Kia said its new Stonic subcompact SUV/crossover will be its "most customizable" car to date.
Kia released sketches of the Nissan Juke rival on Wednesday, calling the Stonic in a statement "eye-catching and confident" with "true European design flair."
The Stonic will be a key model for Kia in Europe where the small SUV/crossover segment is forecast to rise above 2 million sales next year.
It will go on sale in the region late this year after an expected debut at the Frankfurt auto show in September. Its U.S. sales launch likely will follow shortly after a North American debut at the Los Angeles show in November.
The Europe-designed Stonic has a sporty look with a sweeping roofline and a low center of gravity that Kia says has been inspired by the larger SUVs in its lineup, such as the Sportage and Sorento.
Kia did not release any other details, but said the car's interior would follow the exterior design with "straight lines, smooth surfaces and geometric design forms" and would place "technology and ergonomics at its heart."
Central to this will be a "floating" HMI (human-machine interface) system that will seamlessly blend smartphone access with the car's many functions, Kia said.
Kerrigan Advisors’ proprietary annual OEM Survey of over 100 executives reveals that the majority of respondents are worried about the financial impact of Chinese automakers’ growing global market share, and most expect that the EV transition to be slower than expected. The survey also queried executives on their outlooks for dealership valuations and profitability, as well as their expectations for the future of dealer networks and facility requirements.
Mass-market automakers are copying their premium counterparts by offering buyers more customization options including a wider choice of body paint colors, interior designs and more trim levels. Kia gave no details of the Stonic's customization options ahead of its launch.
