GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Kia teases new concept
Stocky two-door concept revealed ahead of Geneva debut hints at new crossover modelKia has released sketches of a new low-slung compact concept car that will make its debut at the Geneva motor show in March. The South Korean car maker touts the design as a "provocative and racy new urban concept car" but has said little else about the sporty vehicle.
The design sketches reveal a compact two-door coupe design with a tall front apron, which hints at the vehicles crossover/SUV aspirations. The new low-riding concept could be a preview of a niche vehicle akin to the Nissan Juke - or a hi-po imagining of the next generation Kia Soul.
Kia says the unnamed concept incorporates design boss (and recently-appointed Kia president) Peter Schreyer's signature tiger-nose grille, "a mischievous yet friendly" design that is "coupled with strong styling lines that exude speed and energy from every angle".
The press release concludes that this new concept "is guaranteed to attract attention".
Kia is still yet to deploy a proper hot hatch, an issue that will be addressed by the upcoming GT versions of the Kia cee'd and pro_cee'd. These hot hatches - which are being considered for Australia - are expected to rival the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and its ilk and will be powered by 152kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engines, similar to the unit that powers sister company Hyundai's Veloster Turbo SR.
Kia has several new models in the offing including the aforementioned cee'd GT, plus the new Cerato sedan, hatch and coupe models. It remains to be seen which Kia will be the first turbo petrol vehicle in Australia, but is likely to be the Cerato Koup Turbo expected in Oz as early as November, following the launch of the Cerato sedan in April/May and five-door hatch in July.
It's possible this new concept car could expand Kia's use of the turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, particularly as the sketches show twin exhaust pipes. Though as with many concepts a more exotic configuration is just as likely.
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