Gasoline engine | ||
2.0-litre 150 ps | ||
Type / capacity | Nu, MPI, 4-in-line, DOHC 16-valve CVVT / 1999 cc | |
Power / torque | 150 ps (110 kW) @ 6000 rpm / 180 Nm @ 5000 rpm | |
Bore x stroke (mm) | 81.0 x 97.0 | |
Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
Electric motor | ||
270 VDC, 47 ps | ||
Type | Interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor | |
Power / torque | 47 ps (35 kW) @ 1630-3000 rpm / 205 Nm @ 0-1630 rpm | |
Combined outputs | ||
Max power | 177 ps (131 kW) @ 5500 rpm | |
Max torque | 319 Nm @ 1000-2000 rpm | |
Transmission | ||
Automatic | 6-sp (with fully automatic and sport modes) | |
Battery pack | ||
Type | Lithium Polymer | |
Voltage / Capacity | 270 / 5.3 Ah | |
Max output | 47 kW | |
Weight (kg) | 41.3 | |
Suspension and damping | ||
Front | Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. | |
Rear | Fully independent by subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. | |
Steering | ||
Type | MDPS electric power assisted rack and pinion steering | |
Wheel turns | 2.94 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 10.9 metres | |
Brakes | ||
Front | 300 x 28 mm ventilated discs | |
Rear | 284 x 10 mm solid discs | |
Booster size | 10.5 inch | |
100-to-0 kph | 38.6 metres (with 16-inch wheels/tyres) | |
38.3 metres (with 17-inch wheels/tyres) | ||
Wheels and tyres | ||
Standard* | 16 x 6.5 inch alloy | 205/65 R16 |
Optional | 17 x 6.5 inch alloy | 215/55 R17 |
Spare | Temporary steel wheel | |
Technical Specifications / New Kia Optima Hybrid | ||
Dimensions (mm) | ||
Exterior | ||
Overall length | 4845 | |
Overall width | 1830 (excluding door mirrors) | |
Overall height | 1455 | |
Wheelbase | 2795 | |
Front track | 1595-1601 (depending on wheel / tyre combination) | |
Rear track | 1595-1601 (depending on wheel / tyre combination) | |
Front overhang | 965 | |
Rear overhang | 1085 | |
Ground clearance | 135 | |
Aerodynamic Cd | 0.26 | |
Interior | Front | Rear |
Head room | 1028 | 965 |
Leg room | 1155 | 880 |
Shoulder room | 1455 | 1415 |
Hip room | 1388 | 1384 |
Capacities (litres) | ||
Fuel tank | 65 | |
Luggage | 381 | |
Weights | ||
Kerb weight (kg) | 1587 | |
Maximum (kg) | 2050 | |
Weight distribution | 57.6 / 42.4% | front / rear |
Performance | ||
Top speed (kph) | 190 | |
0-to-100 kph (sec) | 9.4 | |
Fuel consumption and emissions | ||
Litres / 100 km* | 5.1 | |
CO2 (g/km) | 119 | |
*Official combined cycle test, model with 16-inch wheels/tyres | ||
MARCH 2013 |
Unique colours and equipment for Kia pro_cee’d GT ‘1st edition’
Frankfurt, 4 March 2013 – The all-new Kia Carens is a compact MPV designed and engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of modern families. With sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, choice of four powertrains, low CO2 emissions (from 124 g/km), up to seven seats and a broad range of convenience and safety features, the new third-generation Carens is set to attract many more customers to the Kia brand.
“The all-new Carens takes Kia back into one of the most important and competitive sectors of the European market with a strong contender for class-honours. Very stylish and sporty looking, new Carens has a spacious and versatile interior with five or seven seats and large storage compartments throughout the cabin. This model will have great appeal to families with an active lifestyle who don‘t want to compromise between style and practicality. New Carens is a key step in Kia’s strategy to become a Top 10 car manufacturer in Europe,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.
Stand-out sporty design
With a sleek and sculpted design, the all-new Kia Carens marks a dramatic shift away from the more utilitarian look of its predecessor. It features a spacious five or five-plus-two seating layout, a generously proportioned luggage bay and numerous stowage spaces, and wraps this family-friendly adaptability in more purposeful sheet metal.
“I wanted to give the new Carens a sleeker look and feel, to create a design that envelops its functionality and versatility in something altogether more athletic and dynamic,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer.
“This new-found visual dynamism is important – this car needs to look appealing and attractive – but during its design and development stages, we never lost sight of the fact that its packaging flexibility and adaptability are why people buy these cars,” explains Schreyer.
The new Carens is shorter, narrower and lower than the previous-generation model (by 20 mm, 15 mm and 40 mm, respectively). However, cabin space is generous thanks to the new model’s increased wheelbase (up by 50 mm) and cab-forward design which places the base of the A-pillar above the front-wheel centre line. Its overall height is one of the lowest in class – giving the model a more sporty appearance.
The contemporary styling of new Carens is highlighted by its standard LED daylight running lights and optional LED rear combination lamps.
Up to seven seats with excellent versatility
For the new Carens, the long wheelbase and the latest packaging technologies have resulted in a spacious cabin with generous room for up to seven occupants.
To deliver the maximum carrying versatility expected by MPV customers, the front passenger seat backrest can fold forwards (enabling objects up to 2150 mm in length to be carried), the second row features three individual sliding / folding seats split 33 / 33 / 33 and the third row seats (where fitted) split 50 / 50 and fold flat into the trunk floor when not required.
A comfortable environment for the driver and passengers is assured by the standard air-conditioning (manual or automatic, depending on model), rear air vents and optional side window blinds. A special wide-angle mirror in the overhead console allows parents to safely monitor their children while on the move.
Storage compartments are conveniently located throughout the new Carens with under-seat drawers, under-floor storage boxes, a deep centre console cubby hole and large door pockets.
All models will be available with optional heated front- and second-row seats, while top-specification models will also offer ventilated front seats with powered cushion extension and powered lumbar support as an option. Buyers can also choose a heated steering wheel and a supervision instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen that displays high-definition graphics.
Multiple choice of high-tech features
The new Carens will offer buyers a wide range of innovative and high-tech comfort and convenience features.
Cruise control with a speed limiter will be standard on all models. Available features will include an electric parking brake, ‘smart key’ with engine start / stop button, a six-speaker audio system with optional amplifier and sub-woofer, puddle lights in the exterior side mirrors, and a large, powered panoramic glass sunroof.
Power spread from 115 to 166 ps
Customers in Europe will have a choice of four engines. Two diesel and two gasoline power units offer a broader range of power outputs compared to the previous model – ranging from 115 ps to 166 ps with competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions from 124 to 179 g/km for manual models.
The 1.7-litre diesel engine is already popular in a variety of Kia vehicles around the world and in new Carens it will be available in two versions. The low-power version generates 115 ps maximum power and 260 Nm maximum torque. The high-power unit produces 136 ps and 330 Nm. Modifications to these engines have resulted in lower CO2 emissions for both versions – down to as little as 124 g/km for the ISG stop / start equipped low power variant, a 17% improvement over its predecessor.
Both gasoline engines feature gasoline direct injection to boost power output without increasing fuel consumption. The 1.6-litre GDI engine, introduced in the Kia Sportage and subsequently fitted to new cee’d, generates a maximum of 135 ps and 165 Nm. The 2.0-litre unit delivers 166 ps and 213 Nm maximum torque.
The fastest accelerating new Carens, the 2.0-litre gasoline model, reaches 100 kph in 9.7 seconds and has a top speed of 203 kph.
Six-speed transmissions for all
To help optimise the balance between performance and economy, every new Carens will be fitted with a six-speed transmission. Low first and second gear ratios boost low-speed acceleration, while high top (sixth) gear ratios allow low engine revs during high-speed cruising – reducing cabin noise, enhancing refinement and lowering fuel consumption.
The highest-power diesel and gasoline engines will be offered with an optional automatic transmission engineered and manufactured in-house by Kia. This six-speed unit has a manual sport mode with optional paddle-shift on the steering wheel, and is an unusually compact design ideal for front-wheel drive vehicles.
Extensively engineered running gear
The suspension and running gear of new Carens has been comprehensively developed to deliver responsive handling, excellent straight-line stability, and exceptional ride quality and refinement.
The MDPS electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering features a combined torque / angle sensor to protect against side wind gusts. It is geared for 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, and the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach. Kia’s new FlexSteer™ system is fitted as standard. This offers three different steering weights to match customer preference with Normal, Sport and Comfort modes.
Mounted on a sub-frame to isolate road shocks, new Carens boasts MacPherson strut front suspension, while at the rear, the CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) is engineered with a strong connection between the trailing-arms and the stub-axles, and is designed to reduce under-steer and bump-steer, while delivering a comfortably compliant ride.
An all-disc braking system – with 300 mm ventilated front, and 284 mm solid rear discs – is standard on all models. The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems.
The standard wheel and tyre package is a 16-inch steel wheel with 205 / 55 R16 low rolling resistance tyres, or similar size alloy wheels – depending on model. To suit customer preference, new 17-inch silver and 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels with lower-profile tyres will be available as options.
Active safety systems make a big step forward
Kia has a strong record for producing vehicles that offer customers high levels of active and passive safety technology. The all-new bodyshell created for the new Carens incorporates Kia’s latest CAD techniques and structural lessons from recent Kia models. Manufactured with a high percentage of high-strength steel, the new bodyshell will contribute to new Carens earning an anticipated 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety tests.
Innovative ‘active’ safety features available for the new Carens will include LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) and SPAS (Smart Parking Assist System).
LDWS uses a forward-facing video camera to monitor the car’s position in relation to lane markings and triggers a warning in case of unintended lane departures at speeds above 60 kph. SPAS features automatic steering control by ultrasonic sensors and an on-board computer to safely perform parallel parking. The computer ‘takes over’ the task of steering, while the driver remains in control of the accelerator and brake.
Safety during parking manoeuvres can be enhanced by using the optional rear-view safety camera, while visibility during night-time driving can be enhanced by specifying HID Xenon headlamps.
“With its low CO2 emissions, competitive pricing and total cost of ownership, unique Kia 7-Year warranty, higher residual values and added appeal to fleet customers, we expect new Carens to bring a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms across Europe and introduce many of them to the benefits of Kia ownership,” adds Oeyen.
Editors’ Notes
All-new Kia Carens range
Some markets may select particular powertrains and levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers. Please check the final technical specification and model equipment details with your national Kia PR representative.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE
All-new Kia Carens
Body and chassis
Five-door, five- or seven-seater MPV, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of transversely mounted diesel and gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on model and market).
Diesel engines
1.7-litre 115 ps | |
Type / capacity | U2, TCI, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1685 cc |
Power / torque | 115 ps (84.6 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1250-2750 rpm |
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.2 x 90.0 |
Compression ratio | 17.0 |
1.7-litre 136 ps | |
Type / capacity | U2, TCI, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1685 cc |
Power / torque | 136 ps (100 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 330 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm |
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.2 x 90.0 |
Compression ratio | 17.3 |
Gasoline engines
1.6-litre 135 ps | |
Type / capacity | Gamma, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc |
Power / torque | 135 ps (99.0 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 165 Nm @ 4850 rpm |
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.0 x 85.4 |
Compression ratio | 11.0 |
2.0-litre 166 ps | |
Type / capacity | Nu, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1999cc |
Power / torque | 166 ps (122 kW) @ 6500 rpm / 213 Nm @ 4700 rpm |
Bore x stroke (mm) | 81.0 x 97.0 |
Compression ratio | 11.5 |
Transmissions
Diesel | Gasoline | |||
1.7 (115) | 1.7 (136) | 1.6 (135) | 2.0 (166) | |
Manual | 6-sp | 6-sp | 6-sp | 6-sp |
Automatic | ----- | 6-sp | ----- | 6-sp |
Technical specifications / New Kia Carens
Suspension and damping
Front | Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar. |
Rear | Coupled torsion beam axle, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. |
Steering
Type | MDPS motor-driven electric power steering, with Flex Steer™ |
Wheel turns | 2.7 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 11.0 metres |
Brakes
Front | Ventilated discs, 300 x 28 mm |
Rear | Solid discs, 284 x 10 mm |
Booster size | 11-inch |
100-to-0 kph | 40.8 metres |
Wheels and tyres
Standard | 16 x 6.5 inch steel | 205 / 55 R16 |
Optional | 16 x 6.5 inch alloy* | 205 / 55 R16 |
17 x 7.0 inch alloy | 225 / 45 R17 | |
18 x 7.5 inch alloy** | 225 / 45 R18 | |
Spare | Temporary mobility kit |
*standard on top models, **top models only
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior | |
Overall length | 4525 |
Overall width | 1805 (excluding door mirrors) |
Overall height | 1610 (excluding roof rails) |
Wheelbase | 2750 |
Front track | 1563-1573 (depending on wheel/tyre combination) |
Rear track | 1576-1586 (depending on wheel/tyre combination) |
Front overhang | 940 |
Rear overhang | 835 |
Ground clearance | 151 |
Aerodynamic Cd | 0.30 |
Interior | Front | 2nd row | 3rd row |
Head room | 1035 | 1002 | 867 |
Leg room | 1034 | 940 | 707 |
Shoulder room | 1438 | 1440 | 1313 |
Capacities (litres)
Fuel tank | 58.0 | |
Luggage (7-/5-seater) | 103 / --- | behind 3rd row seats, to window |
492 / 536 | behind 2rd row seats, to window | |
1650 / 1694 | behind front row seats, to roof |
Weights (5-seater)
Diesel | Gasoline | |||
1.7 (115) | 1.7 (136) MT / AT | 1.6 (135) | 2.0 (166) MT / AT | |
Kerb weight (kg) | 1482 | 1492 / 1512 | 1383 | 1420 / 1445 |
Maximum (kg) | 2110 | 2110 / 2130 | 2000 | 2040 / 2060 |
Technical Specifications / New Kia Carens
Weights (7-seater)
Diesel | Gasoline | |||
1.7 (115) | 1.7 (136) MT / AT | 1.6 (135) | 2.0 (166) MT / AT | |
Kerb weight (kg) | 1506 | 1516 / 1525 | 1408 | 1444 / 1469 |
Maximum (kg) | 2240 | 2250 / 2270 | 2140 | 2180 / 2200 |
Performance
Diesel | Gasoline | |||
1.7 (115) | 1.7 (136) MT / AT | 1.6 (135) | 2.0 (166) MT / AT | |
Top speed (kph) | 181 | 191 / 186 | 185 | 203 / 200 |
0-to-100 kph (sec) | 13.0 | 10.4 / 12.0 | 11.3 | 9.7 / 10.8 |
Standard models
Fuel Consumption and Emissions
Diesel | Gasoline | |||
1.7 (115) | 1.7 (136) MT / AT*** | 1.6 (135) | 2.0 (166) MT / AT | |
Litres / 100 km | 4.9 | 5.1 / -- | 6.8 | 7.3 / 7.9 |
CO2 (g/km) | 129 | 134 / --- | 159 | 169 / 184 |
***Figures for 1.7-litre diesel (136) AT not yet homologated
ISG models
Fuel Consumption and Emissions*
Diesel | Gasoline | |||
1.7 (115) | 1.7 (136) MT | 1.6 (135) | 2.0 (166) MT | |
Litres / 100 km | 4.7 | 4.8 | 6.4 | 7.2 |
CO2 (g/km) | 124 | 127 | 149 | 166 |
Three-door, five-seater coupe, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of transversely mounted diesel and gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on model and market).
Diesel engines | |||||
1.4-litre 90 ps | |||||
Type / capacity | U2, WGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc | ||||
Power / torque | 90 ps (66.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 220 Nm @1500-2750 rpm | ||||
Bore x stroke (mm) | 75.0 x 79.0 | ||||
Compression ratio | 17.0 | ||||
1.6-litre 110 ps | |||||
Type / capacity | U2, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc | ||||
Power / torque | 110 ps (81.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm | ||||
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.2 x 84.5 | ||||
Compression ratio | 17.3 | ||||
1.6-litre 128 ps | |||||
Type / capacity | U2, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc | ||||
Power / torque | 128 ps (94.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm | ||||
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.2 x 84.5 | ||||
Compression ratio | 17.3 | ||||
Gasoline engines | |||||
1.4-litre 100 ps | |||||
Type / capacity | Gamma, 1.4 MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc | ||||
Power / torque | 100 ps (73.2 kW) @ 5500 rpm / 137 Nm @ 4200 rpm | ||||
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.0 x 75.0 | ||||
Compression ratio | 10.5 | ||||
1.6-litre 135 ps | |||||
Type / capacity | Gamma, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc | ||||
Power / torque | 135 ps (99.0 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 164.3 Nm @ 4850 rpm | ||||
Bore x stroke (mm) | 77.0 x 85.4 | ||||
Compression ratio | 11.0 | ||||
Transmissions | |||||
Diesel | Gasoline | ||||
1.4 (90) | 1.6 (110 / 128) | 1.4 (100) | 1.6 (135) | ||
Manual | 6-sp | 6-sp | 6-sp | 6-sp | |
Automatic | –– | 6-sp | –– | 6-sp (DCT) | |
Suspension and damping | |||||
Front | Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar. | ||||
Rear | Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. | ||||
Steering | |||||
Type | Motor-driven electric power steering, with (optional) FlexSteer™ | ||||
Wheel turns | 2.85 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 10.6 metres | ||||
Brakes | |||||
Front | Discs, 280 x 23 mm / 300 x 28 mm (depending on model) | ||||
Rear | Solid discs, 262 x 10 mm / 284 x 10 mm (depending on model) | ||||
Booster size | 10-inch | ||||
100-to-0 kph | 36.5 metres | ||||
Wheels and tyres | |||||
Standard* | 15 x 6.0 inch steel | 195 / 65 R15 | |||
16 x 6.5 inch steel | 205 / 55 R16 | ||||
16 x 6.5 inch alloy | 205 / 55 R16 | ||||
17 x 7.0 inch alloy | 225 / 45 R17 | ||||
Spare | Temporary mobility kit | *depending on model and market | |||
Dimensions (mm) | |||||
Exterior | |||||
Overall length | 4310 | Overall width | 1780 (excluding door mirrors) | ||
Overall height | 1430 | Wheelbase | 2650 | ||
Front track | 1549-1563 (depending on wheel / tyre combination) | ||||
Rear track | 1557-1571 (depending on wheel / tyre combination) | ||||
Front overhang | 900 | Rear overhang | 760 | ||
Ground clearance | 140 | Aerodynamic Cd | 0.31 | ||
Interior | Front | Rear | |||
Head room | 986 | 939 | |||
Leg room | 1067 | 893 | |||
Shoulder room | 1420 | 1373 | |||
Hip room | 1362 | 1308 | |||
Capacities (litres) | |||||
Fuel tank | 53.0 | ||||
Luggage | 380 rear seats upright (up to belt line) | ||||
1225 rear seats folded (up to roof line) | |||||
Weights | |||||
Diesel | |||||
1.4 (90) | 1.6 (110) | 1.6 (128) | 1.4 (100) | 1.6 (135) | |
MT / AT | MT / AT | MT / DCT | |||
Kerb weight (kg) | 1212 | 1225 / 1235 | 1225 / 1235 | 1109 | 1117/1146 |
Maximum (kg) | 1910 | 1920 / 1940 | 1920 / 1940 | 1820 | 1820/1840 |
Performance | |||||
Top speed (kph) | 170 | 182 / 180 | 197 / 190 | 182 | 195 / 195 |
0-to-100 kph (sec) | 13.5 | 12.7 / 12.3 | 10.9 / 11.7 | 12.8 | 9.9 / 10.8 |
Fuel consumption and emissions Standard (15-inch wheels) | |||||
Litres / 100 km | 4.1 | 4.0 / 5.5 | 4.1 / 5.5 | 6.0 | 5.8 / 6.0 |
CO2 (g/km) | 109 | 104 / 145 | 109 / 145 | 139 | 135 / 137 |
Fuel consumption and emissions EcoDynamics* (manual models, 15-inch wheels) | |||||
Litres / 100 km | 4.0 | 3.7 / n/a | 3.7 / n/a | 5.6 | 5.2 / n/a |
CO2 (g/km) | 105 | 97 / n/a | 97 / n/a | 130 | 119 / n/a |
*models fitted with ISG only | |||||
MARCH 2013 |
The sleek, low, yet muscular coupe-style hatchback mixes a petrol-fuelled turbo-charged engine with clever regenerative-electric motors to bring a smart-hybrid solution to this fun-focused concept that points to Kia Motors’ future B-segment expansion plans.
This is a car designed for fun – pure and simple. Every curve, crease and line combines to bring provo to life with a single purpose – to delight and entrance its owner and to bring a smile to the driver's face. The car is meant to be cheeky and cheerful in its compactness and to hint at the fun awaiting on the open road.
Created to deliver a new interpretation of the DNA from sporting coupes of the past with all the advantages of up-to-the-minute technology and materials, provo blends a clean, simple yet muscular exterior with a stunning interior treatment mixing high-tech and luxury materials that will set pulses racing whether on busy city streets or at the race-track.
From its steep leading edge featuring an aero-style splitter, carbon-fibre panels and tiny LED cluster front lights, over the long bonnet and sculpted flanks, visor-look windscreen to the sharply cut-off rear treatment (also featuring an aerodynamic splitter with an adjustable vent system to direct airflow), the provo looks every inch a purposeful performer.
Described by Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at Kia’s European styling base in Frankfurt, as “an emotional and muscular car aimed at delivering pure fun and performance for today’s city-based enthusiast driver who longs for the curves of the open road,” the Kia provo isn’t just a styling exercise. It combines a 1.6-litre Turbo GDI engine producing 204 ps with smart-4WD-hybrid technology from an electric motor delivering an additional power surge to the rear wheels when required and also allowing low-speed electric-only motion. A seven-speed DCT transmission – Kia’s first – completes the impressive technical package.
Guillaume went on: “This is entirely a car for European tastes and conditions. Designed purely at our Frankfurt studios the provo was conceived as a confident and single-minded statement of dynamism and energy to deliver a new sense of fun into the B-segment. The potent shaping displays a balanced and refined outline within a compact overall shape and the tiny front and rear overhangs enhance the balance within its proportions.”
Clearly a car from Kia, the compact provo which is 3.88-metres long, 1.77-metres wide and 1.35-metres tall, introduces itself with a steep front nose and carbon fibre lower valance that immediately convey a sense of purpose.
Hidden behind a single piece of glass is the latest take on the Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille treatment linking straight into the Schreyer-inspired headlamp units that are made up of more than 850 tiny LEDs. The programmable LEDs can be used to provide daytime running lights, full beam or even race-style configurations – as well as more humorous and decorative displays to add to provo’s sense of fun!
This thin, sharp glass panel is echoed at the rear of provo’s body and separates a purposeful splitter-style lower valance from the long, flat bonnet panel sculpted with twin creases to hint at but not slavishly copy the muscle cars of old.
A wrap-around front screen hides the A pillars and frameless doors, giving a visor-style appearance to the cabin glass with the clamshell-like roof floating above. This is divided at the rear by different colour sections rising up from the C-Pillars in an almost roll-over bar appearance.
Colour is used on the provo to enhance the almost-masculine stance with sharp points echoed throughout the design. High-intensity blood-orange accents contrast with the grey-green ‘Storm Metal’ body colour to draw the eye to particular aspects of the structure and equipment, while carbon fibre surfaces interplay with traditional materials and high-gloss or anodised aluminium to strengthen the connection to the track cars that inspired provo.
Planting provo firmly in touch with the road are distinctive 225/40 19-inch milled-alloy wheels with a traditional ‘cast’ look fixed by single centre nuts finished in anodised blood-orange. And with just a 2.53-metre wheelbase, exciting handling and road-holding is guaranteed.
Backing up those performance credentials, provo utilises an ingenious Smart 4WD Hybrid power train. The four cylinder turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine is tuned to deliver is 204 ps rapidly and progressively allowing provo to deliver an injection of speed and performance often absent from the more functional B-segment mainstream.
But, this potent internal combustion engine also benefits from a regenerative-powered electric motor driving the rear wheels either automatically when required during cornering and in strong acceleration – giving a power boost of as much as 45 ps – or in a button-activated creep-mode at low speeds to avoid emissions in city traffic or when ‘stealth’ is required. The regenerative system captures its power during braking when in normal use.
Moving inside, the Kia Europe Design team was able to let imaginations run free although in typical Kia fashion it delivers clear functionality with exuberant style – essential if provo is to go into production at some point in the future.
Guillaume commented: “The interior is very, very black – as we believe it should be to allow drivers to focus on the experience. But we have also looked to make the functional aspects of the car fit the modern demands of today’s motorists.”
Opening the two side doors – via flush-fitting push-up electronic handles that operate with a satisfying electric click – reveals that the polished aluminium panels featured in the external sculpted flanks extend to create a relatively high-level two-step sill into the car – cut-away at the leading edge to allow easier ingress and exit.
The next surprise is the door construction itself – the doors are made from three individual panels – the outer panel, a carbon-fibre inner panel and a neoprene-covered inner section that also features the Storm Metal body colour. The inner door releases are reassuringly solid polished aluminium.
The dashboard is made from a single expanse of carbon fibre, but does not extend down to the floor – deliberately – in order to keep the footwells clear and uncluttered except for polished aluminium footrests and pedals.
Echoing the sculpted flanks of the provo, the dashboard has a business-like main binnacle containing large analogue dials on a digital display and a smaller central display of other minor gauges, but because the display is digital it can be programmed to offer a selection of functions. Set on the centre tunnel are two control hubs – the engine stop-start button and drive selector for the seven-speed DCT transmission and a Multi-Media Interface control.
This latter control allows the driver to select a variety of screen displays – as well as controlling infotainment functions. In ‘normal’ mode the driver sees a speedometer, rev counter and sat-nav route instructions. In ‘cruise’ the display is centred on a large scale map, route instructions and a speedometer, while in ‘track’ mode the display features just a large rev counter, a track-map and a lap-timer. There is also a full ‘entertainment’ mode allowing visuals of music, radio and other information.
The centre-mounted display provides appropriate gauges to the mode with a series of aluminium toggle switches set underneath – including an anodised blood-orange toggle for the hazard warning lights.
Modern materials allow the front seat construction to be made from a single wave-like panel running from one door sill to the other – covered in quilted leather. The seat backrests are cleverly mounted on a rotating aluminium track so that instead of folding forward, they spin into the centre of the vehicle allowing easy access to the admittedly occasional-use rear seats.
Guillaume commented: “The whole interior concept was designed around not having a big centre console, but instead using latest technology to provide excellent functionality in a clean, clear and attractive manner.
“By using a DCT gearbox we were able to get rid of the floor-mounted gear-shift and use paddles behind the steering wheel, which has blood-orange stitching and a race style straight-ahead indicator, allowing us to use the floor space for other controls resulting in a much tidier environment. And because the seats are fixed we have full electric adjustment for the pedal box and steering column – further simplifying the interior and giving a perfect-fit for any driver.”
Completing the moody cockpit feel are tiny red LEDs set in the multi-layered doors, in the air vents and also in roof to give a low-glow ambient illumination. The roof panel also incorporates aluminium window toggle controls.
Whilst no specific production schedule for provo is on the calendar, the arrival later this summer of the new Kia pro_cee’d GT makes it clear that the company remains committed to delivering desirable, dynamic and stunningly attractive vehicles that will deliver affordable enjoyment to real, everyday motorists. The provo could be just such a car.
Editors’ Notes
Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing, and service arm of Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.
About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in nine manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries.
Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$42 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.