Kia Rolls Out Self-Build Car with "Concept i"

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Apr 2, 2007 | 06:08 AM

Overclocker

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Kia Rolls Out Self-Build Car with "Concept i"

Who knew the Kia people had such a sense of humor? Here's a joke "do it yourself" car that takes inspiration from the ready-to-assemble household goods company Ikea.

Date posted: 03-30-2007

LONDON — The headline on the press release sounded tantalizing: "Kia unveils groundbreaking self-build CAR with 'Concept i.'" But the accompanying photo just shows a pile of boxes.

It's all an elaborate April Fool's Day prank, which becomes apparent with the last line of the release: "An on-sale date and pricing is yet to be announced by the Korean company, but it currently has no i Kia."

If it did, the DIY car would be equipped with "a selection of existing powertrains from the recently launched cee'd, including the popular 1.6-liter turbodiesel." Transmission options range from a four-speed automatic to a six-speed manual.

Kia explained that the inspiration for the car is taken from "flat-pack furniture" that the customer builds at home. Only an Allen wrench is needed to put together the vehicle — and that's included in the kit.

But there is a catch. The warranty "will vary according to the skill level of the customer." "A simple questionnaire can reveal how adept they are at building the car," according to a Kia statement. "A high score will get a seven-year warranty, a low score about a couple of weeks."

What this means to you: The Kia Concept i is worth nothing more than a chuckle.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=120223#2