As per some photos from the Karachi port, KIA has imported four units of the Stonic CUV. The company will most probably test these three cars on Pakistani roads for a few months and then launch them in the local market. So, what is the KIA Stonic all about? Let’s find out.
By Samman Surraya
All of us have heard enough of the high-end premium “SUVs” in Pakistan, haven’t we? Today, let’s talk about a smaller and more affordable segment called the CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle).
A CUV is basically built on a hatchback platform with an SUV-like body and frame. It lies somewhere between a hatchback and an SUV, and you can call it a small SUV. The CUV we are talking about today is the KIA Stonic.
As per some photos from the Karachi port, KIA has imported four units of the Stonic CUV. The company will most probably test these three cars on Pakistani roads for a few months and then launch them in the local market. So, what is the Stonic all about? Let’s find out.
Variants
Internationally, there are four variants of this small SUV. KIA Stonic 2, KIA Stonic Connect, KIA Stonic GT-Line, and KIA Stonic GT-Line S. (What’s up with the first variant’s name? We don’t know)
Powertrain
KIA is offering four different engine options in different international markets. 1,000cc Turbocharged, 1200cc 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated, 1400cc 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated, and 1600cc 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine.
The small SUV comes with four transmissions, i.e., 5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic, and 7-Speed DCT.
We suspect that the Pakistani market will get two variants with the 1.0-L turbo engine. One will make 99 horsepower, and the other will produce 118 horsepower.
Dimensions
KIA Stonic is 4140mm long, 1760mm wide, and 1520mm high. Compared to the MG ZS, which is also a small SUV in Pakistan, Stonic is 174mm short in length, 49mm short in width, and 124mm short in height.
Exterior
Coming to the exterior of KIA Stonic, we see a high gloss black & satin radiator grille, bi-function projection headlights, LED DRLs, LED front and rear fog lights, speed-variable front wipers, electrically folding door mirrors, chrome side window trim, roof rails, and 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it’s a stylish car that looks like a child of a hatchback and an SUV.
Interior
The interior of KIA Stonic is nice and straightforward. All the buttons and switches are sensibly located, and everything is where you’d want it to be. The seats are made of leather in the higher trim levels.
There’s driver’s seat height adjustment standard in all variants. Moreover, the leather-trimmed steering wheel is also adjustable. There are heated front seats and heated steering wheel only in the GT-Line S variant.
Automatic air conditioning and defog systems, power windows, cruise control, 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and push start are other feature highlights of KIA Stonic.
Safety
KIA has done its job in making this small SUV safe for all its passengers with features like Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and two airbags.
KIA Stonic in Pakistan
It’s a B-segment crossover; you can say the smallest SUV of the KIA lineup. The company plans to launch it against the three premium sedans of Pakistan, Civic, Corolla, and Elantra. Since it’s a CUV, it will also compete with MG ZS, Honda BR-V, and the upcoming DFSK Glory 500. In other words, Stonic has a tough fight on its tyres.
Originally published at Pak wheels