Is Kia Moving Upmarket?
What's going on Kia? First you launch a seriously competitive minivan against the biggest players in the business, and then you turn the 4x4 world on its tail end with the award winning Sorento.
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| After suprising the automotive industry with its seriously competitive minivan and SUV, Kia has something new up its sleeve. (Photo: Kia) |
Now the Korean brand seems to have decided its practical image needs some spicing up, in the form of a perky little 4-seat convertible hardtop. Kia's KCV-3 concept follows in the footsteps of the brand's KCV I fusion-type minivan concept and KCV II crossover pickup/SUV, but only in name.
Where the previous KCV's were all about flexibility and functionality in the dirt, the third generation concept is more about fun on the street. This is evident at first sight, its low slung roadster profile, aggressively raked bodywork and large diameter performance wheel and tire package.
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| With a rear decklid similar to Alfa Romeo's Spyder, and Diablo inspired swooping front fenders, there is a clear Italian influence in the KCV-3. (Photo: Kia) |
Vertical headlamp clusters, some of the most dominating I've ever laid eyes on, span more than half of the hood, their triangular shapes tapering to a point over the front wheel arch. A deep rectangular grille protrudes forward at center stage, framing a floating Kia insignia.
From its profile view, a clear Italian influence is present. Starting from the A-pillars rearward, the front fenders swoop downward pulling the side window cutout along for the ride, similar in execution to Lamborghini's Diablo supercar, now out of production. The KCV-3's shoulder lines curve inward when approaching the rear decklid, much like Alfa Romeo's current Spyder.