Kia At 2014 Consumer Electronics Show -CES

The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show will see Kia Motors America show of a number of future technologies in the area of telematics and infotainment.

Each item will show how safety and technology can be combined, as well as how cars will become increasingly more connected in the years ahead.

The highlight of the Kia display will be the UVO system that makes it easier for the car and driver to connect.

Kia will be showing that they are indeed a design leader when they unveil the KND-7 concept car at the show.

Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the concept model has a futuristic design that is sure to turn heads.

Updated UVO for Soul Electric vehicle

Ahead of Kia’s planned release of their first all-electric vehicle in the US later this year, they will be showing off the enhanced features of the UVO EV smartphone app that has telematics functionality made specifically for electric cars.

The Kai exhibit will feature an interactive display that shows off the newest UVO telematics system that is now ready for production.

It will show all kinds of stats such as battery status, time to empty, and mapping of nearby charging stations.

Owners can use a downloadable smartphone app to control a number of features inside the cabin, as well as presetting charging times and ratios.

One of the key elements of the telematics system is the UVO VR (Voice Recognition) technology.

The driver of the vehicle will be able to control a number of different features and functions by dictating small verbal messages.

Adjusting volume, selecting features, and many more will be voice controlled, allowing the driver to keep their eye on the road and their hands on the wheel at all times.

As early as next year, the next generation multimedia suite is expected to arrive in the Kia 2015 models.

Included in the features will be the ability to download apps such as iHeart Radio and Soundhound, the latter of which is a music recognition service that takes in-car engagement to all new levels.

Also included will be Yelp, which is an app that helps users locate nearby restaurants and clubs, all of which have been rated by other users.

The UVO app store will help Kia owners fully customize their infotainment experience.

Kia KND-7 Concept Vehicle

The 2014 CES will be where the KND-7 compact 4-door couple will be officially unveiled in North America.

Head designer Peter Schreyer was at the helm of the design team charged with creating the concept at the Kia studio in Seoul.

At less than 4 meters in length, the KND-7 comes with rearward opening doors and an access all interiors concept that had had the traditional B-pillars removed.

Kia KND-7 Photos

It’s a sleek and small look that the KND-7 concept car sports, with a daring little character that looks cheerful. Many of the elements seen in the 2007 Kia Kee 2+2 concept have been revisited for this concept.

There is a stylish dip in the top of the windshield (seen on the Optima and Cadenza), and the nose features a broad wrap-around mouth at the front.

The signature grille has been tweaked a little and has a shallower design that incorporates the air intake for the turbocharger.

The KND-7 powertrain features a 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower for a powerfully efficient driving experience.

The same unit can be found in a sporty pro_cee’d GT hot hatchback which is on sale exclusively in Europe.