2008 New York Auto Show: Kia Koup Concept breaks cover

Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors today globally debuted the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling” with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.

“The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. “Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers.”
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jeffy210 - 3/20/2008 10:52:55 AM

+7 Boost

Wow. I like. To me, the front has some Civic cues, but it is generally well laid out. The back is rather crisp too.

Still undecided about the interior though.

M35MT - 3/20/2008 10:58:22 AM

+4 Boost

Agree

The exterior looks like a civic, the interior reminds me of the RX350 and a bit of the new Lancer.

Overall best looking Kia ever.

PlanB - 3/20/2008 11:03:00 AM

+2 Boost

This is very nice. Its a beautiful exterior but that interior is just tad too busy for my tastes. If they can tone down that interior a bit I'm sold.

w209w114 - 3/20/2008 11:07:48 AM

+3 Boost

At first I thought it was a newer Civic. But better!

pushrod27 - 3/20/2008 11:10:37 AM

-8 Boost

i hate it. it looks way too small to be of any real use. also, it's a Kia.

M35MT - 3/20/2008 12:36:18 PM

+4 Boost

Better looking than any small car to come from Detriot...Cavalier, Cobalt, US-Spec Focus, Neon, Compass,? I'm laughing as I type this...

montyz81 - 3/20/2008 11:11:04 AM

+5 Boost

this should not be a concept. It should be a production car. They could release this car as is with very little changes.

w209w114 - 3/20/2008 11:18:06 AM

+3 Boost

Its better than the spaceship interior of the civic.

jerobinson29 - 3/20/2008 11:44:42 AM

-2 Boost

Q: What do you get when you cross a Civic with a Lancer?
K: Another Korean copycat... Do these people have any original designers?

Hyundai - 3/20/2008 11:53:22 AM

+3 Boost

From the front, it looks like a Civic, and from behind, the Acura RSX.

It looks nice (much nicer than both those cars), but it is anything but original.

4yxdent - 3/20/2008 12:12:44 PM

+1 Boost

jerobinson29//
A> Yes they have.
Kia's chief designer is Peter Schreiyer.
Former chief designer of Audi.

You better check the fact first and then
say something..stupid..

S4cabriofoxone - 3/20/2008 12:56:35 PM

+2 Boost

When was Schreiyer the head of Audi design?

The last head of design was Walter de'Silva, and now it's Wolfgang Egger.

bigmotov - 3/20/2008 12:19:19 PM

+1 Boost

LOL 4yxdent!

Yes, it's quite a bit Civic-ish, but very good looking none-the-less.

07G35J - 3/20/2008 12:39:46 PM

+1 Boost

Looks good

EL34 - 3/20/2008 12:57:18 PM

-5 Boost

It looks like $h!t!

S4cabriofoxone - 3/20/2008 12:57:59 PM

+3 Boost

It looks excellent!

mini22 - 3/20/2008 1:02:32 PM

+2 Boost

Not bad.I like it better then the Civic Coupe as well as it's interior. If it sells for 20 grande it's a bargain for what you get.

w209w114 - 3/20/2008 2:41:18 PM

+2 Boost

20K is a bit high for a Kia of this type. Think more 14K

mlevere1992 - 3/20/2008 1:07:44 PM

+1 Boost

4yxdent, you better get your facts right as well. Peter Schreyer was never the Chief of design for Audi. He was on their design team but not Cheif of design.

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2006/07/26-peter-schreyer-kia-design/

J0ke5ter - 3/20/2008 1:39:21 PM

+2 Boost

mlevere1992, you should get your fact right! Peter Schreyer was the Chief Designer of both VW and Audi. As I work for Kia I've read alot about him since he join us.

http://www.conceptcar.co.uk/news/cardesignnews.php?newsid=44

SX123 - 3/20/2008 7:19:10 PM

+1 Boost

civic evolution!

Homer008 - 3/21/2008 12:53:21 AM

+1 Boost

Very nicely done. It should be a production car.

4yxdent - 3/21/2008 4:28:13 AM

+1 Boost

mlevere1992/
You'll know when I know..
Maybe you only believe what you want to believe.

Fact lies there, go and check.

4yxdent - 3/21/2008 4:35:34 AM

+1 Boost

dugit/
I think nowadays design trends are being more syncronized throughout the companies..
Would you say "one grill" of a ford explorer a copycat of vw golf style?
Maybe not.
The thing is that a lot of people has double standard...especially to the newbies like Kia.