KIA crossover range: a success story

SUVs and crossovers are more than fashionable, not only in our country but worldwide, experiencing rapid growth in their sales figures.

One of the benchmark brands in this type of vehicle is the Korean KIA, which has one of the broadest ranges.

More than two decades of experience

The term SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is one of the most widely used today. However, some manufacturers set out to exploit that market niche more than 20 years ago. KIA is one of the pioneers, and for the Korean manufacturer the importance of this type of vehicle is such that practically 1 in every 3 KIAs sold in Spain is an SUV.

Even so, the SUV market in our country enjoys excellent health. A clear sign of this is that more than 35% of registrations in 2017 corresponded to B-SUV, C-SUV and D-SUV segment vehicles, figures that, moreover, keep growing. That is why KIA has continued to bet strongly on this type of vehicle. The brand’s latest additions are the urban Stonic and the plug-in hybrid version of the Niro, its revolutionary eco-friendly crossover.

KIA Stonic

The Stonic is possibly one of the most important launches for KIA in recent years. Built on the KIA Rio platform, the Stonic aims to become one of the benchmarks of the B-SUV segment, with a very attractive design, a fun and dynamic interior and a complete range of engines.

Although it may seem so, the Stonic has nothing to do with the Hyundai Kona, the new B-SUV launch from Hyundai, which has its own platform. The Stonic has been conceived as a simpler alternative, where styling and personalisation play a decisive role.

Kia NIRO

The Niro was launched on the market roughly a year ago in order to introduce the brand into the market for eco-oriented vehicles. With a crossover styling and an interior that is distinctly KIA, the Niro offers a range of possibilities for the Korean brand thanks to the modularity of its platform.

The Niro will be sold in the very near future with up to three powertrain options. We know the traditional hybrid, but in the coming weeks the plug-in hybrid variant arrives in Spain, with up to 50 km of 100% electric range. And that is not all, since in a few months the fully electric variant will be presented, with more than 350 km of real-world range.

KIA Sportage

The Sportage is one of KIA’s classics. In fact, it is one of the “founders” of the compact SUV segment, since its first commercial appearance took place 25 years ago, in 1993! Little by little the Sportage has adapted to the times, evolving constantly.

It is, in fact, one of KIA’s best-selling vehicles, not only in Spain but worldwide. So much so that this 4th generation of the Sportage is the second best-selling model in the brand’s range, behind only the compact Cee’d. The Sportage opts for a more traditional image without neglecting technology, with features such as all-wheel drive, dual-clutch gearbox, LED lighting and autonomous parking assist.

KIA Soul

The Soul is one of KIA’s most characterful products. Launched on the market for the first time in 2008, this compact with its sturdy shapes has always drawn attention wherever it went. So much so that in 2014 it became the brand’s first 100% electric crossover, giving rise to the Soul EV.

Today, the Soul EV is one of the most recognisable electric vehicles on the market. And that is not all, since you can even opt for sporty versions such as the Soul Sport, with a 1.6 engine producing 204 CV and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Without a doubt, a product with no rival in our country.

KIA Sorento

We cannot forget the Sorento, the flagship of KIA’s crossover range. With a long history behind it, the first Sorento dates from 2002, when it began its journey. Little by little it has been refined until becoming one of KIA’s most premium products, always with the brand’s relaxed and attractive design.

With its latest update, the Sorento gains a new, more dynamic trim level (GT-Line), a new 8-speed gearbox and a more refined diesel engine, with improved performance and efficiency. All of this in a large body with a cabin designed to accommodate up to 7 occupants.