When the curtain rises on the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week, Kia will reveal its strangely named 'No 3' concept car that will lead to a production model (see scoop photos here) in the beginning of 2010. Designed by Kia's European design team, led by Peter Schreyer, the No 3 is a Ford Fiesta-sized mini MPV developed to rival cars such as the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. Finished in a matt Titanium Grey, the 4045 mm long concept features the new 'face of Kia' with the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation arrangement.
Even though we see a bit of the new Fiesta in the mini-MPV's front-end design, overall, we must say that the No 3 looks the part. One of the most prominent features of the car, but one that we doubt will find its way into production, is the diagonal supporting bar on the roof that joins the extended windscreen and panoramic glass top.
The production version of the No 3 will be based on the underpinnings of the Kia Soul and Hyundai i20, meaning that powertrain options will most likely include 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines, both producing an output of 126HP, while some markets will also get a 115HP 1.6-liter diesel and a 142HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
