Kia unleashes the KV7 concept car on Detroit

The KV7 concept is an MPV-style vehicle which Kia says will serve as a "connected social hub for groups of friends and adventure-seekers". Kia wants to demolish the notion that MPVs are used strictly by families for transporting people.

"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 MPV even though MPVs, 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 MPVs are known for and meets the changing and diverse needs of today's consumers".

The KV7 features a unique low stance that is unlike typical MPVs, and the sleek look are emphasised by the raked back windscreen and A-pillars, and the slim LED headlights which cover the entire front end, and gives the KV7 an aggressive look. 20-inch wheels add further to the sporty demeanour.

The KV7 measures in at 4873mm in length, and stands at 1729mm tall. This ensures plenty of space for occupants, with its 3100mm wheelbase and 2033mm width. The outstanding feature of the KV7 concept however, is the Gullwing-style rear doors, which is not only dramatic but also helps provide easy entry into the car's cabin.

Once inside, occupants are greeted with a lounge-style interior, with a couch and two rounded swivel seats in the rear. The front seats can also swing around, which makes the cabin a perfect place for having a relaxed meeting or get-together. Kia claims that the KV7 is able to seat up to 7 people.

Other features include Teak wood floors, a light headliner, and liberal use of glass to create an airy effect. There is also a tabletop touch-screen computer in between the rear seats that can be used for gaming, internet surfing via the in-car wireless network, and vehicle data display. Up front, there is another touch-screen in the dashboard that displays infotainment, climate and navigation functions, and which can be controlled via a trackball.

Kia has chosen to furnish the interior of the KV7 with soft beige and green tones, and the use of unusual materials such as teak and wool is complemented by LED "accent illumination" lighting. In addition, the entire car is Wi-Fi enabled for ultimate connectivity.