Kia has unveiled the 2018 Kia Stonic – another new entry in the crowded subcompact crossover segment. The 2018 Kia Stonic is based on the same platform as the new Hyundai Kona and will arrive in Europe in the third quarter of 2017.

The 2018 Kia Stonic will arrive in the U.S. early next year

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According to Kia, the design of the 2018 Kia Stonic is “is one of the brand’s most striking to date.” The Stonic was designed in Europe and features the Kia “tiger-nose” grille. It’s design blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces for an overall look that is less polarizing than the Kona. The Stonic also features a “Targa-style” roof that lets buyers choose a different roof color. There will be up to 20 two-tone color combinations, with five color choices for the roof.

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In Europe the 2018 Kia Stonic will offer a range of gas and diesel engines. Starting with the small 1.0L with a tiny 116 horsepower to 1.25- or 1.4-liter engines. The diesel option will be a 1.6L, which will also have the lowest emissions out of all the engines available.

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“By volume, the B-SUV market is expected to overtake the C-SUV segment by 2020, when more than one in ten new cars sold in Europe will be from the Stonic’s segment. The B-SUV segment attracts buyers from across the spectrum, with 21 per cent of all customers upsizing from a supermini, and another 15 per cent downsizing from their family hatchbacks. Cars like the Stonic also appeal to those looking to replace their compact MPVs.”

Kia has yet to reveal the US-spec Kia Stonic, but it’s expected to have its debut in the United States in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Stonic and Hyundai Kona will both arrive in the U.S. early next year.

Source: Kia