If you think minivans are rather "blah," you certainly are not in the minority. These traditional family haulers are boxy, designed more to move people and their possessions than to give buyers a reason to swoon over their visage.
The utilitarian look of minivans is under assault from both without and from within. Without, the crossover segment offers much of the same room, but much more practicality and better styling than most minivans. From within, the automakers are at least attempting to put some juice in this all too predictable segment, with Honda Odyssey attempting to appeal to men more than just moms and kids.
Design Language
Until recently, Kia was never considered to be a design leader, offering mostly bland, boxy models and hiding in the shadow of its Korean brother, Hyundai. That all changed in the 2000s, when Kia's California design studio was unleashed to design and build some of the most stylish cars on the road. A prime example of that new design language thinking can be found in the Kia Soul, its urban utility vehicle.
The Soul has shown us that Kia does, indeed, have a soul. Since the car's debut other Kia models have received similar design freedom, becoming far nicer and modern vehicles than earlier models.
Kia KV7
At auto shows across North America beginning in 2011, Kia brings a model certain to force people to rethink what a minivan should look like. Dubbed the Kia KV7, this seven passenger minivan features a smug grille, 20-inch wheels, gull wing doors and a family activity center for rear passengers. Yes, why get stuck with a car that is boring when you can build one that is stylish even if it defies logic?
The logic defying attribute for the Kia KV7 are its gull-wing doors. Nice look, but not a practical idea. Opening these doors means invading the space of neighboring cars not by much, but by enough to make a difference. Likely, if the KV7 is built, sliding doors will be offered - I can't imagine too many mothers being comfortable with kids riding in the back with gull-wing doors ready to pop up upon command.
Cabin Amenities
Inside, the Kia KV7 features four custom-built swiveling seats, including the driver's seat - not practical for when you're driving, but possible a fun thing to have when the vehicle is stopped and you're ready to have some family time. A rear-corner "mini-lounge" with seating for three is for the remaining passengers; no word whether an optional wet bar will be available!
Other cabin features include the requisite generous storage space, wi-fi capability, sliding dashboard, navigation system and an infotainment system. Today's cars are as much about the technological experience as they are about the look, feel and ride.
Performance Importance
Under the hood, the Kia KV7 is powered by a 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine, expected to produce 285 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle could offer a nice balance of performance and fuel economy, something minivan buyers cherish.
Will the Kia KV7 go into production? Quite possibly so, especially if it loses its gull-wing doors, a safety issue for some. In a market dominated by the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country, the Kia KV7 certainly brings something different to the table, underscoring Kia's desire to remain relevant in this still important vehicle segment.
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