Kia's all-new Stonic arrives in Ireland

Kia Ireland has launched its new Stonic here at a starting price of €18,599, writes Brian Byrne.

The completely new small SUV is available with three petrol and one diesel engine — 1.2 petrol in the K1 entry level, 1.4 petrol and 1.6 diesel in the K2 and K3 grades which are expected to represent the bulk of the sales, and a 120hp 1.0 turbo petrol in the top K4 grade.

All grades have a high level of specification, the entry K1 including alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control and 7-inch centre screen. Additions on the K2 include LED day running lights, A/C and roof rails, while the K3 gains driver assistance systems, a DAB radio and a rear view camera among other items.

K3 and K4 grades will have the option of specifying a contrasting roof colour.

The diesel engine attracts a €2,000 premium over the petrol in the grades where it is available. The Irish distributor expects to sell more petrol than diesel Stonics, a reversal of trend becoming evident in the size of car.

Kia Ireland's MD James Brooks says the brand is aiming to achieve a top six ranking in Ireland in the next few years, from its current eighth place. He said at the Irish press launch that the Stonic target is 1,000-plus units next year and 1,500 in 2019.

The new car is likely to be the Irish company's second biggest model in sales terms next year, he noted, and after that will settle to third place behind the Sportage and cee'd.

He also pointed out that Kia is the only brand in the top ten in Ireland this year that posted an increased market share and increased sales.