The future's here now on Kia 4x4

All eyes may have been on the New York Motor Show, but Korean firm Kia saved its most exciting news for its home event in Seoul

Auto Express Car Reviews

Off-roader shows Kia’s masterplan for design, and features flared arches and alloy underbody protection

By Ross Pinnock

12th April 2007

That's where it took the wraps off the KND-4 Concept - the first model to preview the manufacturer's new styling dubbed Designology.

The four-wheel drive was created at Kia's Namyang Design (KND) Centre. It previews SUVs of the future, with a rounded appearance, smart LED headlamps and flared wheel-arches filled with 20-inch alloys.

There's a full-width rear screen, which extends to incorporate LED back lights, and a pair of exhausts which protrude from the integrated bumper. Despite its three-door body and show car looks, the KND-4's short overhangs and tall ground clearance ensure that it can cope off-road, while alloy underbody protection is also visible at both the front and rear.

The metal-trimmed cabin can carry four and is packed full of technology. A next-generation high-contrast LED screen dominates the centre console, and the built-in hard drive allows music and film footage to be stored digitally. The KND-4 even has the latest Blu-ray DVD and Bluetooth systems.

Under the bonnet, a 2.2-litre diesel drives all four wheels. The firm's latest Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system optimises off-road performance.