Kia releases teaser photos of its KED-10 concept car ahead of the Frankfurt auto show, revealing what analysts believe will be a new compact cross/utility vehicle.
A peek at the driver cockpit shows a single molded seating and center console unit, with an unusual gear shift. The vehicle’s exterior appears similar to the Kia GT concept shown at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Kia claims it has no immediate plans for a production model, but says it is using the Frankfurt show to “gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.”
The Korean auto maker says the “dramatic new European concept hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity.”
The program, was “born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue.
“The concept features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.”
The Frankfurt show car is Kia’s 10thconcept to be designed and developed at the auto maker’s European design center, hence the KED-10 project designation.
The KED-10 will be unveiled in Frankfurt Sept. 10.
