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Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Centre in Irvine, California, the striking Koup concept surprised show goers at the New York motor show and illustrates the shape and evolution of future Kias.
Looking from some angles like a two-door Mitsubishi Lancer, the aggressive, pillarless Koup is a practical four-seater.
Chief designer Tom Kearns says the car is a taste of future Kias.
“Kia is designing cars to appeal to drivers who want stylish looks and advanced technology,” he says.
The Koup styling is likely to appear first in the small, four-door Spectra sedan, codenamed TD, which features a strong wedge-shape, short boot and long angular front end in 2010.
The Koup combines balanced proportions and a fluid design that hints at an almost production-ready front-wheel-drive sports coupe.
Adding further fuel to the flames is that the car also has six-airbags, electronic stability control, adaptive headlights and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
The independent front suspension gets MacPherson struts and the rear has a dual link set-up, borrowed from Kia's parts bin. The suspension features continuous damping control.
Front on, the car has a bold, dynamic stance with carbon-fibre and black-chrome LED headlights.
From the side there is a distinct wedge-shaped profile with short front and rear overhangs and 19-inch alloys with a Brembo brake package.
Inside there is plenty of carbon-fibre detailing, sports seats, smart key ignition with push-button start and six-speed sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles.
The car is powered by a 2.0-litre Theta II turbo-charged four-cylinder.
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