Kia No 3 Concept: First Photos of Mini-MPV that will enter Production in 2010

When the curtain rises on the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week, Kia will reveal its strangely named 'No 3' concept car that will lead to a production model (see scoop photos here) in the beginning of 2010. Designed by Kia's European design team, led by Peter Schreyer, the No 3 is a Ford Fiesta-sized mini MPV developed to rival cars such as the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. Finished in a matt Titanium Grey, the 4045 mm long concept features the new 'face of Kia' with the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation arrangement.

Even though we see a bit of the new Fiesta in the mini-MPV's front-end design, overall, we must say that the No 3 looks the part. One of the most prominent features of the car, but one that we doubt will find its way into production, is the diagonal supporting bar on the roof that joins the extended windscreen and panoramic glass top.

The production version of the No 3 will be based on the underpinnings of the Kia Soul and Hyundai i20, meaning that powertrain options will most likely include 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines, both producing an output of 126HP, while some markets will also get a 115HP 1.6-liter diesel and a 142HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

Kia Releases Mini MPV Concept Teaser Photo ahead of Geneva

The undisputed star of Kia's display at the 2009 Salon de l'Automobile in Geneva at the beginning of March will be a new mini MPV concept which previews a forthcoming production model that's expected to be revealed at the end of 2009 or early 2010. We've already shown you spy shots of the production model (click here for photos) that will compete against mini multi-purpose-vehicles (MPV) like the Opel Meriva and Nissan Note - and not the larger Opel Zafira or Grande Scenic for example.

Kia is being high and mighty about its new concept stating that it is "bringing style and cool to what is currently a bland segment of the new car market." The Korean automaker also said that the mini MPV will feature a dramatic glass-roof treatment and will provide "astounding spaciousness in a compact package".

Detroit Show: Kia's Fun Soulster Pickup Concept

One of the most interesting and realistic concept studies at this year's Detroit Show is the Kia Soulster, or as the Korean automaker calls it, the Soul'ster. Derived from the just introduced Soul crossover, the two-door concept blends elements of a mini-pickup and a roadster, in a rather convincing and funky way.

The front-wheel drive four seater features a shortened windshield for a more low-slung appearance as well as a two-piece top that enables passengers to expose the front and back seating areas independently.

The tops slide on a black roll bar that extends to the back of the vehicle providing extra protection. Other unique features include the restyled fascia, new LED headlamps and 19-inch, five-spoke aluminum alloys.

Inside, Kia's designers went for a more distinct and rugged look leaving the bare essentials - even the windows are rolled down manually. The non-floor-mounted cantilevered seats can be folded flat if needed while Kia also added storage compartments below each of the rear seats. Furthermore, in addition to the cargo area, dual storage compartments also can be found in the rear and underneath the cargo hold area.

If it were to produced -and we can't find a reason why it shouldn't- the Soulster would be available the same powertrain options as its conventional 5-door sibling: a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which produces approximately 120 HP and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, producing approximately 140 HP.

Kia Soulster Concept Photo Leaked Ahead of Detroit Show

The first official photo Kia's Soulster concept car was unofficially published on the internet today. Based on the just released Kia Soul, the three-door, four seater with the large rollbars and chopped rooftop looks pretty neat blending elements from convertibles and pickup trucks. There's no word on the powertrain choices, but we gather the Soulster will most likely be equipped with one of the 4-cylinder engines found in the Soul. Kia's new concept study will make its official debut at the 2009 Detroit Show this weekend.

Via: Automarket

Kia Soulster Concept Teaser Photo No2 Released

While Kia's second teaser shot of its new concept car does not enlighten us about the type of vehicle we'll be seeing at this week's Detroit auto show, we do learn that it will be called the Soulster. Judging from the first photo and the name, we're leaning towards a three door version of the Soul - quite possibly with a large panoramic fabric sunroof reaching out to the roof rails and covering the entire length of the car's top. We'll see if we're spot-on in a few days time. Until then, click through to see the first teaser picture.