2017 Kia CUV spy pics

HERE is the first concrete evidence of the all-important Kia ‘CUV’. The South Korean brand’s answer to the highly successful Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V is being readied for an international unveiling as soon as the Geneva Motor Show next March, according to some reports.

Sprung undergoing hot-weather testing under very heavy cladding with a bunch of other prototypes, the so-called Kia CUV is believed to be based on a modified version of the next-generation Kia Rio supermini that is having its global debut at the Paris motor show in late September.

As a result, expect the Kia Rio to supply most of the engine choices, which probably means the 1.6-litre GDI direct-injection four-cylinder petrol unit and perhaps even a T-GDI turbocharged option.

A 1.7-litre turbo-diesel is also mooted for some markets, as is all-wheel drive in lieu of the standard front-drive configuration.

Other than that, little is known at the moment, though the rumour is that the Korean-built CUV will sit alongside the recently released European-focussed Niro Hybrid as a more affordable alternative small SUV.

Visually, and despite all the disguise, it is clear that the CUV is a more traditional SUV than the quite wagon-esque latter, with what appears to be more ground clearance, a higher hip point for loftier seating, and a more rounded overall silhouette.

This would put the Kia somewhere midway between the swoopy CX-3 and boxier HR-V in terms of interior packaging.

Having said that, there are some flashes of inspiration behind the bin-liner disguise, including a bisected headlight/indicator treatment that is reminiscent of the Nissan Juke – another deadly competitor that Kia will be chasing, especially in Europe.

The grille, however, continues with Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ theme.

Interestingly, the CUV would be Kia’s third small SUV. As well as the aforementioned Niro Hybrid, there is also the China-market KX-3, underlining the importance of the segment for the brand. And if you also count the oddball Kia Soul (which does do big business in other countries but is all but ignored in Australia), that makes it four.

Pricing? Far too early to tell, but a low-$20,000 to mid-$35,000 for the expected AWD and diesel versions is a likely range when the CUV arrives by the end of next year, meaning there will be some overlap with the larger Sportage in Kia’s local line-up.

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We Hear: Kia Plans Small CUV to Rival Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V

Within the next two years, Kia will offer a small CUV to rival the Nissan Juke, according to a report from Autocar.

“There’s space to grow with SUVs, into lower segments,” Kia’s European marketing director Arthur Martins told Autocar. “This model makes sense for us, and we will bring it in the future, two years maximum.”

The B-segment crossover will likely share a platform with the next-gen Kia Rio, which arrives next year. The plan is part of Kia’s larger goal to launch nine new models by the end of 2018.

Kia just recently debuted the Niro hybrid crossover at the 2016 Chicago auto show. That model has no clear competitor at this point, but rides on Kia’s new dedicated eco-car platform and is targeted to hit 50 mpg. The automaker also unveiled its first D-segment wagon, the Optima Sportwagon, for Europe. And of course, a production version of the GT concept is reportedly on the way to further diversify Kia’s lineup.

The popular subcompact crossover segment is already teeming with options, including the new Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and others. The small Kia has promise and could be a more conventional alternative to the Soul. That model was the second-best selling Kia in the U.S. last year.

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