Kia
Provo Concept
The
2013 Kia Provo concept was a proposal for a funky looking small coupe which
featured a number of styling cues borrowed from contemporary and classic race
cars.
From
the outside the Kia Provo is a rather tidy looking bit of kit. It’s quite simple
in its design, and looks quite sturdy and well planted. It has the feel of a
MINI Cooper or Citroen DS3 Racing about
it – quirky but desirable.
Up
front there’s racing-style tow ring. Presumably that’s there to give the
concept a modicum of racing style – not because Kia expects it to break down on
its way to Switzerland – and a couple of power bulges in the hood hint at the
sporty little engine hiding underneath.
At
the rear of the Provo, the taillights stand out from the bodywork and their shape mimics that of the
headlights and grille. Inset into the rear bumper are a pair of large round
tailpipes.
Powering
the Kia Provo concept is a hybrid drivetrain which combines a 1.6 litre
turbocharged engine producing 204 horsepower with an electric motor driving the
rear wheels. The 4WD hybrid can be operated in electric-only mode, or the
electric motor can provide extra on-demand shove for things like overtaking.
The Provo is fitted with Kia’s first ever seven-speed DCT transmission.
On
the inside the Kia Provo really excels. It’s simple yet stylish. And if it
weren’t for the Kia badge on the steering wheel it could easily be mistaken for
belonging to any number of luxury manufacturers. Again there’s a few
racing-inspired details, like the steering wheel center mark, bright red
stop/start button, and passenger footrest. If Kia can manage to put an interior
as stylish as this into a production car, then they really do have it made.
