by Presentation at the Anniversary Exhibition
Kia is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a new exhibition at Kia Vision Square in Yeon-in, South Korea. The event was created to honor the company’s employees, past and present, and to showcase the brand’s future. It was at this event that the automaker presented the Vision Meta Turismo concept. This is a car in the spirit of the Stinger, combining driving dynamics with a futuristic interior.
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More details about the concept will be revealed later, but it is already clear that it is a sharp sedan in the Opposites United design philosophy. The front features a protruding “shark” nose, as well as a contrasting black panel with angular headlights and narrow air intakes.
From the top, a short hood is visible, which smoothly transitions into a sloping windshield. Also noticeable are the headlights, which curve back and transition into mounts for digital side mirrors.
Exterior and Interior Design
The side of the concept has heavily stylized body panels, which vaguely resemble the Polestar 5. Key elements include angular doors, muscular rear fenders, and aerodynamically optimized wheels. A raised window line and a unique glass roof with geometric elements are also visible.
The rear looks simpler but features an integrated spoiler and boomerang-shaped taillights. The model is also equipped with a contrasting black bumper and a stylish diffuser.
A Minimalist Interior, Filled with Technology
Kia has been more open about the interior, describing it as an “extremely immersive” environment that rethinks the relationship between humans and machines.
In particular, the company mentioned an augmented reality heads-up display with Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer modes. Information is displayed on the windshield using smart-glass, allowing drivers to see “virtual graphics as if they are floating above the road in three dimensions.”
Elsewhere in the cabin, the concept features a D-shaped steering wheel and a small square display. A camera and a futuristic instrument panel can also be seen. Even more noticeable is the contrasting yellow driver’s seat, with a joystick-like control on its armrest.
There is no information on what this joystick is for, but the head of Kia’s design department stated: “Vision Meta Turismo embodies Kia’s vision that integrates dynamic mobility and human-centered spaces.” Karim Habib added that the model is “an expression of Kia’s commitment to continuously provide technologically advanced mobility and experiences that captivate, stimulate, and inspire.”
Brand Historical Context
History of Kia
Although Kia seems like a relatively young company, its origins date back to 1944, when Kim Chul-ho founded Kyungsung Precision Industry. The firm was later renamed Kia in 1952 when they introduced their new 3000-Liho bicycle. This was Korea’s first domestic bicycle, and it was a huge success.
Twenty-two years later, in 1974, Kia introduced its first four-wheeled automobile. Known as the Brisa, it was offered in sedan and pickup truck bodies. The subcompact Pride appeared more than a decade later and reached America in 1987. While some of these dates may not be entirely accurate, Kia has come a long way from an unknown manufacturer to a respected global automaker.
This concept car, presented on the threshold of the brand’s ninth decade of existence, clearly demonstrates how Kia sees the next phase of its evolution—not just as a vehicle manufacturer, but as a creator of “mobile spaces” where technology and human experience are closely intertwined. The emphasis on augmented reality and ergonomic control indicates a shift towards more intuitive and engaging driving, potentially laying the groundwork for future production models, especially in the electric vehicle segment. Such showcases often serve as a test of public reaction, so it is possible that certain features of the Vision Meta Turismo could be seen on the roads in the future.
