will be purely front-wheel drive, and engines are likely to be lifted from the Rio, including a trio of petrol engines, a diesel option and the usual 1 to 3 trim levels (and GT-Line too).

The Kia Stonic is expected to go on sale in the UK after the Frankfurt Motor Show. Expect prices to start around £16,500.