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Home / KIA Novo Concept debuts at Seoul Motor Show
KIA Novo Concept debuts at Seoul Motor Show
2015-04-09Staff Report 2 WINDHOEK – KIA Motors unveiled its latest concept car – the KIA Novo – last week at the Seoul Motor Show 2015. Featuring 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 ‘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 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. Designed at KIA’s state-of-the-art Namyang design centre in Korea, and based on a specially-adapted version of the Cerato (Forte) platform, the Novo bears a coupé-inspired silhouette and unmistakeable KIA styling. The Novo’s minimal front overhangs, longer rear overhangs and fastback roofline, as well as a slim, long glass area, give it a raked, sporty profile. The smooth, geometric design of the car’s shape is blended with a series of sharp, decisive lines and forms around the body. 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 large front wheel arches lead directly into a strong, consistent shoulder line to meet the rear laser lamps, whose shape echoes those of the front for an identical light signature. The rear of the car uses prominent lines and low triangular exhausts to add greater width and volume to its shape and emphasize the car’s sportiness and on-road stability. Crisp lines surrounding the rear of the car ensure a high aerodynamic efficiency. The Novo’s sharply creased bodywork gives the car a clean, modern appearance when viewed from the side, with strong lines on the doors, skirts and aluminum wing vents. Rear-hinged doors complete the car’s striking profile appearance, with slim, central pop-out door handles running level to the finely-sculpted aluminum door mirrors. 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. 2015-04-09Staff Report 2
