Kia unveils radical provo concept at Geneva

Looking very much like a road-going race car, Kia’s latest concept car mixes modern technology with aggressive styling to create a unique look of its own.

Called the provo, the concept unveiled this week at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show is said to be entirely a car for European tastes and conditions, designed solely at Kia's Frankfurt studios. But it could alsoprovide a preview of the next-generation Soul successor.

The muscular coupe-style hatchback is powered by a 1.6-litre, 200-horsepower Turbo GDI engine with smart-4WD-hybrid technology that employs an electric motor to provide additional power to the rear wheels, when required, and to allow low-speed electric-only operation.

A seven-speed DCT transmission completes the powertrain.

Kia says the provo is designed for fun – pure and simple. Its single purpose is to delight and entrance its owner and to bring a smile to the driver's face.

In the all-black interior, conventional buckets are replaced by a single wave-like seat cushion running from one door sill to the other and covered in quilted leather.

The seat backrests are mounted on a rotating aluminum track so that instead of folding forward, they spin into the centre of the vehicle allowing easy access to the occasional-use rear seats.

Kia says there is no specific production schedule for the provo but doesn't rule out the possibility that it, or something like it, could be produced.