What's Wrong With This Picture: Scion XB, KIA? Edition
Kia has been targeting Scion for some time now, having built a better xD with the Soul, and taking on the tC with its Forte Koup. Now Kia seems to be going after Scion’s last (relatively) uncontested model, the xB, with this NAIAS-bound concept called KV7. And though there are clearly some concept elements to the design which won’t make production (hello Gullwing), Kia’s statement accompanying this teaser image notes
For the past several years Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has been delivering production vehicles – such as the Soul, Forte Koup and Sportage – that bear a very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia will make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named “KV7.”
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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2nd Generation Flex concept.
I thought Kia was going after the xB with the Soul. Who's gunning for the xD's sales numbers, SAAB? Scion lost its way with the xB when it bloated it up to make it this terrible, overwrought joke that it currently is. Its crazy scary how Toyota completely dropped the ball on this one (and how the general media doesn't recognize it). Obviously, the original xB had a limited shelf life because of its uniqueness, complete and utter foreign design and unavailability, and its inability to be refreshed and have the same impact, but the current iteration is terrible. The HHR Panel has more curb appeal. I hardly see younger folks with xBs anymore. Like the Cube, I usually see older couples who found a suitable replacement for their Cutlass Cruisers, and Escort wagons - 4-cyl, cheap to operate, with roomy rear quarters. At least the Soul seems to appeal to all ages.
A cross between a Element and a Flex
I'd just be happy with a longer Element.