Conceived and developed at Kia’s European Design Centre in Frankfurt under Europe chief designer Gregory Guillaume, the SPORTSPACE is a car that attempts to open a new front with a distinctly different and sophisticated car.
It is not a sedan, wagon, hatchback or shooting brake. Kia claims it is a sleek, road-eater that can meet the demands of those who refuse to be categorised when it comes to their lifestyle or their motoring needs.
“Kia does not have a wagon in this important segment of the European market, but I was determined that we would not simply create something that conformed to tradition," said Guillaume.
“I always had this picture in my mind of creating a vehicle that I could have used to go for a weekend’s skiing with friends before driving back for it to be displayed at the Geneva Salon. Geneva is a special show for me – it comes as winter starts to release its grip. It has a special atmosphere and a particular appeal. The ideal concept vehicle had to reflect this – and I believe the SPORTSPACE does just that!” he added.
The SPORTSPACE is powered by a turbocharged and lightweight 2.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direction injection) engine producing 250 PS, driving the front wheels.
Its long and lean profile with unbroken surfaces and purposeful lines is emphasised by a forward-positioned D-pillar and almost hatchback-like rear door arrangement.
At the front, SPORTSPACE wears an evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. But the solid Plexiglas insert isn’t as solid as it appears. Close examination reveals it is actually louvred and these can rotate to allow greater air intake when required.
A satin aluminium strip runs across the front of the bonnet above the ‘ice cube’ LED headlights, giving a sense of strength and determination. The subtlest of curves along the underside of the headlamps, add further visual movement to the SPORTSPACE’s bold, dynamic face.
Further satin aluminium strips set into the chin-spoiler hide inset turn signals that become apparent when switched on.
The design of the rear pillar, which is wider and slopes forwards, is combined with tapering side surfaces and a dramatic concave tailgate, ensuring the car is just as bold and exciting at the rear.
The wide rear tail lamps and a full-width carbon-fibre diffuser further emphasise the car’s wide stance and sporty appeal. The tail lamps incorporate the turn indicators, which pulse outwards when in operation.
A roof-level spoiler and the diffuser maximise air flow efficiency around the rear of the car. Twin tailpipes within the diffuser echo the polygon shape of the tail lamps. A vertically oriented fog lamp is integrated centrally in the diffuser.
The 4.8m-long SPORTSPACE is finished with unique 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels inset with carbon fibre which emerge from a pentagonal hub at the centre. The wheel design suggests powerful rotation even when stationary.
The door handles sit flush in the panels until required. When operated they reveal a remarkably airy four-seat interior illuminated by panoramic glazing running the entire length of the roof and bathing the cockpit with light.
The cabin is simple and pure with bold, handsome styling. A balance of luxurious leather with contemporary technical materials – including carbon fibre and milled, anodised aluminium – underlines the car’s functionality with modern and evocative style.
The inner surfacing of the door panels runs as one whole architectural sweep from the instrument panel rearwards into the tailgate. The centre console runs through the interior, shooting through the car, further enhancing the perception of space and length.
The hand woven ‘cuoio intrecciato’ seats are trimmed with black-polished leather backed with carbon fibre shells and provide modern and comfortable sport seating for each of the four occupants. The free-standing metal door pulls are cool and shaped to the hand. Ergonomically set into the door pulls is a switch to allow the side windows to be ‘thumbed’ up or down.
Ahead of the driver is a highly configurable digital instrument cluster paired with a fully operational infotainment system. The large infotainment screen – which sits clearly within the driver’s view – can be operated in single or split-screen modes.
Operation is via the anodised aluminium in-car infotainment controller located behind the gear shift – flanked by four shortcut buttons that enable fast and intuitive interaction.
Where the rear view mirror would usually be located, a slim screen replaces it, fed by images from the rear view camera. Other driver information is also fed into this screen.
Generous rear seat legroom maximises passenger comfort and heightens the sensation of spaciousness, enhanced by the substantial glazing above.
A prerequisite for an exciting grand tourer like the SPORTSPACE is the capacity to accommodate skis. Skis can be stored between the rear seats, with a padded leather armrest doubling up as a ski rest. Slide it back and two recesses are revealed which accommodate two tablet PCs, one for each passenger.
Rear seat occupants also have the option to utilise a unique tablet PC clamping system located on the back of the front seats, allowing them to view video and other multimedia content at eye level.
“Behind the sophisticated design, the SPORTSPACE also delivers a drive that is easy and enthusiastic," said Guillaume.
The SPORTSPACE Concept will be unveiled to the world at the 85th Geneva Motor Show.
