Kia KV7 Concept Car Harrisburg

 
Kia KV7 Concept Car Reviewed

After debuting at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the Kia KV7 concept car was rumored to be the inspiration for the next generation of the Kia Sedona, the automaker's entry in to the family minivan segment. However, the Sedona plodded along for two more years, last appearing on American soil in its 2012 iteration.

There was no 2013 Kia Sedona, and that led to much speculation that when it reappeared, it would be drawing much of its design from the KV7 that was on display back in 2011. However, Kia recently unveiled the 2014 Sedona, and much to everyone's chagrin it is largely the same as it was before it went on hiatus. So whither the Kia KV7 concept car, and what was it back in 2011 that had everyone talking?

When Kia first pulled back the curtain on the KV7, many did not know what, exactly, to make of it. Kia labeled it a minivan, but it certainly was unlike any other on the market at that time. It drew much of its style and inspiration from the Kia Soul, and while the design was radical at the time in retrospect it was a very forward-thinking one. Think of it as a slightly more smoothed out Ford Flex, and you get the picture.

The KV7 had other features, though, that may have given buyers pause before they drove one off the lot for their family. Features like suicide doors with gullwing rear side doors. There was a lounge feel to the interior, with wood floors, a retractable dash, seats that rotated 360 degrees, green LED accent lighting, floating table-top touchscreen computers and a wi-fi hotspot. All that together gave the Kia KV7 concept car a more uptempo minivan vibe.

Under the hood, there was a completely realistic drivetrain present as well. A turbocharged Theta II 2.0L inline four-cylinder was to be the powerplant, with a automatic six-speed transmission. All told, the engine would have produced 285 horsepower while managing 30 miles per gallon.

So, when will we see the Kia KV7 concept car hit showrooms? With the appearance of the 2014 Kia Sedona carrying none of the design concepts of the KV7, rumors now say to look to the 2015 model year for its reappearance. Until there is official word, just keep your eyes on the lot at our Mechanicsburg Kia dealership for its official arrival.