Kia "YN" to premier as a concept at Geneva

Headlining the Kia stand at next months Geneva motorshow is an all-new concept targeted at the mini MPV segment.

Other than this teaser image, the only details provided by Kia is that it's slated as a forthcoming all-new model that is based upon the Soul platform. Kia wants to redefine the bland mini MPV market and show it can be cool and stylish. The "YN" features sliding rear seats and a panoramic glass roof, while providing astounding spaciousness in a compact package. According to insiders, the MPV is 99% production ready.

That "YN" codename is a no-goer for production. Kia’s badging experts are searching for a suitable tag – they were keen on the Quantum badge, until an American car maker owning rights to the name blocked it.

While the concept has yet to debut, prototypes of the finished product are undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden. The new MPV will be based upon the Kia Soul platform - which is shared with the current Rio and Hyundai i20 but will also underpin the next Rio supermini.

The newcomer is likely to use Kia's 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines and a 1.2 litre petrol engine, taken of the Hyundai i20 and even a 2.0 litre petrol. To cut CO2 emissions, stop&start will be offered after its launch. Expect right-hand drive sales in February 2010, after an Autumn 2009 debut. Prices are estimated at around £11,000, on par with rival's such as the Citroen C3 Picasso, Nissan Note, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Renault Modus, FIAT Qubo and Skoda Roomster.