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Wednesday, April 3, 2013
With the CUB, Kia evokes the appearance of previous concept cars, especially the Kee; the front end also bears similarities with the impressive GT concept. There is a slim grille, the wraparound front fascia is mirrored at the rear, and, as on many of the company’s production models, the windshield features an upper contour that recalls the "tiger-nose" grille. Further, the side windows are frameless and the rear doors open suicide-style. The overall look is contemporary and distinctly Kia. Interestingly, there isn't much left of the wedginess that characterizes the Rio and the Forte. The CUB's front end is tall, upright, and muscular, and seemingly indicates a new styling direction for the brand.
The CUB includes many thoughtful and cute details, such as blade-like features—Kia identifies them as "turning vanes"—protruding from the lower part of the front doors. As is current show-car fashion, tiny cameras replace the rearview mirrors. We especially like subtle intake on the driver’s side of the grille. The CUB is painted in a cheerful yellow with an asymmetrical white racing stripe and rolls on 19-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels. LED headlights, which are supposed to recall those of the Quoris flagship sedan, sit above LED daytime running lights. The CUB comes with touch-sensitive doors, which keep its flanks free of traditional handles.
Inside, Kia plays on an urban and luxurious theme with four separate seats, all clad in black leather with yellow stitching. The dashboard receives the same treatment. There is a slim center console, and there are beautifully sculpted, rectangular air vents. The steering wheel is a racy, flat-bottomed piece, and Kia says that it monitors the driver's "biorhythms." A gesture-control system is part of the package, and operates in a fashion similar to the one shown in the Hyundai HCD-14 concept. The luxurious approach to the CUB's interior is a logical evolution of the premium aspirations seen in the latest Forte, which can be fitted with several comfort features, such as a heated steering wheel and a ventilated driver's seat, that exceed the standards of its class.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
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