Kia to Reveal Concept SUV at the Detroit Auto Show in January
New Concept Shows What Next-Generation 7-Occupant Sorento Could Be Like
Kia recently released the first official renderings of a new concept scheduled to be unveiled in Detroit next month.
The KCD-II appears much more aggressively styled than the current midsize Sorento or upcoming compact Sportage, an attribute that would help it to lure younger, more sport-oriented drivers to the Korean brand if produced. Is it something that sport utility buyers can expect from Kia?
"The KCD-II is clearly a good look into the future of Kia Motors and, indeed, the auto industry as a whole," commented Kias Senior Executive Vice-President and COO Yong-Hwan Kim. "The design team has created a forward-looking design, whose stylistic elements may be reflected in our new vehicles as we continue to research and develop innovative offerings for our customers."
Like the Sorento, the KCD-II rides on a rugged, body-on-frame architecture, ideal for towing, hauling heavy loads or going on off-road adventures. Unlike the Sorento, or the smaller Sportage, the new concept includes three rows of seats for a total of a driver and six passengers. All occupants can enjoy a view to the sky due to two full-length sunroofs, similar to those fixed to the Nissan Quest minivan.
At 192 inches the KCD-II is 12.2 inches longer than the 179.8 inch length Sorento, while its wheelbase is 9.3 inches longer at 116.0 inches than the Sorentos 116 inch wheelbase length.
The additional length is more than ample for integrating a third row of seats, a feature expected in the next generation Sorento. Its quite likely then, that the KCD-II is a forerunner of the next generation Sorento, but it is expected if this is so the production model would be toned down stylistically.
What about the KCD-IIs width? At 77.6 inches, its wider than the Sorento by 4.4 or 3.5 inches, at 73.3 inches or 74.2 inches depending on the current production SUVs trim level. The wider track would not only increase shoulder and hip room while offering an airier cabin, but would also contribute to improved handling characteristics.
Compared to the concepts length and width its height is very close to the Sorentos, however, at 71.3 inches compared to 75 inches respectively. The difference could easily be due to oversized concept car wheels and tires.
If you like what you see you can thank the Hyundai-Kias $30.6 million design studio in Irvine, California, the KCD-II being the second concept the design house has penned.
The KCD-II wont be the only vehicle Kia Motors will be unveiling in Detroit, of course, as the all-new 4-door Rio subcompact sedan, critical to the automakers ability to attract first time new car buyers, will also be shown for the first time (see news archives for Dec 15, 2004: Kia to Unveil New 2006 Rio in Detroit Next Month).