Introduction
The 2013 Kia Provo Concept was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. It was a compact hybrid coupe that showcased Kia's new design language and technology. The Provo Concept was designed at Kia's European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, and it was intended to appeal to a younger, more urban audience.
Exterior Design
The Provo Concept had a bold and aggressive exterior design that featured a wide grille, sharp creases, and a sloping roofline. The front fascia had a unique "tiger nose" grille that was flanked by slim headlights that incorporated LED daytime running lights.
The rear of the Provo Concept had a spoiler that extended from the roofline and a diffuser that housed the exhaust pipes. The concept rode on 19-inch alloy wheels that were wrapped in low-profile tires.
Interior Design
The interior of the Provo Concept was futuristic and minimalist, with a focus on technology and connectivity. The dashboard had a large touchscreen display that controlled the infotainment system, climate control, and other features. The steering wheel had integrated controls for audio and phone functions.
The seats were upholstered in leather and had contrasting stitching. The headrests had integrated speakers that could play music directly into the driver's ears.
Powertrain
The Provo Concept was powered by a hybrid powertrain that combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The engine produced 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor added an additional 44 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The power was sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Performance
The Provo Concept was capable of reaching 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and had a top speed of 124 mph. It could also travel up to 31 miles on electric power alone and had a combined fuel economy rating of 50 mpg.
Features
The Provo Concept was equipped with a number of advanced features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
Production Plans
Despite the positive reception to the Provo Concept, Kia ultimately decided not to put it into production. Instead, the company focused on other models like the Sportage SUV and the Optima sedan.
Conclusion
The 2013 Kia Provo Concept was a bold and innovative hybrid coupe that showcased Kia's design and technology capabilities. While it never made it to production, the Provo Concept served as a glimpse into the future of Kia's lineup.