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Kia Hits Paris with Stylish Sport Concept

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Khatir Soltani

To spark interest with the younger generations, Kia has injected the Sport concept with a dose of street culture by means of

If you need to rub your eyes while doing a double-take you won't be alone, as no Kia has ever looked quite so upscale. (Photo: Kia Motors America)
an aggressive body kit and rooftop spoiler. Massive fender extensions with integrated cooling vents give the 5-door a widebody look, while sill extensions on the lower valance and a rear bumper featuring center-mounted squared exhaust tips gives the general impression that this is no ordinary economy car. What was presented in Paris will be produced, albeit with a toned down appearance in entry-level trim.

Judging by its exterior, it might be easy to dismiss the Sport as all show, no go, but this is quite far from the truth. Kia's team of concept-car builders cranked up the power by installing a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that's capable of producing 200 horsepower. A five-speed automatic gearbox has been chosen to link the motor to the front wheels, unorthodox being that such athletic performance is usually accompanied by a manual gearbox.

Like the Rio, the upcoming Kia subcompact will be available in a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty yet practical

Kia's Rio is in need of replacement, an important step for the Korean automaker to put its bargain-basement roots in its past. (Photo: Kia Motors America)
five-door hatchback, that latter of which should mimic the Sport Concept in size at least. The Sport is 163.3 inches long, which is 3.5 inches shorter than either the 5-door Cinco or 4-door Rio sedan, interesting considering its 98.4 inch long wheelbase is 3.5 inches lengthier than the Rio. Also, at 57.9 inches high the new Sport is 1.2 inches taller than the Rio. While its shorter dimensions and increased height should make the Sport appear taller, as previously mentioned it looks lower to the ground and sleeker. The shorter, taller exterior is contrasted by 70.9 inches in width, over 5.0 inches wider than the Rio.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada