Kia planning a hybrid crossover - Rendering

Codenamed "DE", the vehicle is expected to launch as a 2016 model.

According to a report by Auto Bild, Kia is readying a new hybrid crossover, codenamed DE. The vehicle, 4.35 m in length, is set to rival members in the Toyota Prius family.

The rendering shows a familiar Kia front end, with wheel arches, the side skirts, and the bumper lips all in black plastic. The sloping roof-line and the rising window line make for a very coupe-like glasshouse, though this rendering may not be an actual representation.

The report suggests that the vehicle is 4.35 meters long, which is slightly longer than the above mentioned Kia KX3 (reported length of 4.27 m) but shorter than the Sorento (4.7 m long). It's said to be based on a completely new platform, and will derive power from a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a motor.

Also read: Kia KX3 production version spotted without camouflage

The report continues that Kia will only offer the DE as a hybrid while a plug-in hybrid version will follow soon. On the other hand, the Kia KX3, which is based on the India-bound Hyundai ix25, is driven by conventional fuels and will be launched in China this year.

[Source - Auto Bild]