SPY PICS: Kia Stonic heading for Oz?

The Rio-based Kia Stonic mini SUV has been spotted testing in northern Sweden, but it could be on its way here as a production model within a couple of years.

Kia Australia's enthusiasm for the diminutive SUV has been evident. Local COO Damien Meredith told motoring.com.au recently: "We're always asking about it; it's certainly in development. The timing we're not too sure of, but as soon as it's available we'll be putting our hand up for it."

Without the challenging style of, for example, its rivals the Toyota C-HR or Nissan Juke, the five-door Kia SUV appears likely to represent a slightly more conservative take on the sub-compact genre in the local market.

According to media reports it will offer a choice of two powerplants: A 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with an output of around 90kW and a 1.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder reputedly able to sip fuel at the miserly rate of 3.5L/100km.

Drivetrains are open to speculation, but some observers are suggesting the Stonic will be available either as a front-driver, or with optional AWD. If the Stonic comes to Australia, a competitive price will be imperative, which will likely rule out the all-paw version for the local market.

Although the Stonic name is not yet confirmed, the probability of it adorning the new SUV's badgework is supported by Kia's reported recent filing of a trademark application.

Expectations are the Stonic will debut later this year at the Frankfurt motor show in September, preceding a global roll-out in 2018.