True concept cars are meant to inspire the
imagination, to challenge convention, to be as original, daring and
emotion-driven as an automobile can be. At first glance, the Imagine by
Kia Concept seems to fit the description. But while it’s definitely daring and
fresh, blurring the lines between SUVs, sedans, and crossovers, it might as
well be the first concept vehicle that trolls other carmakers.
Ever since Tesla slapped a giant 17-inch tablet on
the dash of the Model S in 2012, automakers took notice and gradually
implemented larger displays in their new vehicles. Kia believes this trend has
reached ridiculous proportions and its Geneva Motor Show design study is the
company’s way of telling the industry how it feels about it. The concept
features no fewer than 21 individual ultra-high resolution screens inside.
The displays are arranged like a deck of cards on
the dash “in a layout that is at the same time both casual and coordinated,”
according to the carmaker. Kudos to Kia for signaling other automakers that
some of them have gone too far with the screen frenzy. Nevertheless, the
screen-wall is highly functional, effectively creating a single unified display
from the driver’s point of view.
As you can imagine, the Korean company didn’t go
through the trouble of building a concept car just to tease other carmakers. In
fact, Imagine by Kia brings forward “a more progressive Kia design language for
the future.” The concept features
“intelligent reinterpretations of existing Kia motifs and a bodywork
characterized by a blend of tautly-drawn sheet metal, crisp lines, and
efficient aerodynamics.”
Penned by Kia’s European design center in Frankfurt,
the study envisions a four-door all-electric C-segment model that features an
airy and spacious interior. Obviously, we won’t see something like this on the
road, but Imagine by Kia does hint at interior and exterior design elements
that future production models could adopt — such as the “tiger mask” front
light signature.
It’s a statement more than anything else, and the
fact that Kia didn’t reveal much about the bespoke electric platform that
underpins the concept only strengthens that impression. All the automaker said
is the vehicle features a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack that
powers a compact drivetrain.
