Kia Imagine Concept Going Into Production, Will Arrive In 2021

Kia used the Geneva Motor Show to introduce the stylish Imagine concept and now the company has confirmed a production model is in the works.

Speaking with Auto News Europe, Kia’s European COO said the concept will “become a mass-produced vehicle in one or two years” and ride on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. Emilio Herrera later went on to clarify the vehicle will arrive in 2021.

Herrera didn’t say much about the production model, but the Imagine concept was a C-segment car that was billed as a combination of a “muscular sports utility vehicle, a sleek and athletic family saloon, and a versatile and spacious crossover.” It featured a striking design with an illuminated ‘tiger mask’ front end and a rakish windscreen which flowed into the roof. The concept was also equipped with suicide rear doors and a practical frunk.

Also Read: Imagine By Kia Is An EV Concept That’s Meant To Transcend Segments

The bold styling continued in the cabin as the Imagine featured four leather and silk-covered seats, a floating center console and 21 high-resolution displays. The latter won’t reach production as Kia has previously described them as a “humorous and irreverent riposte to the on-going competition between some automotive manufacturers to see who can produce the car with the biggest screen.”

While we won’t see a ton of screens in the production model, the dedicated platform should allow the vehicle to have a spacious and airy interior just like the concept.

Kia has been tight-lipped about performance specifications as the company only disclosed the concept had a “low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack that powers a compact drivetrain.”

Getting back to the interview, Herrera also said the company is looking into the possibility of creating a Picanto EV. He went on to suggest the vehicle hasn’t been approved yet, but would cost around €20,000 ($22,366 / £17,080) if it reaches production.

Besides talking about EVs, Herrera said a fuel cell vehicle will arrive either late next year or in early 2021. Little is known about it, but it will presumably be closely related to the Hyundai Nexo. Interestingly, Herrera revealed the company isn’t expecting to sell that many FCVs as he acknowledged the Nexo is also struggling.