Kia Cross GT – towards the premium, and larger, path

cross gt 01

Kia has debuted its Cross GT at the Chicago Auto Show. The concept offers a view of what the company is exploring, the potential to offer a larger, more premium offering than the current Sorento.

Measuring in at 3.09 metres-long, the Cross GT’s wheelbase is longer than the Sorento’s by 40 cm, and its overall length of 4.89 metres is 21 cm more that the Sorento. It’s also wider by 12 cm, but is 4 cm lower less than the latter.

The hybrid follows on that initialised by the GT four-door sports sedan concept from Frankfurt two years ago. While based on the GT’s chassis, the Cross GT is penned by the company’s North American design centre as opposed to the former’s European composition.

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Nonetheless, the Cross GT’s proportions are similar to its rear-drive stablemate, with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture, its exterior dressed in a Fusion Copper finish.

Power comes courtesy of a 3.8 litre V6, backed by an evolution of the company’s parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and transmission. Total system output is 298 kW (400 hp) and 678 Nm, and the eight-speed automatic and torque-vectoring AWD-equipped vehicle has an all-electric range of 32 km.

Key design elements include dual rear-hinged doors, which offer easier access to the four-seater’s rear bucket seats, as well as a a cargo compartment with a “clam shell” design, incorporating a traditional glass hatch and a tailgate. Plenty of light in that cabin too, with a multi-panelled sky light, replete with hexagonal glass inserts, helping things along.

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Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • BMW Fanboi on Feb 08, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Preve is still a better car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 29
  • Kalun on Feb 08, 2013 at 11:52 am

    Not bad looking. Look very refreshing. No slopping roof means that it’s a good sign.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
  • I.ME© on Feb 08, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    I like the rear end design where the glass goes all the way through the boot lid with the rear lights integrated into it. Much like the VW Up! Though the front does reminds me too much of a Rangie.

    Honestly this is what Kia should be. Simple and clean like the K5 and unlike the K9/K3 duo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • peter schreyer’s dna is all over this car. a more confident-looking kia i would say. korean q7, good if priced within a competitive bracket

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Jimmy on Feb 08, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Stylish. Cantiq.
    Front grill: the dot dot should be chromed, not black boneycomb.
    Interior is modern, just that it wastes too much space at the boot.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • KiaKillYa! on Feb 08, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Very matured, futuristic yet overall I guess most of the design concept is producible. And the dashboard… oh its like a designer’s furniture! With the combine elements of Aventador’s speedo and something from a lux yatch, even so I think Kia should spare this for something more upmarket than even their Quoris.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • PauKaya on Feb 09, 2013 at 12:03 am

    love how the korean fanboi scrubbing kia’s shoes…looks too similar like the kia borrego…which failed…badly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • PauTalakKaya on Feb 10, 2013 at 6:54 am

      Ah this one is Kia’s shoe thrower, just cant digest the reality…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Ah Beng on Feb 09, 2013 at 5:01 am

    Gross

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
 

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