Future Kias Could Carry Novo Concept’s Design DNA

Kia showcases its Kia Novo compact coupe-like concept at the Seoul Auto Show, building the 4-door fastback on a modified Kia Forte compact sedan platform.

While there is no plan to put the Novo into production, “The Kia Novo concept provides a glimpse into Kia’s plans for the future,” the automaker says. However, it notes, “Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept vehicles that precede them.”

The Kia Novo’s low, rakish, sporty silhouette results from short front and long rear overhangs, and its smoothly contoured fastback roofline.

It features the latest advanced interpretation of the Kia tiger-nose grille, bolstered by wide, deeply embedded slim-laser headlamps. Beneath them wide air intakes house additional laser headlamps.

The rear end also features a laser lamp treatment and triangular-shaped exhaust outlets.

The clean, smooth, aerodynamic sides are enhanced by opposing hinged doors that feature centrally located pop-out handles.

The Kia Novo is set on large, diamond-cut alloy wheels that mount unique adaptive profile concave tires. The special tires have a sunken central tread between two outboard pressure ridges that bear the stresses.

The sunken central area enhances cooling and expels excess water.

Kia assures the interior of the new concept will provide drivers and passengers with a “sanctuary from the frenzied world.” Its spartan, utilitarian feel nevertheless is stylish.

The wide stitched leather dash panel has aluminum accents.

The instrument panel features a 3-D hologram display. The touch-pad control next to the steering wheel has a fingerprint ID function to automatically set various infotainment controls and others to each driver’s preference.

Four dark-brown leather seats have trim, simple lines and inertia-reel seatbelts to maintain the interior’s spacious and uncluttered look.

Under the hood is a 1.6L T-GDI Kappa turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. No performance data has been provided.