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Kia has revealed its forthcoming Stonic crossover ahead of its UK arrival in the third quarter of this year.
Set to rival the Nissan Juke, Kia claims the Stonic - which shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Kona - "is set to become an important conquest model" for the brand.
The segment it sits in is experiencing a surge in popularity; SUVs currently account for 1.1 million new car sales in Europe each year and this is predicted to increase to more than two million by 2020.
The Stonic will join the company's existing line-up of SUVs and crossovers consisting of the Niro, Sorento, Soul and Sportage.
According to data from automotive giant Jato Dynamics, SUVs accounted for one in four cars sold last year in Europe, with registrations growing by 21.4% to 3.9 million units. That's in contrast to other 'traditional' segments such as MPVs and saloons, which grew by just 2.2% across Europe in 2016.
Efficiency information has not been confirmed at this stage, but a number of powertrains will be available, including a 1.6-litre diesel - claimed to offer the lowest emissions in the line-up ? and three petrol versions in 1.0, 1.25 and 1.4-litre guises.
Kia said the Stonic will be equipped with infotainment technologies "designed to enhance safety, comfort and convenience" with the car being equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity systems as standard.
Said to be the South Korean firm's most customisable model yet, up to 20 two-tone exterior colour combinations will be available with a further choice of five colours for the roof.
"The Kia Stonic will be one of the most compelling new cars in this rapidly-expanding class, backed by Kia's [seven-year] warranty, and the brand's reputation for reliability, quality and contemporary design," said Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe. "As the segment expands, the Stonic looks set to become one of our best-selling cars."
He added: "By volume, the B-SUV market is expected to overtake the C-SUV segment by 2020, when more than one in 10 new cars sold in Europe will be from the Stonic's segment. The B-SUV segment attracts buyers from across the spectrum, with 21% of all customers upsizing from a supermini, and another 15% downsizing from their family hatchbacks. Cars like the Stonic also appeal to those looking to replace their compact MPVs."
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