What's the news?
Kia has shown us a first sketch of its new compact SUV, a model designed to sit beneath the current Stonic in its range.
Kia describes the new model, which takes its cues from the recent SP Signature Concept, as a 'global' model but that seems to be something of a variable-meaning use of the word - it seems this new car won't be coming to Ireland, nor even Europe for that matter.
Kia claims that although it's a compact model (still un-named, but we'll get that later in the summer) it "possesses the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package."
From the sketch we can see that this new model inherits some of the styling cues of the Stonic, although the overall effect does look a little similar to the 2010 Sorento. Perhaps that will be less obvious on the physical car.
Kia says that the car has a "robust" design, one that "coexists with sophisticated exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong, sophisticated character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork."
One notable styling point is the headlight arrangement, which includes a diamond-shaped graphic built into the LED units, and an elongated daytime running light signature, which extends deep into the radiator grille, forming an LED eyebrow. Any resemblance to Noel Gallagher is entirely coincidental.
Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, comments: "We have created a car which stands out everywhere, from the city to the countryside. Its robust yet sporty design will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers in markets around the world. Our new small SUV is a proposition that no other car in its class will match."