The 'Imagine by Kia' concept, revealed at the Geneva motor show, is expected to arrive in production form in 2021 and will lead the way for performance-focused electric models from the Korean brand.
It is part of Kia’s forthcoming electrification ramp-up: the electric Kia e-Niro and Soul EV models arrive this year alongside a plug-in hybrid Ceed.
The four-door concept, described as drawing together elements of an SUV, sleek saloon and crossover, will rival models such as the recently unveiled Polestar 2.
It will sit on a new, dedicated electric architecture, shared with sibling brand Hyundai, which is set to be the basis for a range of more powerful and larger SUVs and saloons in the future.
It also promises a much longer electric range. The e-Niro offers 282 miles on the WLTP cycle but sources tell Autocar that Kia is aiming for 500 miles of range in the future.
Kia confirmed the concept will be underpinned by a low-mounted, induction-charge battery pack powering a compact drivetrain.
While the concept will have a performance focus, it’s not intended to be a serious sports car, instead going for a warm approach akin to Kia’s GT models.
The concept has what Kia calls a “tiger mask” grille, a reinterpretation of the brand’s well-known tiger-nose grille. There is a single sheet of glass for the windscreen and roof, which tapers into a double-bubble over the rear seats accessed by rear-hinged doors. Horizontal wrap-around brake lights are reminiscent of the Kia Stinger.
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Familiar "Down Road Graphic"
Am I the only one to think I've seen that frond end style before?
Never happen....
They show us these concepts and if it gets the go ahead most of the design will never get on the Road.
Do like the basic shape, I do
Do like the basic shape, I do think that fastbacks are the future of crossovers, less van-like as we try and get a bit of style back into the new car market.