Kia Sportspace Concept

Kia’s beautiful Sportspace Concept is without a doubt the star of the automaker’s Geneva Motor Show booth.

In the absence of any official reference to a future production model inspired by this D-segment study, the most logical speculation is that it previews the next-generation Kia Optima. 

Whether the upcoming Optima will get an estate version it remains to be seen, but it’s pretty clear this study will not be shelved after the Geneva Motor Show closes its gates. It’s definitely one of those pre-production studies automakers have accustomed us to in recent years.

Designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, the Sportspace offers “stylish and exciting transportation” for four passengers, “without sacrificing the performance, sustainability and economy that Kia is known for.”

Kia refuses to categorize the Sportspace, saying it is neither a saloon nor a wagon, neither a hatchback nor a shooting brake. So what is it then? In Kia’s own words, “a vehicle that can meet the demands of those who refuse to be categorized when it comes to their lifestyle or their motoring needs.” 

Let’s say that settles it and end this story by adding that no details were offered about the car’s powertrain. 

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2013 Seat Leon Hatchback

This is the third generation of Seat's compact model and the second vehicle from the Volkswagen Group to utilize the firm's new modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform architecture after the Audi A3 Hatch.

The five-door model seen in these pictures in both regular and sportier FR trims features an edgier design than the softer and more rounded outgoing model. The styling of the new Leon was previewed through the sporty IBE Coupe Concept shown in Geneva and Frankfurt last year.

Seat has also swapped the current model's hidden rear door grips for conventional handles mounted on the doors, which may have something to do with the fact that the Spanish brand is aiming to expand the Leon's lineup with a sportier looking three-door model much in the likes of the IBE Concept and a stylish estate version.

The exterior differences between the base and the FR trim models as seen in these photos have to do with the styling of the bumpers and the alloy wheels.

Inside, the Leon Mk3 gets a modern-looking dashboard that borrows several bits and pieces from the Audi A3, the most prominent of which is the instrument panel (albeit with different trim) and the steering wheel.

There's no information yet on the available powertrains, but we assume most if not all engines will be shared with the A3 and of course, the upcoming VW Golf Mk7.

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New Volvo V40 Five-Door Hatchback

The design of Volvo's new model is a mix of styling elements seen on the S60 series, especially up front and at the rear end, with a profile that looks like a lower interpretation of the Swedish automaker's crossover models such as the XC60 and XC90.

Previously leaked information mentions that the V40 will measure 4,500 mm or about 177-inches in length, making it only 20 mm or 0.77-inches shorter than the V50 station wagon, which it will most likely replace when it arrives in the market later this year.

The possibility of Volvo developing additional body styles of the V40 including a three-door model to replace the C30 and a four-door sedan as a successor to the S40, remains open.

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2013 Volvo V40 Hatchback

 The first cropped picture shows the front end of the compact model while the second grainy image gives us an unobstructed view of its rear end and profile.

We can’t vouch for its authenticity but it does look to be the real deal if you want our opinion.

The new V40 is expected to launch in Europe this summer rivaling the likes of the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and even the Volkswagen Golf.

The Swedish automaker has said that the V40 will be the first production Volvo to benefit from the company's new modular Volvo Evironmental Architecture (VEA) four-cylinder engine lineup featuring direct injection for its gasoline and common rail for its diesel variants.

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Kia Cee'd Hatchback

The South Korean automaker wants us to get a better view of its VW Golf rival with the release of another set of photos, which include the very first pictures of its interior.

The car's overall appearance is in line with Kia's latest crop of models and especially the Optima sedan. This is even more evident inside with Kia promising a more premium look and feel, higher perceived quality and enhanced driving position ergonomics.

The dashboard layout features a driver-orientated fascia with the main switchgear positioned towards the driver.

Kia has not yet announced precise dimensions but it said that the new Cee'd is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, while retaining the same wheelbase.

The engine lineup has not been confirmed but given that the Cee'd is a sister model to Hyundai's i30, we expect it to be offered with the same 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter diesel and gasoline units at launch in Europe.

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Audi A1 Sportback 5-Door Hatchback (2011)

The exterior dimensions of the Sportback remain almost the same compared to the three-door model at 3.95m long, 1.42m tall and 1.75m wide with a wheelbase of 2.47m.

The exterior styling is what you would expect it to be: an A1 with five doors – nothing special here other than that the Sportback will be available with contrasting roof colors. 

The same goes for the interior, the only difference being that it is now easier to access the rear seats.

The A1 Sportback will be available in Europe with the same engine lineup as the three door model including the 1.2 TFSI and 1.4 TFSI turbocharged petrol engines and the 1.6-liter TDI diesel, all of which are offered in various outputs.

The new A1 Sportback will most likely receive its world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show on November 30.

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