Tuesday 9th September 2003

KCV III

Kia don't just make oranges

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Frankfurt was the venue for the launch of Kia's radical concept car, the KCV-III.

The 2+2 convertible coupe is aimed at the computer generation and is supposedly inspired by competers dream world fantasies (best not go there...).

The target market of 'Generation Y' consumers will apparently insist on radar, telematics, in dash DVD and MP3 players. Research has shown that current 'Generation X' customers are prepared to settle for a laptop on the passenger seat and a cappucino wedged between the thighs.

It's a fancy bit of kit though, with a fully automatic, all-solar-glass convertible roof. Styling is pretty bold - looking like a cross between a Beetle and a 307. Sadly by the time Kia have productionised it, it will be as memorable as their other models. Like the... er... Kia... you-know 1.6 GLX.

[d3ano]

Now this is a nice looking car.
Why can't Kia produce a car like this for the mass market?
If it was on the market i would buy one (only if it was under the £24,999 mark though)

[Stig]

The same is true of all manufacturers, they come up with a concept that looks stunning and everyone wants, then they build something with all the appeal of genital warts

[gruffy]

It's such a shame this happens. Wouldn't it be great if the manufacturers stuck to their design guns (a la Megane and TVR interiors) and began to educate the masses with better design?

[wallabyguy]

Is it just me or did kia brish off the Elan production tooling it bought 7-8 years ago from Lotus, rebody it and this is their result. Look closely at the proportions and the interior layout. Am I right or just nuts?

[danmangt40]

interesting mix. I see bugatti Veyron, Autobacs Garaiya, and Evo in there. (ok, just the spoiler on the evo.)