06/03/2013
Many Nigerians think KIA to be an inferior auto maker to the likes of Toyota, Honda, Benz and BMW etc
Well, its good to know that the Korean automaker can hold its own in almost all car segments be it in the executive sedans segment, compact hatchbacks, crossovers etc
Now, its stepping up the game by rolling out a concept rival to the Veloster( the funky compact hatchback from its corporate sibling, Hyundai), called the PROVO...for now.
Based on the platform used by the compact Rio, the Provo Concept is not quite as small as it looks, but the long wheelbase and stubby lines give it a real mini-bruiser look, while the snub nose reconciles a pugnacious attitude with puppy-dog cuteness. Because it is smaller than the Veloster, it is arguably cuter, and because it is far more cohesive than the Mini Coupe it rivals, it is a lot easier to love.
Packed with a 204-horsepower, 1.6-litre turbo engine driving the front wheels and a 44hp electric motor driving the rear ones. This provides four-wheel drive where relevant, and purely electric locomotion where fitting. Kia also reserved the debut of its first 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for the Provo. Though Kia has not divulged where the transmission or hybrid drivetrain would be applied in its product line, they are clearly looking for a home.
Kia did divulge that market research into the Provo’s production prospects would begin right after this years Geneva show. If a sufficient number of people convince Kia of a business case, the Provo could be launched sometime in 2015. Cant wait to see this live on the roads of Nigeria.
