Building on its ‘hip-to-be-square’ SOUL, Kia used the Detroit Motor Show to reveal its van/people-mover KV7 concept. At 4873mm in length and 2033mm wide, the KV7 is similarly sized to most full-size van segment vehicles.
Another creation of the Korean giant’s funky Southern California design facility, the KV7 features gullwing doors, a tabletop computer and lounge-like seats. For a van, the gullwing-style doors make great sense – opening wide to provide easy entry to the KV7’s passenger compartment.
Like the SOUL, the KV7 reverses the ‘aero’ trend of current people movers with slick, raked windscreens and abundant curves. In fact Kia says the KV7 ‘embraces the box’.
Like Kia’s Sportage SUV and Optima mid-size sedan, the KV7 features extensive glass for an open, airy interior.
The Kia KV7 is a seven-seater with four individual swiveling seats (including the driver and front passenger) and a rear corner ‘lounge’ which accommodates three people. It’s unlikely the reclaimed teak wood floor of the concept vehicle would make it to any production version – but it’s a nice touch.
The concept Kia KV7 displayed in Detroit was fitted with Kia’s 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine.
