Kia ex_cee'd convertible concept set for Geneva debut
by John Neff on Feb 22nd 2007 at 12:52PM 
click on above image to view high-resolution images of the Kia ex_cee'd concept
The Kia ex_cee'd convertible (they call 'em "cabrios" across the pond) concept has been announced as a bonofide debut for the Korean automaker at the Geneva Motor Show early next month. This puppy's more important than a normal concept car from Kia because it was the first one produced under the stewardship of Peter Schreyer, Kia's new design chief. As the name implies, the ex-cee'd is based on the three-door cee'd hatchback that's scheduled to go on sale late 2007 or early next year. Schreyer makes a point to note that his concept doesn't sport a folding metal roof like so many cabrios of the day, but rather adopts a traditional "romantic" soft top to protect its occupants from the elements. The 19-inch wheels feature "hubless" spokes finished in chrome, and bright metal trimwork is used around the exterior to add highlights to the vehicle's surface. We especially like the chrome strip located beneath the doors that ensures the complex surfacing doesn't get lost in the 'meringue white' paint job. Unfortunately, we can't tell you what sort of engine powers the ex_cee'd because Kia didn't tell us. Regardless, this concept is a coming out party for Kia design, which has matured so much in just a few short years.
Joining the ex_cee'd on the Kia stage in Geneva wil be the cee'd station wagon and the Kia Rio Hybrid. We'll report back on all three from the show floor in early March.
[Source: Kia]
Gallery: Kia ex_cee'd concept
PRESS RELEASE:
GENEVA WORLD PREMIERE FOR SCHREYER'S KIA ex_cee'd CABRIO CONCEPT
Kia's exciting all-new ex_cee'd cabrio concept car will be premiered at the 77th Salon de l'Automobiles in Geneva, Switzerland on 6 March.
The styling of the eagerly anticipated ex_cee'd cabrio is the work of Peter Schreyer, Kia's new Chief Design Officer, and hints at the future direction Kia vehicles could be taking under his guidance.
Based on the new three-door cee'd hatchback, due to go into production at the Zilina factory in Slovakia from December, the ex_cee'd shares the same platform, but features all-new exterior panels and a powered folding fabric roof.
By adopting a fabric roof, the ex_cee'd deliberately goes its own retro way rather than following the trend towards cabrios with folding metal roofs. Peter Schreyer paid special attention to designing a classic cabrio with a traditional soft-top roof: "I'm convinced that the fabric roof will have a renaissance. We've all lived with the romantic idea of open-air driving for a long time and for me, the fabric roof is the quintessential element of a truly rewarding cabrio."
With its slight wedge shape profile, muscular wings over 19-inch alloy wheels, and aggressive nose with dynamic front styling, the ex_cee'd has instantly found a form that stands out from the cabrio crowd. The cabrio concept is finished in 'meringue white' exterior paint with a 'bitter chocolate' fabric roof – colours that are echoed by the interior's two-tone leather.
"With this new cabrio concept car, Kia has once again demonstrated that it is a young, style-conscious company that knows how to combine elegance with dynamics," enthused Mr Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO Kia Motors.
"The Kia ex_cee'd is a fresh aesthetic high-point in our history, an encouraging sign of the growing internationalisation of our brand and a step in the process of evolving into a European company with Korean roots," he added.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
James 12:59PM (2/22/2007)
Damn, that is one SEXY Kia!
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Accordsforall 1:02PM (2/22/2007)
Hmmmm
See.. that designer truely knows whats up. But damn.. why the hell did he go to work for KIA!?!
Nice design... and cheap DOESNT MIX.
But damn.. SEXY ASS CAR.. Just a shame hes at KIA!
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Kit 1:11PM (2/22/2007)
I would argue the other side. It doesn't cost much more to build a car with a sexy/evocotive design than one that was drawn by a fourth grader. Design can set the car (and brand) apart without changing the price point. Kia already gives a ten year warrenty, why not offer something nice to look at as well?
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UpIrons 1:15PM (2/22/2007)
I would actually consider that car. Is it coming to the states?
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Mike 1:16PM (2/22/2007)
Damn, thats a KIA? It looks expensive and very well put together.
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retsel 1:26PM (2/22/2007)
Ford called and said that they want their mondeo and C-Max rims back...
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menice 1:26PM (2/22/2007)
that is sweet.
and the best part is, you know anyone reading this right now will be able to afford it, wether or not we would actually buy one.
again we are wow'd by the folks in korea......H/K
and i am sure they will continue to do so.
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john J 1:51PM (2/22/2007)
I like it, very sexy. But I think it looks like a Astra Tigra...
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J 1:27PM (2/22/2007)
its definitely got some audi inspiration. not that thats a bad thing.
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ko 1:33PM (2/22/2007)
The Fiat Bravo Clone
http://www.autoblog.it/galleria/fiat-bravo-presentazione/3
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Kowell 1:34PM (2/22/2007)
Hey.. it's actually NOT bad.... not bad at all!
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Brian 1:38PM (2/22/2007)
It's gorgeous. Hyundai and Kia will not be ignored. Look for Kia to bring a sporty convertable or halo car to the states that will "surprise" people in both style and quality.
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Kowell 1:36PM (2/22/2007)
Shove the 2.4L under that bonet and we have a deal... None of that overaged 2.0L crap please.
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Allen 4:08PM (2/22/2007)
dam! kia's are getting nicer and nicer every year. i know somebody that just got the kia suv and it is surprisingly really nice. if kia keepings progressing the way they have been, then i can definitly see more americans buying the cars.
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Howard Kerr 2:24PM (2/22/2007)
A Kia I actually would want to buy, not that the newest Optima is a bad car.
If you build it Kia, keep the rims, especially if it means you can put the money elsewhere.
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fixitfixitstop 3:54PM (2/22/2007)
#14, Accordsforall is an idiot. Just ignore him.
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Tal 2:27PM (2/22/2007)
The Kia Ex_cee'd looks nice indeed.
Hyundai/Kia are coming in to their own.
They continue to rapidly advance in style, quality and reliability.
If they can prove durability over the years this will hopefully = less deprciation as well.
We will have greater Asian choices of known quality other than Toyota(Lexus), Nissan(Infinity), Mazda, Subaru and Honda(Acura) for all with a smathering of Suzuki, Mitsubishi.
Then, there are the Chinese. ??Indians too?
enuff already!
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testa di cazzo 2:40PM (2/22/2007)
"3. Hmmmm
See.. that designer truely knows whats up. But damn.. why the hell did he go to work for KIA!?!
Nice design... and cheap DOESNT MIX.
But damn.. SEXY ASS CAR.. Just a shame hes at KIA!
Posted at 1:02PM on Feb 22nd 2007 by Accordsforall"
hahahahahahha. a honda driver looking down through his nose at a kia. that's just rich.
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Christine 2:42PM (2/22/2007)
WOW! Nice!!! Looks like a new VW and saab mutt
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paul34 3:01PM (2/22/2007)
hmm...
that's all I'll say
Also, I think if Kia wants to get "serious," they need to get a new, "serious" logo. I mean, come on! The only thing less original than the current Kia logo would be typing it out in 12 point Times New Roman font.
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