Kia->ke41 has already proven its ability to go after big luxury sedans with the Kia Cadenza and Kia K900, but now it looks like the automaker is going to pump some new life into its small-car lineup too. Introduced at the Seoul Motor Show, the 2015 Kia Novo Concept “provides a glimpse into Kia’s plans for its future compact car line-up,” which means that this concept could well be a glimpse at what the next-gen Kia Forte will look like.

More importantly, Kia also says that this concept gives “clear hints at future Kia styling and strategy” indicating that additional models – beyond a compact car – will be inspired by the Novo Concept. While Kia’s current design language is already one of the best among the entry-level brands, the elements and proportions shown on the Novo Concept shows that cars like the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf still have a long way to go when it comes to styling.

Continue reading to learn more about the Kia Novo Fastback Concept.

2015 Kia Novo Fastback Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Kia Novo Fastback Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Transmission: seven-speed DCT
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Take away the rear-hinged doors, 20-inch wheels and the video-based door mirrors, and it’s easier to see the design direction that the 2015 Kia Novo Concept hints at. Up front, the Novo Concept has an upright face with dual-element headlights, the “latest interpretation” of Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille and a very aggressive lower fascia. The key to this design, though, seems to be the “fastback” roofline, which gives the Novo Concept a profile very similar to the Audi A7.

Interior

As expected, the interior of the 2015 Kia Novo Concept is highly conceptual, with lots of high-quality materials such as leather and aluminum. The design of the cabin doesn’t seem all that outlandish for a production vehicle, even though the instrument panel and center console look like they’re from a Lamborghini rather than a Kia. The deep, three-spoke steering wheel and two-pod gauge cluster provide a cockpit-like driver’s compartment, and other stylish elements include a wide center console and vertical HVAC vents. It looks like Kia is also trying to step up its cabin-tech game, as the concept shows off an Audi-like infotainment touchpad and a fingerprint scanner, which Kia says can be customized to control setting for different drivers.

Drivetrain

Details about what drives the 2015 Kia Novo Concept are limited, but Kia did announce that the concept is powered by the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). This powertrain combination sounds similar (if not identical) to the recently announced 2016 Kia Optima 1.6T, which has an engine output of 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Such numbers would be quite enjoyable from a compact or subcompact offering.

Prices

If the 2015 Kia Novo Concept does hint at the next-gen Kia Forte, then this car could become the best-looking car priced under $20,000. The current Kia Forte Sedan starts at $15,890, while the two-door Forte Koup is priced at $18,590 and the Forte5 hatchback starts at $19,690.

Competition

2015 Honda Civic Concept

Judging by the concept vehicle unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the 10th-generation Honda Civic is going to be another evolution of the current model, albeit with some much-needed style and attitude. Honda has a habit of using thinly disguised concept vehicles to tease upcoming models, and even though the current Civic was just introduced for 2012 (with heavy updates in 2013 and 2014), the all-new 2016 Civic is expected to debut later this year – possibly at the LA Auto Show->ke211.

Read our full review of the 2015 Honda Civic Concept here.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze->ke3230

Chevrolet has yet to officially reveal the North American version of the second-generation Cruze, but it should be pretty close to the China-spec model that debuted last year. Like the Novo Concept, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will have a fastback rear end with a sloped roofline and short decklid. It’s very likely that the next-gen Cruze will end up looking like a miniature version of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu that was revealed recently at the New York Auto Show.

Read more about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze here->ke3230.

Conclusion

As is the case with most concept vehicles, there’s no telling what the 2015 Kia Novo Concept means for a future Kia vehicle, but if Kia can produce a small car with the styling and powertrain of this concept, that would be a pretty fun car. Beyond a possible upcoming compact car, the Novo Concept is a look at what all future Kia vehicles could look like moving forward.