Hyundai just took the wraps off the Kona subcompact crossover and now its cousin, the Kia Stonic is getting ready for its reveal. It’s being reported that the Kia Stonic is going to debut next month, which is early than expected.
Kia Motors Vice Chairman Lee Hyong-keun revealed the news to reporters last month, “There is only one-month difference in release date with Hyundai’s compact SUV Kona. We hope (Hyundai) does well first.”
Related: 2018 Hyundai Kona is ready to battle the Toyota C-HR
Kia recently released a few teaser photos of the Stonic crossover, showing off its stylish, yet compact exterior. Under the skin, the Stonic will ride on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona. It will also be powered by the same range of engines. That means that in the United States, the base 2018 Stonic will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The more exciting engine will be a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque that’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Expect the Kia Stonic to have its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, which will be followed by its U.S. debut in November at the LA Auto Show. Both the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona will arrive in the U.S. in early 2018.
Source: The Investor
