Kia teases B-segment concept headed to Frankfurt

Fri, 09 Aug 2013

It's not uncommon to see an automaker go a little outside of its comfort zone when creating a concept car, but Kia seems to be going all out for a new small concept it plans to unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although there is not much information to go on about this unnamed concept, Kia does say that it "hints at a possible future B-segment contender."

With headlights that would look at home on a C7 Corvette or Jaguar F-Type and door cut lines reminiscent of a Ford GT, we can only imagine how sporty this car will look in the flesh. The wide door openings also give a good glimpse inside the car revealing details deep, flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters and the peculiar rotary-style shifter, but our attention is on the instrument panel switches. If you look closely, the second switch from the left seems to be for a center differential possibly hinting at a future sporty all-wheel-drive Kia. Yes, please! Scroll down for the brief press release on the car, and stay tuned for more info as we'll be on hand covering the show next month.

Dramatic new concept from Kia at Frankfurt Motor Show

Playful but gutsy, sturdy yet impish - Kia's dramatic new European concept to be unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt on 10 September hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity.

Accepting any challenge that the assured modern motorist may throw at it, this concept car combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials in compact, purposeful dimensions.

Born out of Kia's determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, the concept features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.

Although there are no current plans for production the vehicle's unveiling in Frankfurt will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.

By Jeffrey N. Ross