2003 Kia KCD-1 Slice Concept - Want a Slice of Orange?
With crossovers being the rage that they are it makes sense that Kia would produce something in the category for its 2003 Detroit auto show concept offering. But just the same I wasn't prepared for the Slice.
It's not that the slice is particularly radical in overall shape or that its reverse opening rear 'suicide' doors are altogether new, actually the concept would probably be readily acceptable as a production model. No, I think what initially stunned me was the color scheme. Its silver-gray exterior panels splashed with bright orange trim initially shocks the senses, in a refreshing way, while helping the little Kia to live up to its unorthodox name.
The concept's B-pillarless suicide doors open up to a 6-occupant layout, highlighted by pedestal-type fold-flat seats, a pod-style center 'stack' and, of course, bright orange interior trim. Sound wild and wonderful? Maybe so but take away the outside-of-the-box citrus motif and the Slice is actually an extremely flexible SUV, with room enough for long, awkward loads or a full load of adult size passengers.
"This vehicle is designed to pick up lumber from the home center one day and to have fun on twisty roads the next,' commented Eric Stoddard, the Hyundai-Kia Design Center designer responsible for the vehicle's exterior. "We gave it all the cargo-carrying versatility of an SUV without the handling and fuel consumption penalties."