Kia Kee Concept


The Kia Kee (pronounced ´key´) is a 4.3-metre long, four-seater, 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines resulting from a slightly lengthened greenhouse. It is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence that demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for Kia.

Kia Kee features a broad stance and a low profile, with unique exterior elements - the strong and powerful frontal design with its distinctive headlamps and eye-catching LED cluster, a dynamic profile with striking greenhouse treatment and 20-inch diameter alloy wheels. Measuring 4,324 mm long, the Kia Kee is powered by a ´next generation´ Mue-II 2-litre, V-6 gasoline engine producing 200 ps, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.


Kee embodies Kia´s desire to create a family of cars that will be instantly recognisable on the road and will have simple yet sophisticated appeal in dealer showrooms. Whether wide-eyed admirers of this new generation of vehicles are existing Kia customers - wise to the dramatically improved quality and traditional strong value of the current range - or entirely new audiences, they will immediately recognise a range of cars aimed at those who enjoy driving and seek the perfect machinery to deliver that experience.

Beneath the powerful and unique appearance are a host of fine details all hinting at the car´s true purpose and harmonising to create a sophisticated design entity. Whether it is the milled aluminium B-pillar visible through the panoramic grey-tinted glass, the distinctively individual 20-inch wheels and hand-cut Continental tyres or the small touches such as the electronic micro-switch door release set into the side-window glass, the clamshell rear hatch opening supported by electronic dampers or the unique front windscreen shape that mirrors so many other details on the Kee, it is clear that this car has been lovingly created by people who care about design.


Inside - Kee looks and feels like a true sports car in which the keen driver will instantly feel comfortable and at ease. The cabin is designed for maximum focus on driving. Clustered directly ahead of the driver, the main dials and controls are simple and straightforward utilising Kia´s new standard red-orange illumination.

Behind the square-bottomed steering wheel are paddles to shift the six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. Instead of a standard gear stick an ergonomically designed lever sits atop the milled aluminium centre console and requires only a nudge forward or backward to select the desired drive mode. The top of the computer mouse-like lever flips up to reveal the electronic starter button.


After pressing the starter button the driver will immediately recognise the throaty roar of a V6 engine. The next generation 2.7-litre MUE-II engine, produces 200 ps and will deliver instant response, enormous flexibility and scintillating performance on any kind of road. Kee uses light-weight aluminium or plastic panels and components wherever possible in order to reduce weight and keep the emphasis on rapid and controlled progress that ensures simple fun and driving pleasure. The result is a low kerb weight with excellent balance biased towards the front of this front-wheel drive showcar to deliver neutrally safe handling. Yet Kee could be built with rear wheel drive or even all-wheel-drive allowing Kia to add to its growing range as its brand develops its reputation amongst a more exacting audience.

Continuing the theme of real-life functionality, the rear of the 2+2 cabin is sufficiently spacious to allow two adult passengers to travel on individual seats in the back of the vehicle whenever necessary. While Kee is not intended to be a regular four-seater, Kia knows that real people have real needs and the brand has no intention of moving into the exotic sports car territory that others so amply fill. And there is even space for a useful amount of luggage.


Kee is the first step towards a new family look for Kia vehicles underscored by a focus on distinctive design. Although Kee is primarily a concept vehicle, it is one that could easily go into production should public demand dictate. Kee lays down very clear indications of how Peter Schreyer and his design team intend future Kia vehicles should look and displays elements that its creators will transfer to future production models. The new Kia Kee ultimately serves the Kia brand on a number of fronts. It is a design exercise for a sports coupe model that currently does not feature in the company´s line-up - at present no plans exist to put the Kee into immediate production, but media and public reaction will be closely monitored.