So apparently Kia has been hard at work creating its first ever dedicated hybrid model. It won’t, however, be a tapered eco-box like the Toyota Prius, but an actual small SUV.
The Korean Car Blog (with information from AutoExpress) says the model looks more like a crossover/high-riding estate. Its design is said to be similar to that of the 2012 Niro concept (pictured), a futuristic-looking three-door crossover.
Inside, it will look a lot like the new Optima, with a central screen recessed in the dash and switches either side.
Powertrain wise, it’s apparently going to first be released as a regular hybrid, with a plug-in variant to follow suit sometime after.
As for its size, it will apparently fit in between the Soul and Sportage, but it won’t offer any conventional powertrains to speak of so it will therefor not cannibalize either model’s sales.
Photo Gallery
