Kia currently developing a brand new hybrid SUV model

Korean car firm Kia are officially in the midst of developing a brand new hybrid SUV model that has been designed with the idea in mind of being a number one source of competition on the market for the Toyota Prius. Kia are certainly making the headlines lately in the EV market by announcing their brand new Soul all electric model which will arrive on the road from next month. So what does the Korean manufacturer have planned for us with this new SUV addition and what should we expect from the vehicle when it is to go on sale?.

What we know about Kia's hybrid SUV so far

Well firstly it is believed that the car is set to go on sale mid way through 2016. The vehicle has not received a name as of yet but we do know that the car will go on sale as a hybrid model with a plug in hybrid set to follow it soon after its release. It has been stated by reporters who have seen the vehicle that it measures in at 4,350mm longer than that of the Soul model and the riding height appears to be quite low for the vehicle. The wheel arches and bumpers receive a lot more plastic cladding than that of the Soul also.

Although images of the car are yet to be revealed, it has been reported that the interior of the car will receive some of the very same features as that of the brand new Optima model which is to go on sale next year. Features such as a new central screen incorporated into the dashboard are set to carry over. The interior plastics have been stated to come in a Blue and White design form. Reports are also suggesting that regarding the power source that will come along with this hybrid SUV, a 1.6 litre petrol unit joined by the addition of an electric motor will come along with the car from the time of launch. Body design wise is expected to share a similar layout to that of the big selling Nissan Juke but can it go on to be just as successful as the Juke and even contribute in terms of competition on the market for other hybrid vehicle such as the BMW i3?.

The future of Kia's SUV hybrid

A price tag that will come along with the vehicle has not been confirmed. The car is however expected to go on sale mid way throughout the course of 2016 with an exact date expected to be announced closer to the time. As soon as more information becomes available for the vehicle, we will keep you updated.