Video: Kia KOUP
Date Posted: March 26, 2008
Source: AutoInsurance
Category: Concept Cars
Description: The Kia KOUP, unveiled in the New York Auto Show 2008, is somewhat a step forward from the usual Kia offerings. What it seems to have done is take the good parts from more successful cars and somehow mash it up together. Like the Honda Civic, it is a cab-forward two-door model, and the front is a mixture of Civic and newer Mitsubishi cars. The rear end resembles that of a Lancer. A few more typical concepts included are a panoramic glass roof and front-and-rear carbon fiber diffusers.
However, the real treat is under the hood. A 2.0 liter supercharged, direct injection Theta II engine that pumps out 290HP powers the rather handsome-looking car. The front wheels are suspended by MacPherson struts to absorb most of the shock that theoretically goes to the front.
Overall, the KOUP shows that Kia is paying more attention to style as well as substance. Although it mostly derives from established concepts, it's still a good entry.
