Refresh and rejuvenate with Kia’s new kid on the block – Kia Novo
REFRESH and rejuvenate with Kia's new concept, the Kia Novo.
REFRESH and rejuvenate with Kia’s new concept, the Kia Novo.
Kia Motors unveiled its latest concept car, the Kia Novo, at the recent Seoul Motor Show, Korea. Featuring a bold, coupé-inspired styling and a minimalist, driver-focused cabin, the Kia Novo hints at the design direction for the brand’s next-generation compact vehicles.
Taking its name from the Latin word “novatus”, meaning renewed or refreshed, the Kia Novo concept is aimed at modern urbanites with stressful jobs and frantic schedules. Interpreted by Kia’s designers, the name “Novo” represents the concept of making something new and fresh. The Novo establishes a calming, focused environment in which drivers can refresh and rejuvenate as they transition from one life commitment to the next.
The front of the Novo sports the latest interpretation of Kia’s hallmark “tiger nose” grille, now wider and more deeply embedded, and slim new laser headlamps. Low, wide air intakes house additional laser headlamps, which frame the Novo’s bold face, emphasize its low, wide stance and give the car a unique light signature.
The Novo’s diamond-cut alloy wheels feature a similarly sharp design, made up of straight edges and two-tone carbon and silver finish. Completing the Novo’s thoroughly contemporary look are an aluminium rear roof line and two-tone silver and green paint finish.
Designed as a sanctuary from the frenzied outside world, the Kia Novo’s cabin is a relaxing space in which to temporarily escape the stresses and strains of modern life.
Focused solely on the driver, the minimalist interior provides few distractions from the task of driving, while all occupants benefit from plenty of space, a result of the car’s long body and intelligent packaging.
A “blind control” touch pad next to the steering wheel allows drivers to control the car’s many functions without having to take their eyes off the road. The touch pad incorporates a fingerprint scanner, which automatically sets up elements of the car according to the driver’s preferences, such as music selection, audio volume and the type of information displayed. A wide touchscreen in the centre of the dash provides the car’s full range of functionality to occupants.
The interior’s four individual dark brown leather sports seats add to the minimalist ambience of the cabin, each made up of simple linear shapes and featuring built-in inertia reel seatbelts to minimize “cabin clutter”.
The Novo is powered by the latest high-tech production Kia powertrain to match its dynamic looks. A 1.6-litre “Kappa” turbo gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine has been paired with the brand’s seven-speed DCT to power the front wheels. The result is decisive, sporty performance and impressive fuel economy for Kia’s latest show star.
There are currently no plans to bring the Kia Novo concept to production, though Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to concept vehicles that precede them. The Kia Novo concept provides a glimpse into Kia’s plans for its future compact car line-up.
