Kia Naimo concept at the Seoul auto show explores an electric-powered city car

Kia continues to explore its electric-car capabilities with the Naimo small-car concept, unveiled on Thursday at the Seoul motor show.

The boxy, four-seat Naimo fits into the B-size class, which includes cars such as the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris, the Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Sonic. The Naimo is 153.2 inches long and has a wheelbase of 104.2 inches.

Power comes from an electric motor rated at 107 hp (80 kilowatts) and 207 lb-ft of torque. Kia says the Naimo has a top speed of 93 mph.

A lithium-ion battery pack sits under the trunk floor. The 27-kilowatt-hour battery gives the Naimo a range of 124 miles, Kia says. To help extend the range, the Naimo rolls on 20-inch low-drag alloy wheels.

The Kia design team gave the concept a wraparound windshield and rear-hinged rear doors. There is no B-pillar, which creates a wide opening into the cabin when the doors are open.

Kia also left off the windshield wiper in its effort to cut down on aerodynamic drag. Instead, an air jet at the base of the windshield is used to blast away water.

The interior is fitted with natural materials such as Korean oak for the floor and door trim, and han-ji paper is used for the headliner.

By Dale Jewett