Kia's technology experts certainly seem to have been keeping themselves busy of late, as the company brings a raft of technological advances to the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). These are said to make driving "safer, more dynamic and more efficient", as well as giving us a whole new range of acronyms to use and get confused over.
The basis behind the showcase is something called the UVO system that, somehow, stands for 'Your Voice'. UVO is designed to connect the car to the driver in virtually every aspect of driving.
Take UCD, for example. UCD is Kia's User-Centred Driver concept and essentially is designed to keep the driver's eyes on the road at all times. To do this, Kia has introduced a substantially-sized 18-inch HUD (that's Head-Up Display; do keep up) that provides information such as speed, navigation and traffic details, which we would expect to be laid out in a similar way to that in a video game. Also, the 12.3-inch LCD display in front of the driver features eye-tracking technology to keep it in full, clear view at all times.
In addition, a hand movement controller has been created; allowing the driver to control various things such as the satellite navigation without looking away from the road. Wireless device charging has also been implemented into the cabin.
As well as UVO and UCD, Kia has brought along its next-generation of In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI). The IVI concept comprises a 20-inch touchscreen that replaces the traditional knobs-and-buttons set up on the dashboard. This can be synched to a smartphone or tablet so that apps can be used on the move. The infotainment system also includes Kia's 'Smart Radio' that features customisable playlists and Kia's own music service.
Rear seat passengers have been thought of too, as Dynamic HD wireless (WiHD) technology can provide the front display with satellite navigation and the two rear screens with independent music and video entertainment - all from a single device.
UVO's connectivity also extends to the EV user, as Kia has developed an app that shows up-to-date information such as battery level, distance to empty and the nearest charging station. The app will also let users pre-set the car's cabin temperature and charging times remotely.
Anything else?
To break up the technological showcases at CES, the 2014 Kia CUB concept also made its North American debut. The 2+2 four-door coupé measures in at less than four metres in length, features rearward-opening back doors and comes with a turbocharged 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine developing 201hp.