Kia
Novo Concept
Delivering a bold and exciting, coupe style with a
driver-focused cabin, the Kia Novo Concept has been unveiled at the 2015 Seoul
Motor Show. Giving clear hints at future Kia styling and strategy the Kia Novo
is aimed at modern urbanites with stressful jobs and frantic schedules.
Interpreted by Kia's designers, the name 'Novo' represents the concept of
making something new and fresh.
Taking its name from the Latin 'novatus' the Kia
Novo concept establishes a calming, focused environment in which drivers can
refresh and rejuvenate as they transition from one life commitment to the next.
Fittingly, 'novatus' also provides the origin of
the English word, 'innovation', which the Novo concept brings to life with
thoroughly innovative styling and high-tech interior features. The Kia Novo
takes inspiration from classic, traditional craftsmanship and vehicle design,
and reinterprets it using modern materials and cutting-edge production
techniques.
Designed at Kia's Namyang design centre in Korea,
on a specially-adapted version of Kia's C-segment global platform, the Novo has
a coupé-inspired silhouette. The Novo's minimal front overhangs, longer rear
overhangs and fastback roofline, as well as a slim, long glass area, give it a
raked, sporty profile.
The smooth, geometric design of the car's shape is
blended with a series of sharp, decisive lines and forms around the body. The
front of the Novo sports the latest interpretation of Kia's hallmark
'tiger-nose' grille, now wider and more deeply embedded, and slim, new laser
headlamps. Low, wide air intakes house additional laser headlamps, which frame
the Novo's bold face, emphasise its low, wide stance and give the car a unique
light signature.
The Novo's sharply creased bodywork gives the car a
clean, modern appearance when viewed from the side, with strong lines on the
doors, skirts and aluminium wing vents. Rear-hinged doors complete the car's
striking profile appearance, with slim, central pop-out door handles running
level to the finely-sculpted aluminium door mirrors. The Novo's diamond-cut
alloy wheels feature a similarly sharp design, made up of straight edges and
two-tone carbon and silver finish. Completing the Novo's thoroughly
contemporary look are an aluminium rear roof line and two-tone silver and green
paint finish.
Designed as a sanctuary from the frenzied outside
world, the Kia Novo's cabin is a relaxing space in which to temporarily escape
the stresses and strains of modern life. Focused solely on the driver, the
minimalist interior provides few distractions from the task of driving, while
all occupants benefit from plenty of space, a result of the car's long body and
intelligent packaging.
The long, wide dashboard, whose sharp lines are
embellished with the use of leather and aluminium highlights, is angled towards
the driver. The instrument binnacle shows relevant information through a
compact three-dimensional hologram display, while a 'blind control' touch pad
next to the steering wheel allows drivers to control the car's many functions
without having to take their eyes off the road ahead. The touch pad
incorporates a fingerprint scanner, which automatically sets up elements of the
car according to the driver's preferences, such as music selection, audio
volume and the type of information displayed. A wide touchscreen in the centre
of the dash displays the car's full range of functionality to occupants.
As well as the neat, simple design forms that make
up the dashboard and centre console, the interior's four individual dark brown
leather sports seats add to the minimalist ambience of the cabin, each made up
of simple linear shapes and featuring built-in inertia reel seatbelts to
minimise 'cabin clutter'.
The Novo is powered by the latest high-tech
production Kia powertrain to match its dynamic looks. A 1.6-litre 'Kappa' turbo
gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine has been paired with the brand's
seven-speed DCT to power the front wheels. The result is decisive, sporty
performance and impressive fuel economy for Kia's latest star.
The Kia Novo concept is fitted with innovative new
'adaptive concave profile' tyres, with a sunken middle section between two
contact points serving to cool the rubber and channel excess road water away
from the wheels for greater grip. The unique 20-inch tyres feature two slim
contact points on the outer edges to provide lower rolling resistance and
reduce road noise, while providing a high level of grip.
Although there are currently no plans to bring the
Kia Novo concept to production, Kia has a history of delivering production
vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to concept vehicles that precede them.
The Kia Novo concept provides a glimpse into Kia's plans for its future compact
car line-up.
