Strong interest in crossover
Kia believes its new Stonic will bring “fresh excitement and a free spirit” to New Zealand’s crossover market.
Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia Motors NZ, says: “We have a proud record of designing vehicles that stand out from the crowd and Stonic is a great example of a small SUV that’s already capturing buyer attention.
“We have been pleasantly surprised at the extent of interest shown by the public ahead of its arrival.”
Buyer interest builds on demand for the marque’s other recent SUV arrivals, such as the Seltos small SUV and new Sorento, which McDonald says have exceeded expectations following their launches.
Together with the Sportage and updated Niro Hybrid/EV, they now form a line-up from Kia that spans a broad price range.
Starting at $22,999 plus on-road costs, the new Stonic, pictured, has gone on sale offering five variants starting with the LX, EX and Limited – all powered by a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine matched to a six-speed automatic.
Topping the range are the GT Line and GT Line+ with their one-litre turbocharged petrol engines and seven speed, dual-clutch transmissions.
Both engines feature continuously variable-valve duration (CVVD) technology to make the most of their power and torque to switch between different combustion cycles according to load to maximise efficiency in all driving situations.
The Stonic also benefits from fine tuning of the suspension and steering systems especially for this part of the world through the ANZAC development programme with Australia.
Based on the same platform as the Rio, the new Stonic is 70mm taller and 35mm wider than its hatchback stablemate, along with 42mm more ground clearance.
The rear overhang is extended by 70mm to maximise passenger and luggage space, and Kia say the increased dimensions combine to make it one of the roomiest SUVs in its class.
New cabin features include a next generation eight-inch multi-media touchscreen fitted to all variants, with satellite navigation available on the EX, Limited and GT Line+ models.
The GT Line and GT Line+ models stand out with sporty fitments, such as a D-shaped steering wheel, carbon fibre-style dashboard trim, and aluminium brake and accelerator pedals.
The Stonic’s safety systems includes forward collision-avoidance assist, which recognises pedestrians and cyclists, as well as cars.
Smart cruise control is standard from the EX up and all variants come with a rearview camera.
Sales success
Kia was the only major brand in New Zealand to increase sales over the past 12 months despite Covid-19. It finished 2020 second in the passenger car/SUV charts.
A large shipment of Stonics arrived straight after Christmas and are now being delivered to those who pre-booked them during the pre-launch campaign.
That programme was a success and the results of that will be seen when the figures for January are released early next month, notes McDonald.
It means Kia is well-positioned to make the most of its broadened SUV range and satisfy pent-up demand for its models in 2021.
In addition, there’s Carnival to be launched soon, with the PHEV Sorento following in a few months.
The all-new electric crossover being developed on a new platform by Kia may just sneak in before the year is finished.
To enable that growth phase to continue, there are more developments happening in the dealer network to ensure customers are well taken care of. Kia says there will “soon” be more news on that.
