Kia Naimo EV Concept revealed

The Kia Naimo EV gets revealed in Seoul

This week sees the start of the Seoul Motor Show. Which may not be at the top of our list of must-see shows, but with Kia and Hyundai taking over the world we do need to at least sit up and take notice.

Today is press day at Seoul and Kia has rocked up with a funky electric CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) – the Kia Naimo – powered by a pair of 27kWh lithium-ion polymer batteries in the boot which power an electric motor that’s good for 108bhp and 207lb/ft of torque.

The official figures – in an ideal world – are a range of 124 miles and a full charge in 5.5 hours, although it can take a splash & dash quick-charge for 80% charge in just 25 minutes. Assuming you have a massive 50KW power supply, that is.

The Naimo has a hint of the Hyundai Curb about it, with its suicide doors and wheels at each corner stance. This is a bit more ‘Noddy City Car’ in looks than the funkier-looking Curb, but it has some interesting features such as an air jet to wipe the windscreen, a three-way boot opening, an asymmetrical sun roof and a wraparound windscreen.

The interior is no less designery, with lashings of Korean Oak on any flat-ish surface and a headliner made from Korean paper (is Korean paper different from any other paper?) with a transparent LED display adding a juxtaposition to the traditional materials.

The Naimo may not make the transition from concept to production intact, but it looks as though it’s heading that way, with it being added to Kia’s test fleet of Hybrid, Electric and Fuel Cell cars.

Promising City Car. At the right price.

By Cars UK