(continued from above)
The KV7 concept's design stands in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked
windshields and wedge-shaped noses found throughout the van segment, and builds
on the philosophy of "embracing the box" established by Kia's funky Soul urban
passenger vehicle to create a unique and alluring design language that brings
SUV-like qualities to the segment.
"From the outset, we felt the category
was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so
desperate to attach the word 'sporty' to their minivan, even though vans, at
their very core are simply a box," said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Motors
America. "Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did
with the Soul, and the result is a straightforward yet sophisticated vehicle
that retains the functionality vans are known for and meets the changing and
diverse needs of today's consumers."
Modern, Confident Exterior
Kia Motors' design-led transformation has infused emotion and passion into
the brand's lineup of new and recently introduced vehicles, and the inspiration
for the KV7 concept was found in the simplicity of elegant box shapes such as
sleek smart phones and classic pieces of luggage. The KV7's wide stance is
paired with an A-pillar and windshield design that is more vertical than
traditional minivans and its smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels exude a
modern appearance while projecting the confidence and strength of an SUV.
The Kia KV7 concept's most striking feature is its passenger-side gullwing
door, which creates a massive point-of-entry to the lounge-like interior when
opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door.
The KV7
concept's inviting face is highlighted by an interpretation of Kia's signature
bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design to
create a clean, smooth look. The KV7 features several LED lighting elements that
Kia's design team is evaluating for future production vehicles, including a
continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle
and directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the
vehicle that pulse in the direction being signaled.
The Kia KV7 concept's
distinctive windshield follows the unique designs found on the new Sportage CUV
and Optima midsize sedan, and a series of near-continuous windows starting at
the A-pillar provide uninterrupted views of a day at the beach or a night out on
the town. And despite its non-traditional look, the KV7's length (191.85 in.),
width (80.0 in.) and wheelbase (122.0 in.) are consistent with the van segment
and allow flexible seating configurations and a multitude of storage options.
Kia KV7 Concept: Review (2/2)
