1:39 pm, March 4, 2013
KIA dealers could soon have a slick-looking Mini-rival on their forecourts, judging by a soon-to-be-revealed concept.
The Korean firm will take the wraps off its stunningly sporty Provo model at the Geneva motor show and the curvy concept could point towards a racier future for its B-segment cars.
The Provo has been penned by Kia’s Frankfurt-based design team and it has been aimed squarely at the enthusiasts market… a segment Kia is yet to really conquer.
Powered by a 1.6 litre turbo GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine and an electric motor, the Provo will produce around 240bhp that is driven to all four wheels.
The electric motor also means the aggressive little car can run off electricity alone at lower speeds, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
The exterior styling features frameless doors and an attractive wrap-around windscreen while a masculine front splitter and beefy 19-inch alloy wheels ram home the racing credentials.
Kia makes no attempt to cover up the fact that the brand has been heavily influenced by the likes of the Fiat 500 Abarth and Alfa GT Junior while creating the concept and it will be those rivals the Provo will go up against if it is to be launched.
Inside, the concept embarks on a flight of fantasy as the traditional centre console makes way for a swathe of LED switches and displays that illustrate everything from climate control, vehicle speeds and what looks like G-forces.
Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at Kia’s European styling base, describes his concept 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.’
