Kia Novo concept to influence future Cee'd
Kia unveils bold design study at Seoul show, styling set to influence future C-segment models in Europe
Kia's range of mid-size models could soon get a bold makeover, if a sharp new design concept that has debuted at this year's Seoul Motor Show is anything to go by. The Novo 'fastback' gives more than a hint at how future Kia models around the world could look, and a Kia spokesman confirmed it's a look that's being considered for Europe.
The Novo is the work of Kia's Namyang design centre in Korea, and uses an adapted version of the familiar C-segment platform used across Kia's global model range. Using the format of a sleek coupe-saloon in the style of the Audi A5 Sportback, it's a departure from Kia's current design themes inside and out.
The familiar 'tiger nose' grille has been adapted, but from there back it's completely new territory for Kia. The short front overhang and menacing air intakes break into a clamshell bonnet and neatly-detailed headlamps. A steeply-raked windscreen combines with the contrast silver roof to give the car a two-tone look, while at the rear that sloping profile gives way to an angular rear-end.
Inside, it's a more minimalist feel with leather and aluminium the dominant materials, although it's not a world away from what could be seen in real-life models. Clever tech on the concept includes a hologram instrument display and a 'blind control' fingerprint touchpad mounted by the wheel that allows you to control various features without taking your eyes off the road.
Although many concepts this ambitious rarely see the light of day and Kia confirms the car won't make production in this form, it's very likely that design elements we see here will reach the Kia range in less than a decade. A spokesman for the firm said it previewed future generations of C-segment cars for the firm, and that it "could well influence later generations of the Cee'd if public perception is positive".
That means we can expect models launched nearer 2020 such as the Cee'd five-door and Pro_cee'd three-door hatch to be inspired by this, while later generations of the Soul and Sportage could also be influenced. A coupe model isn't ruled out in the future, either.
What do you think of Kia's new design direction? Let us know in the comments section below...
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