Kia To Launch A Rival For Mazda MX-5

Present at Paris Auto Show 2010, the Kia designer said that he would like a light sport model, able to position itself as a rival of the current Mazda MX-5.

The success that Mazda MX-5 roadster enjoyed from the first generation to date could serve as an example and inspiration source for Kia, which is flirting with the idea of such a model.

Peter Schreyer, the man who left Audi to draw the Korean automaker models, vehemently denied the rumors from Geneva in this spring, but his vision seems to have changed. At Paris Auto Show 2010, where Kia has revealed Kia Pop concept and Kia Optima model, Schreyer said that he can not answer to questions about a possible roadster model.

However he said that: “Such a model would be important for Kia. MX-5 has done much for Mazda. At present there are many dedicated fan clubs and enthusiastic customers, which are part of Mazda’s history. Any automaker wants this.”

Schreyer said that he wants to give birth to such a model, which could be seriously inspired by the MX-5 Japanese rival. Kia has set out its vision of this segment at Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007, when presented the Kee concept.

Unofficial sources talked in the past about the possibility of using a shorter platform, borrow from Genesis Coupe, to give birth to a rear wheel drive model. The release date is expected around the middle of 2013.