It’s exciting when manufacturers embrace innovation with concept cars and new models. Drivers love to see new features, styling, and trims coming to the showroom of their local dealership. One company that’s set to enter new market segments in the coming years is Kia. The South Korean automaker hopes to use these new offerings to expand the brand’s appeal to new consumers who might not have considered a Kia before. Here’s a rundown of three new vehicles capturing the attention of consumers and the industry.
1. A Combination of Wagon and Sports Car
Car companies know that station wagons get a bad rap. The 1980s version with faux wood paneling down the side is forever seared into people’s minds. Kudos to Kia for recognizing the potential of merging the cargo space of a wagon with the hipness of a sports car to get the best of both worlds. Thus was born the Kia Optima Sportswagon.
This vehicle began as a concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015. Kia plans to enter the European market’s D segment first because of an increasing demand there for mid-size touring cars. The most appealing feature of the Optima Sportswagon is the cargo space, which measures 20 cubic feet. You can access this area easily through convenient power open and close liftgates. In addition, this model retains many of the popular features of its sedan namesake for driver and passenger comfort and style.
2. A Hybrid Crossover
It’s fair to say that crossovers get a lot of love. They offer more space than a sedan without the image of a minivan. They are usually more fuel-efficient than an SUV, an advantage that’s about to grow with the arrival of the 2017 Kia Niro. This is the manufacturer’s first dedicated hybrid. It has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor connected to a six-speed transmission. A lithium-ion battery provides the juice that makes the system run.
Beyond fuel efficiency, the exterior styling and silhouette distinguish this vehicle from competitors and even other Kias. The Niro looks different from others in its class, leaning more toward an SUV shape with a taller roof and larger wheels.
3. A Sporty New Coupe
The Kia GT is a sports coupe based on a concept car called the GT4 Stinger, which made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2014. The Stinger had a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission cranking out 315 horsepower. The Kia GT model would be the company’s first foray into grand touring territory. Industry observers have expected Kia to enter this segment for several years. They anticipate that the GT will have an elegant, modern design reminiscent of a four-door coupe first unveiled in 2011. Unlike the entries into the D and crossover segments, the production timeline of the GT is uncertain.
Regardless of which segment grabs your imagination, Kia is set to reveal some memorable vehicles in the coming years.
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