The unnamed vehicle, which will slot below the compact Sportage, will compete with the likes of Toyota's upcoming C-HR, Mazda's CX-3, Honda's HR-V and Chevy's Trax.
The Kia is expected to share a platform with Hyundai's upcoming and as-yet-unnamed subcompact crossover. Styling is expected to echo that of the Provo concept Kia unveiled in 2013 at the Geneva auto show. This bite-sized Kia should debut late next year and go on sale as a 2018 model.