Kia brings KV7 to Detroit

At the North American International Auto Show Kia is unveiling a new concept car developed at the brand's U.S. design studio: the KV7.

Designed by Kia’s California design team, the KV7 was conceived as a modern-day "activity MPV". The challenge in this concept car was to run away from the idea that MPVs are strictly for family transportation. The KV7 shows a vehicle that can transport a large number of people, and their belongings, but that can also be used as a connected social hub for groups of friends and adventure-seekers.

Box-shaped, reminding of Kia Soul, the KV7 runs away from the raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses that are usually found in the MPV segment, and brings SUV-like qualities to the segment.

"From the outset, we felt the category was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so desperate to attach the word ‘sporty' to their MPV even though MPVs, at their very core, are simply a box," explained Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Motors America.

Elegant box shapes such as smart phones and classic pieces of luggage were sources of inspiration for the development of the KV7.

"Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did with the Soul, and the result is a straightforward yet sophisticated vehicle that retains the functionality MPVs are known for and meets the changing and diverse needs of today's consumers," said Kearns.

One of the main features of this concept is the passenger-side gullwing door that gives access to a lounge-like interior. When opened together with the front passenger door, it offers a very large access to the interior of the vehicle. This door also allows the vehicle to open up to the outside world and become the sociable hub of an outdoor event.

Inside, besides the functionality of the MPV segment, Kia designers have conceived a vehicle that meets of an entirely new group of consumers. This is a group that organizes road trips, social outing and new adventures for themselves and their friends.

The interior of the KV7 features four custom-built swivelling seats, including the driver's seat, and a rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three.

The KV7 concept car is powered by Kia’s new Theta II 2.0-litre GDI turbocharged engine, with a power output of 285 hp and fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.