Kia
CUB Concept
Kia
Motors sprang a major surprise on visitors to the 2013 Seoul International
Motor Show in Korea with the world premiere of its all-new Kia CUB Concept.
Designed
at the Kia headquarters studio in Seoul, under the direction of President and
Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the CUB is less than four meters long,
has rearward-opening rear doors and an 'access-all-areas' interior concept
without traditional B-pillars, providing excellent access to the luxuriously
trimmed cabin.
The
exterior styling of the Kia CUB Concept highlights that it is both sleek and
small, with a cheerful face and a daring character. Design features created by
Peter Schreyer for the 2007 Kia Kee 2+2 concept are revisited in a new form.
The CUB's nose has a broad wrap-around 'mouth' and there is a 'dip' in the top
of the windshield, a motif that is featured on Optima, Sportage and Cadenza
models. The latest interpretation of grille is a shallower design incorporating
the turbocharger's air intake, highlighted in body color.
The
headlamps feature two-point LED lights - similar to those which first appeared
on the Kia Quoris large flagship sedan in 2012. Large 19-inch alloy wheels fill
the wheelarches and the front doors have aerodynamic 'turning-vanes' at sill level
to streamline and add definition the CUB's flanks. At
the rear, LED tail lights complete the premium feel of the exterior and the
nose treatment derived from Kia's Kee concept car is replicated at the tail to
accentuate the width of the vehicle.
The
super-smooth exterior, with its flush glazing, minimum-drag wing mirrors and
automatic touch-type door handles, promises ultra-low aerodynamic drag. A
two-color paint finish with sporty stripe hints at the CUB's high-performance
potential, while the car's broad track gives it an imposing stance.
With
four individual seats, the CUB's interior presents a unique ambience. The cabin
creates the sensation of a luxurious coupe and is trimmed in black leather with
yellow color accents around the seats, door armrests and steering wheel.
The
instrument cluster design is inspired by the eyes of a wild animal. The
center-stack design is minimalist with an air vent controlled by touch sensor.
For extra safety, the steering wheel rim is capable of monitoring the driver`s
biorhythms.
As
well as a steering-wheel, there is a DIS (Driving Information System)
controller connected to a gesture camera which provides easier operation while
driving. With well-defined motions, drivers can set up each menu on the center
display. Hinting at the high-performance nature of the Kia CUB Concept, there
is a footrest provided in the front passenger footwell.
The
Kia CUB Concept powertrain features a new version of the company's 1.6-liter
GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine - recently confirmed as the powerunit
for the new Kia pro_cee'd GT and cee'd GT sold in Europe.
Fitted
with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components, the new
engine generates 51% more power (204 ps) and 60% more torque (265 Nm) than the
regular 1.6 unit. This engine enables both of Kia's European GT models, with a
six-speed manual transmission, to accelerate to 100 kph in 7.7 seconds and
reach a top speed of 230 km/h.
