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Kia Imagine concept hints at Tesla challenger

The Imagine by Kia concept previews the South Korean brand's idea of an electric future.

Kia has used the Geneva motor show to unveil its Imagine by Kia all-electric sedan concept, a car the brand describes as "a visual embodiment of Kia's desire to move forward in the exciting world of electrification".

The first four-door all-electric passenger car developed by the South Korean carmaker, Imagine by Kia is underpinned by its own dedicated EV architecture with a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack that powers a compact drivetrain of unknown capacity and output.

Given its pure-EV powertrain, Imagine by Kia misses out on the brand's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, however it is still identifiable as a Kia by the LED lighting signature around the headlights and front fascia that develop a similarly styled 'Tiger Mask' front end.

The LED dipped and main beams are housed in a single block of clear acrylic glass which creates a floating effect, while a raked bonnet and rippled splitter complete the front-end look.

Enhancing the concept's smooth lines, a single sheet of glass is used for the windshield and roof, while a thin B-pillar gives the car a sense of openness.

Thin cameras mounted on the A-pillar replace traditional side mirrors, while at the rear the turn signals in the tail-lights are housed within deep-set tunnels that create a three-dimensional effect, and the wraparound brake light strips hark back to the Stinger sedan.

The Imagine concept is finished in six hand-applied layers of chrome-effect silver paint covered in a tanned bronze tint, while imposing 22-inch alloy wheels feature four flush inserts of transparent acrylic glass.

A bespoke Goodyear 255/35R22 Intelligrip EV concept set of tyres have been been fitted.

Kia used the EV architecture of the Imagine concept to maximise interior space, while high-tech features abound including 21 individual high-resolution screen that curve across the dashboard, poking fun at the seemingly larger and larger screens fitted to new cars by manufacturers.

The brand says the collage of screens are also highly functional, housing the climate control, navigation, drive and media systems, as well as displaying Kia concepts of years gone by.

Four seats are available upholstered in leather and silk, while the doors – covered in metallic fabric and leather – are rear-hinged at the back for ease of access.

Kia Motors Europe vice-president of design Gregory Guillaume said the Imagine concept aimed to blend practicality with a new direction of style and packaging. Kia Motors Europe vice-president of design Gregory Guillaume said the Imagine concept aimed to blend practicality with a new direction of style and packaging.

A lack of internal-combustion engine has allowed for storage compartments and the front and rear of the vehicle.

Kia Motors Europe vice-president of design Gregory Guillaume said the Imagine concept aimed to blend practicality with a new direction of style and packaging.

"As you all know, Kia prides itself on our power to surprise, and it's this unorthodox approach that fired our collective imagination, moving us away from the rational, to embrace a warmer and more human approach to electrification," he said.

"We imagined designing an all-electric car that not only answered consumer concerns around range, performance, recharging networks and driving dynamism, but one that also gave you goose bumps when you looked at it, and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you drove it."

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