share on BufferWith a length under 4 meters, the CUB Concept debuting at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show features compact dimensions, a sleek exterior with a “cheerful face” and a dynamic, bold character.
The CUB was designed at the Kia headquarters studio in Seoul, under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and with no plans for volume production.
The smooth exterior surfaces are characterized by flush glazing, minimum-drag wing mirrors and automatic touch-type door handles, for reducing the aerodynamic drag.
The sporty look is enhanced by the two-color paint finish with a white stripe livery, and by the broad track that contributes to the imposing stance.
Above: the Kia Kee 2+2 Concept, designed by Peter Schreyer and presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
Among the main styling elements are the nose with a broad wrap-around ‘mouth’ and the ‘dip’ in the top of the windshield – a motif that is featured on Optima, Sportage and cee’d models.
The latest interpretation of grille is a shallower design incorporating the turbocharger’s air intake, highlighted in body color.
The headlamps feature two-point LED lights – similar to those which first appeared on the Kia Quoris large flagship sedan last year.
Large 19-inch alloy wheels fill the wheelarches and the front doors have aerodynamic ‘turning-vanes’ at sill level to streamline and add definition the CUB’s flanks.
At the rear, LED tail lights complete the premium feel of the exterior and the nose treatment derived from Kia’s Kee concept car is replicated at the tail to accentuate the width of the vehicle.
Targeted to young urban dwellers, the CUB features rearward-opening rear doors and no B-pillars,which provides easy access to the luxuriously trimmed cabin.
Interior Design
With four individual seats, the CUB’s interior presents a unique ambience. The cabin creates the sensation of a luxurious coupe and is trimmed in black leather with yellow colour accents around the seats, door armrests and steering wheel.
The instrument cluster design is inspired by the eyes of a wild animal. The centre-stack design is minimalist with an air vent controlled by touch sensor. For extra safety, the steering wheel rim is capable of monitoring the driver’s biorhythms.
As well as a steering-wheel, there is a DIS (Driving Information System) controller connected to a gesture camera which provides easier operation while driving. With well-defined motions, drivers can set up each menu on the centre display. Hinting at the high-performance nature of the CUB, there is a footrest provided in the front passenger footwell.
Technical Features
The CUB powertrain features a new version of the company’s 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) engine – recently confirmed as the powerunit for the new Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT sold in Europe.
Fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components, the new engine generates 51 per cent more power (204 ps) and 60 per cent more torque (265 Nm) than the regular 1.6-litre unit. This engine enables both of Kia’s European GT models, with a six-speed manual transmission, to accelerate to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 143mph.
(Source: Kia)
Instantly forgettable.
Looked better on paper.