The Hyundai Motor Group continues to dive deeper into the ocean of crossovers. Days after Hyundai teased its upcoming Kona crossover, Kia has released three design sketches that preview the brand’s sister effort called the Stonic.

If Stonic sounds like a made-up word, that’s because it is. Kia says it is a combination of “speedy” and “tonic,” in reference to the beginning and ending note of a musical scale. Though, Kia does not expand about how the musical reference applies to the vehicle.

Despite sharing its underpinnings with the Kona, the Stonic appears to have a much different look, with wider, lower proportions. However, as these are just design sketches, the real thing likely will look far less sporty, particularly without the comically huge wheels, tiny greenhouse, and flush door handles. The interior takes the clean-and-simple approach with a massive tablet-style infotainment unit located above physical HVAC controls. Kia claims this will be the most customizable car its ever made, although it doesn’t specify how so.
2017 Kia Niro Tested: A Prius-Chasing Crossover for the Closet Penny-Pincher
Kona! Kona! Kona! This New Hyundai Crossover Is Headed Our Way in 2018
Kia Sportage: Full News, Reviews, Specs, Photos, and More

Squeezing into a crowded lineup that already features the Soul, Niro, and Sportage, the Stonic will have vehicles such as the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Ford EcoSport in its sights when it enters the...