A Crossover Might be Kia’s First Dedicated Hybrid Ever
The possible Kia crossover hybrid takes styling cues from the 2016 Sportage and China’s KX3
Image: Kia World
Kia might be adding an entirely new competitor to the already competitive hybrid segment. Recently, Carscoops caught a mystery crossover prototype from the Korean carmaker in the Austrian Alps—and it looks like it might be a hybrid.
The model was captured towing another Kia model in the Austrian Alps for the second time in the past few months. While it’s unclear as to whether the crossover was undergoing testing or merely acting as a mule, the even allowed us to get a gander at the model’s face.
At first glance, it appears the new Kia crossover has a similar face to the KX3, a popular model in China, and the 2016 Kia Sportage. We’re not sure whether this model will come to the market anytime soon, but there have been rumors about it being the first-ever Kia dedicated hybrid car, since the brand recently announced it would be offering a hybrid by 2018. If this crossover is Kia’s first hybrid, then it’s possible that it will have a similar structure to the new hybrid from Hyundai—Kia’s sister company—which is due out next year.
If the rumors are true about Kia’s first dedicated hybrid, it would make perfect sense. As Hyundai takes on the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt, Kia’s model can take on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that is coming to markets soon-ish—if the brand stops delaying its release.
News Source: Carscoops
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