Meet the Kia Stonic. This is the latest subcompact crossover of Kia Philippines, which the Korean car brand had launched last Friday in an online zoom with the local automotive media.

According to Kia, the new Stonic is positioned to meet the demands of the young and active professionals, who turn their dreams into reality day-by-day and know how to have fun in the process.

Outside, it’s like a substance over form as the car is inspired through European Design Language manifested in the compact features, elegant design, sharp lines and smooth surfaces, which harmonizes with the signature Tiger Nose Grille and the stylish and heavy-duty roof rails at the top of the unit.

The well-positioned projector headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights (exclusive to the EX variant) in the front fascia give proper illumination to your peripherals, without distracting incoming drivers. Size-wise, the car measures 4,100mm long, 1,735mm wide and 1,532mm high with a 2,570 wheelbase to make sure that comfort can be stylish. The dimensions house a multifunctional storage space with 60:40 full-fold flat rear seats. Even if the seats are still upright, it provides 325 liters of ample room for huge hauls on grocery runs or baggage for that quick trip to the beach.

When on road trips, you won’t get bored as the car is equipped with 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that blasts clear music to the six audio speakers packaged as standard on the Stonic.

Engine-wise, the Stonic is powered by a 1.4-liter dual CVVT engine matched with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. It can deliver a maximum of 95 PS for the manual option and 100 PS for the automatic. The result of this engine-transmission pairing yields to a higher fuel efficiency rating.

In terms of safety, it has rear parking sensor, rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, electronic stability control and hill start assist (all exclusively for the EX variant). Also, the 185-mm ground clearance provides that sense of security driving on floodwaters. Meanwhile, the smart entry and push start button provides convenience to the user.

The new Stonic is being offered at introductory price of P675,000 for the entry-level variant (LX MT), P785,000 for the middle-range (LX AT) and P875,000 for the top-grade—a special pre-launch price that will be accorded to those who will reserve until the official launch on October 15.

The new Stonic will be offered with up to five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as with a 24/7 Roadside Assistance FREE for five years.