Kia Ray

Kia has released images of its latest vehicle, the Ray. The compact A-segment car is destined for sale solely in its Korean home market.

The diminutive city car takes on Japanese Kei car attributes in both dimensions and character. The Ray's dinky proportions are accentuated through the strong vertical elements: the upright screen and front fascia and bold pillars. Its drawn-back lamps, set far out in the body and containing horizontal LED elements balance this out with a feeling of width and stability to its lower body.

The Ray's DRG is dominated by the family chrome detailed tiger nose grille and high-set headlamp graphic. In profile, the upswept C-pillar provides the Ray with a strong focal point – even if reminiscent of the Citroen DS3's ‘shark-fin' B-Pillar – as well as helping breaking up the visual mass of the car's large glass house.

The lower half of the Ray's body is dominated by the defined arches which, again, help visually balance the car's dimensions - although they provide somewhat of a detrimental effect on the already small dimension wheels.

A sliding rear passenger door to aid ingress and egress in tight confides helps boost the practicality of the flexible interior. A conventional door set-up adorns the opposite side, whilst a large boot aperture further aids the functionality of the Ray.

By