Kia Multi-S 7-seater Crossover Concept
Three Ss fitting between SUV and minivan

Motion Trends,
20th September 2005.

Kia didn't come to the 61st IAA Frankfurt motor show (15-25 September) only to show its all-new second-generation Magentis four-door sedan (also known as ‘Optima’ in some markets).

It had something else in mind, in the medium size, rather sports-activity carscategory: the Multi-S, seven-seater concept car, dubbed for the moment CUV, for Crossover Utility Vehicle.

Although the official Kia version claims that the  Multi-S is intended to "trigger public debate and generate feedback from consumers...  (and) at present, there are no production plans for the Multi-S", one can safely bet that this concept car will not stay so for too long.

A bit of a minivan, a pinch of an SUV, the Multi-S is designed to blend the interlocking trends of crossover vehicles, MPVs and SUVs. Precisely, the "Multi" stands for three Ss: “Sporty, Spacious and Smart”.

In its 4,545 mm-long body, the concept car fits its seven passengers on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, under a high roof (1,650 mm), with a body width of 1,850 mm, with large diameter, 19-inch alloy wheels and low-profile 245/45 R19 tires to underline the strong ‘on-road’ presence. 

Active safety equipments include ESP (electronic stability program), MDPS (motor driven power steering), TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), AFS (adaptive front light system), full-length curtain airbags and ‘active’ head restraints.

Inside, the design concept was aimed at creating maximum versatility. Features include a dual-panel glass roof, a high-tech instrument panel and centre fascia, generous center console, luggage box and overhead compartment for maximum storage, full second and third row air-conditioning, a premium surround-sound audio system and rear-rows entertainment system with USB port.

Although the display vehicle at Frankfurt is powered by a 2.7-liter V6 petrol (gasoline) engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode, the Multi-S engine bay is also designed to accept a 2-liter turbo diesel engine (especially for Europe) and a choice of transmissions.