Youthful exuberance? Check. Sporty and sleek design? Check. The Kia KOUP concept illustrates the shape and evolution of the company's future vehicles.

Unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) the simple yet aggressive exterior is complemented by its sleek interior design.

Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Centre in Irvine, California, the concept follows Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling".

"The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies," said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA.

"Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers."

First glance

Curb appeal begins with the balanced proportions and fluid design. From the tab-shaped upper grille to the high-tech headlamps, the front fascia's form is intended to give the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance.

The concept features an uncomplicated but dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fibre and black chrome enhanced LED lamp lenses.

While the KOUP's overall form is simple, it makes a design statement with the "swoosh" that swoops from the "C" pillar forward, down to the "A" pillar and flares all the way back around to the rear deck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline.

The rocker sill has a distinctive "check mark" shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a lowered stance — a look further emphasised by the short overhangs and wide stance.

The panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, appear as two parallel pieces of glass — similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length. To further the performance-inspired appearance, carbon fibre enhancements accent the KOUP's chin spoiler, lamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo calipers and cross-drilled rotors.

Inside the cockpit

The KOUP's interior is designed with the driver in mind: from the inward lean of the dashboard and Supervision instrument panel, to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel in front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fibre accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.

The interior design integrates high-style materials, including supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-colour trims. The front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colours and patterning and horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort.

High-tech details are integrated into the interior, including smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

Eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, add to the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is part of the telematics services that also includes safe driving, car maintenance and life/assistance offerings.

Taking flight

Powered by a 2.0-litre Theta II turbocharged engine producing 215kW paired with a twin scroll turbocharger, the KOUP delivers torque of 391Nm at 2000rpm sustained to 4000rpm. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behaviour is improved. Improved combustion boosts fuel economy and lowers emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabiliser bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension.

An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for handling.

In keeping with the KOUP's sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.

Safety

The KOUP concept features all of the standard safety features offered in Kia America's regular production vehicle line-up including six standard airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) paired with CDC stabilises the KOUP for maximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tyres complete the package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control.