Production version of Kia Imagine concept due in 2021
#1
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Performance-focused C-segment EV will help Kia acheive CO2 targets
![](https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/1049x590/quality/80/https://s.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/753/697/2/S7536972/slug/l/imagine-by-kia-concept-1.jpg)
![](https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/1049x590/quality/80/https://s.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/753/697/8/S7536978/slug/l/imagine-by-kia-concept-1.jpg)
![](https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/1049x590/quality/80/https://s.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/753/696/8/S7536968/slug/l/imagine-by-kia-concept-1.jpg)
![](https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/1049x590/quality/80/https://s.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/753/697/3/S7536973/slug/l/imagine-by-kia-concept-1.jpg)
![](https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/1049x590/quality/80/https://s.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/753/698/1/S7536981/slug/l/imagine-by-kia-concept-1.jpg)
In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Kia Europe COO Emilio Herrera said the Imagine concept that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show should turn into a production model "in one or two years." Gregory Guillaime, Kia's European VP of design, said the Imagine is a "large C-segment car" intentionally blurring the distinctions between body types, a press release describing the concept as "drawing together elements of a muscular sports utility vehicle, a sleek and athletic family saloon, and a versatile and spacious crossover." Herrera didn't give any details on how the production version will differ from the concept. Flourishes like the windshield glass flowing uninterrupted into the roof and the 21 interior screens aren't likely to make it out of the studio.
We do know that Kia plans a new, pure EV architecture shared with Hyundai. This will support larger, more powerful electric offerings that boast more range than products like the Kia e-Niro and Soul EV. The e-Niro is rated at 282 miles on Europe's WLTP cycle, it's said Kia wants to hit 500 miles of range. The automaker would only say of the Imagine's powertrain that it is "a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack that powers a compact drivetrain." More importantly, the powertrain will focus on performance, "approaching electrification purely from an emotional point of view,” and pitched by Autocar ascompeting against EVs like the Polestar 2.
As a C-segment competitor like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, the chances of the Imagine making it to the U.S. are unknown. Herrera made his comments in a conversation about Europe's impending CO2 emissions regulations. At one point, Herrera explained the five methods he sees for dealing with the emissions caps, and we can already divide automakers among those five tactics. The Imagine, and other Kia vehicles with alternative powertrains on the way, are how the Korean automaker will avoid fines.
We do know that Kia plans a new, pure EV architecture shared with Hyundai. This will support larger, more powerful electric offerings that boast more range than products like the Kia e-Niro and Soul EV. The e-Niro is rated at 282 miles on Europe's WLTP cycle, it's said Kia wants to hit 500 miles of range. The automaker would only say of the Imagine's powertrain that it is "a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack that powers a compact drivetrain." More importantly, the powertrain will focus on performance, "approaching electrification purely from an emotional point of view,” and pitched by Autocar ascompeting against EVs like the Polestar 2.
As a C-segment competitor like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, the chances of the Imagine making it to the U.S. are unknown. Herrera made his comments in a conversation about Europe's impending CO2 emissions regulations. At one point, Herrera explained the five methods he sees for dealing with the emissions caps, and we can already divide automakers among those five tactics. The Imagine, and other Kia vehicles with alternative powertrains on the way, are how the Korean automaker will avoid fines.
Source
#7
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
C-segment is not a new term, it's an industry wide size segmentation, with more prominence in Europe, which is where the quoted official is from.
Trending Topics
#8
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The most common body styles for C-segment cars are hatchbacks, sedans and wagons/estates.
So crosovers/suv's are a different class? It all seems rather confusing to this consumer.
#9
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Not a real fan of roof-line shape, high door panels and small windows, with emphasis on the smooth curves everywhere. It mimics the Mercedes egg-cocoon styling. You want to feel you have space once you're seated in the car not 'compressed' into the form of the car and having to deal with it. I'll give Kia kudos for creative dual door entry solution and light styling.
#10
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Interesting, I hadn't heard the term used before. A quick search and the definition of C-segment according to wikipedia is, The European segments are not based on size or weight criteria.[1][6] In practice, C-segment cars have been described as having a length of approximately 4.5 metres (15 ft).
The most common body styles for C-segment cars are hatchbacks, sedans and wagons/estates.
So crosovers/suv's are a different class? It all seems rather confusing to this consumer.
The most common body styles for C-segment cars are hatchbacks, sedans and wagons/estates.
So crosovers/suv's are a different class? It all seems rather confusing to this consumer.
#12
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The styling is a crazy one. I've never been a fan of the overly rounded shape of Mercedes cars and it seems Kia is pushing that design further. You feel the headroom area is cramped up and windows become potential noggin and head bangers as you exit the vehicle.
Good luck to Kia to pulling this one off. Going to a size smaller or more compact than a Lexus IS is a questionable marketing decision. Will it sell in the realm of SUV/Trucks? That is to be determined.
Good luck to Kia to pulling this one off. Going to a size smaller or more compact than a Lexus IS is a questionable marketing decision. Will it sell in the realm of SUV/Trucks? That is to be determined.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post