Kia to expand crossover lineup with baby ute

LOS ANGELES -- Kia plans to expand its global light-truck lineup and shared a preview with the release of sketches of the small new crossover.

It will be revealed this summer and go on sale in Korea later this year, followed by global markets.

The description of the vehicle, inspired by the 2019 SP Signature Concept, sounds like Kia's version of the Hyundai Venue subcompact crossover that goes on sale later this year in the U.S.

"The new vehicle," Kia said Tuesday, "possesses the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package."

A spokesman for Kia Motors America said the company is looking "closely" at selling the vehicle depicted in the sketches in the U.S.

Kia markets four crossovers in the U.S. -- the Niro, Sportage, Sorento and Telluride.

The newest Kia crossover, however, could be larger than the Venue, which is 5 inches shorter than Hyundai's subcompact Kona. Kia said at the Seoul Motor Show in March that the Signature "previews the design and layout of an upcoming compact SUV from the brand."

Kia and Hyundai may also want to put some distance between their new baby crossovers in global markets. Hyundai is positioning the Venue as an inexpensive alternative to an entry-level car, while Kia has long had a crossover surrogate with the quirky, popular and inexpensive Soul hatchback.

Hyundai released sketches of the Venue, based on the Accent sedan platform, prior to its presentation at New York auto show last month. The Accent shares the subcompact platform with the Kia Rio.

Kia said its small crossover "will stand apart from rivals by matching the unique preferences and needs of the millennial generation. The robust design character of a traditional SUV coexists with sophisticated exterior design details, such as a its long hood, a strong sophisticated character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork."

Byung Chul Juh, head of styling at Kia Motors Corp., said the vehicle's design "will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers." Kia did not give details on specific equipment that might be included in the new crossover but it's likely to include advanced safety features and modern infotainment features available in the Venue.

Kia didn't release the name of the coming crossover, which will be the Korean brand's first global small crossover, the company said.