Kia Kue concept

Kia Motors caused a stir among the European market when it unveiled the Cee’d small car at the Paris Motor Show last September. Now the company is looking continue its product assault in the United States by branching out into the burgeoning crossover market. The Kue concept is the vehicle they are set to do that with.

Unlike ordinary crossover vehicles, the Kue has been designed as a performance-oriented driver’s vehicle. A supercharged 4.6-liter V8 producing 400hp and 400 lb-ft of twist finds a home under a bonnet. The Kue puts down all of this power via a full-time all wheel drive system which the automaker claims is equally apt on- or off-road.

Built on a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch tyres, the Kue was developed as an expression of Kia’s global design language. Purposeful and poised, it has a wheelbase of 290cm, and an overall length of 473cm. Draped muscular wheel flares and headlights which extend far into the fenders contrast crisp bevelled sections found elsewhere on the body. A single side door that incorporates a negative skive shape opens scissor style for easy ingress and egress.

Power, responsiveness and handling all take precedence over interior space. A four-passenger seating arrangement and custom-built bucket seats adorn an interior complemented by the use of sophisticated seat and surface materials. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital components to the interior design, and they create an upscale feel that is both modern and inviting. A mid-dark interior theme with highlights was chosen in place of the typical light interior common to many concept cars.

The Kue interior is abound with technology and presents a new perspective of upscale function with an emphasis on comfortable, user-friendly interaction. Features include pad and motion-sensing controls to adjust the audio and climate controls, with the entire system programmable to each individual user. One surface may activate the stereo for one driver or the temperature for another. Rear passengers also have their own, separate interface.

Kia insists the model is purely a concept, though it does hint at the company’s future styling direction.