Kia has released the first images of its new MINI-rivalling Provo concept on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show.
The Provo coupe concept will join the new Kia Pro_cee'd and cee'd GT models on the Kia stand in Geneva. Underneath the bonnet, the Provo combines the GT's 201bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 44bhp electric motor which powers the rear wheels. The car can run using electric power only, or alternatively the electric motor can be used to provide additional performance in tandem with the petrol engine.
At less than 4m long, 1.77m wide and 1.35m tall, the Provo is around the same size as a standard supermini and was created at Kia's Frankfurt-based European styling team, headed by Gregory Guillaume.
Guillaume describes the Provo as "an emotional and muscular car aimed at delivering pure fun and performance for today's city-based enthusiast driver who longs for the curves of the open road."
The Provo features a wraparound front windscreen, frameless doors and a swarm of LEDs instead of traditional front lights. 19-inch alloy wheels are also fitted.
On the inside, the Provo's designers have made extensive use of carbon fibre, helping to keep the concept's kerb weight to a minimum. In addition to this, there is also a multimedia interface control which allows the driver to control the car's infotainment systems.
Kia will use the Geneva Motor Show to judge the public's reaction to the Provo, and if the reaction is positive, it seems likely that a production-ready Provo could be on the market within a couple of years.
