Detroit show: Kia super-sizes SUV concept

KIA will use the Detroit motor show to reveal a concept SUV that is likely to herald the largest production passenger vehicle in the Korean company’s history.

The concept – cloaked in what looks like a green anodised finish – is a full-sized premium-SUV primarily aimed at the North American market where it is expected to take on rivals such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Bronco.

No name has been suggested, but it could adopt the Mohave moniker used on a smaller ladder-chassis SUV in South Korea.

Designed at Kia’s California design studio, the big wagon will sit above the current largest SUVs in the Kia range, the global Sorento and American market Borrego.

However, Kia sources suggest the vehicle is unlikely to be built in right-hand drive, meaning it is off the agenda for Australia.

In its short blurb with the single teaser photo, Kia says the concept will offer “an abundance of advanced technology, including state-of-the-art health-and-wellness technology”. This is likely to mean systems such as heart and temperature monitors.

It says the vehicle also will take Kia's design language in a bold new direction, “suggesting styling of a possible future premium large SUV in the brand's line-up”.

So far, Kia has not given any hints of timing, but it is unlikely to surface in 2016.

In Australia, Kia is set to a big start to the year with the launch this month of the all-new Sportage, followed within weeks by the new baby car, the Picanto, and new-generation Cerato.