Automotive

Sleek Novo concept hints at future Kia designs

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The Kia Novo concept is a 1.6 l (0.35 gal) fastback coupé
The Kia Novo concept is a 1.6 l (0.35 gal) fastback coupé
Kia says the Novo gives "clear hints" about its future designs
Kia says the Novo is named after the Latin notion of making something new and fresh
The Novo features a tapering fastback roofline
The Novo has a solid, wide stance
The Novo has laser headlights and taillights
The Novo has a long rear overhang
Kia says the Novo has a "raked sporty look"
Kia has gone for a minimalist approach to the interior of the Novo
Leather and aluminum highlights are used for the Novo's interior
The Novo's instruments are shown on a three-dimensional holographic display in front of the driver
View gallery - 11 images

South Korean carmaker Kia has debuted a new sleek and powerful-looking concept car at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show. The Novo takes a fastback coupé style that looks almost futuristic, and while many concepts are blue-sky exercises, Kia insists the Novo gives "clear hints" about its future designs.

According to Kia, the Novo is named after the Latin notion of making something new and fresh. Its design certainly feels like a departure from traditional Kia styling, characterized by a low profile, a solid, wide stance and thick, bold design features.

There is only a short overhang at the front of the vehicle, with a longer one at the rear. The Novo has both a large flattened nose and rear, to which the roofline curves down. Kia says this gives it a "raked sporty look." Both the laser headlights and taillights take a slightly elongated horizontal form, contributing to the design.

Inside, Kia has gone for a minimalist approach that it says is designed to provide a "sanctuary" for urban drivers. Leather and aluminum highlights abound, as do a wealth of high-tech features.

Kia has gone for a minimalist approach to the interior of the Novo

The instruments are shown on a three-dimensional holographic display in front of the driver. A "blind control" touchpad next to the steering wheel, meanwhile, provides a means of controlling the car's functions without the driver needing to look away from the road.

The touchpad also has a fingerprint scanner that allows the car to be automatically configured based on the preferences of each different driver. A touchscreen on the dash also provides a means of viewing the vehicle's functionality.

The Novo is powered by a 1.6 l (0.35 gal) "Kappa" turbo GDi engine and has seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sits on what Kia calls adaptive concave profile tires, which are designed to clear excess road water away from the wheels for greater grip using a sunken middle channel.

Source: Kia

South Korean carmaker Kia has debuted a new sleek and powerful-looking concept car at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show. The Novo takes a fastback coupé style that looks almost futuristic, and while many concepts are blue-sky exercises, Kia insists the Novo gives "clear hints" about its future designs.

According to Kia, the Novo is named after the Latin notion of making something new and fresh. Its design certainly feels like a departure from traditional Kia styling, characterized by a low profile, a solid, wide stance and thick, bold design features.

There is only a short overhang at the front of the vehicle, with a longer one at the rear. The Novo has both a large flattened nose and rear, to which the roofline curves down. Kia says this gives it a "raked sporty look." Both the laser headlights and taillights take a slightly elongated horizontal form, contributing to the design.

Inside, Kia has gone for a minimalist approach that it says is designed to provide a "sanctuary" for urban drivers. Leather and aluminum highlights abound, as do a wealth of high-tech features.

Kia has gone for a minimalist approach to the interior of the Novo

The instruments are shown on a three-dimensional holographic display in front of the driver. A "blind control" touchpad next to the steering wheel, meanwhile, provides a means of controlling the car's functions without the driver needing to look away from the road.

The touchpad also has a fingerprint scanner that allows the car to be automatically configured based on the preferences of each different driver. A touchscreen on the dash also provides a means of viewing the vehicle's functionality.

The Novo is powered by a 1.6 l (0.35 gal) "Kappa" turbo GDi engine and has seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sits on what Kia calls adaptive concave profile tires, which are designed to clear excess road water away from the wheels for greater grip using a sunken middle channel.

Source: Kia

View gallery - 11 images
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7 comments
Vadim K
This KIA looks a lot like the Bertone designed jaguar XJ b99 concept car.
Keith Reeder
It's literally NOTHING like the Jag: http://i54.tinypic.com/rhvl3r.jpg
Michael Wilson
I see some mustang in the front end. Looks nice.
Chevypower
Looks like a Jeep Wrangler!
Vadim K
Keith,
The front end is different but, the suicide doors and rear end look alike to me.
RichC
After praising the brand with its good styling and design integration of its large-body production cars I must say this abomination caught my eye...like dirt under the eyelid.
The interior is clean. The seats just a little "plasticky". But the exterior has no clarity of theme. Kind of like the old Mustang II designed by committee...Put this drawing on the front, this one on the back, and oh yeah, this one here as the side profile...Ah, what do you think? In fact, my friend to me that was how it was done there.
A front end from a BMW, a Mustang and maybe an Audi. A side profile less exciting than an Impala police car. Call it a Kia B A M. Why attach a plow to the wide Geo Metro rear?
Unnecessary "shiny" applique on door skin.
All the lower components should be zippered-on inflatables to allow them to be easily hidden in the trunk when parked next to an well-designed car. But they can useful as external airbags, of sorts.
Again, like I said about that giant-badged, overly-scooped and perforated Mercedes sports car, see if some styling studio in Modena can squeeze you in for some seriously beautifully integrated design work.
Oh, and while you're at it get rid of that homely front end on the otherwise good looking Kia Soul.
Rich
Stephen N Russell
Looking Good KIA, like your body styles, trying to copy Hundai.