Kia Elan

The Kia Elan, known as the Vigato in some markets, was a two-seater roadster produced from 1996 to 2004. Representing a significant departure from Kia's usual lineup of sedans and hatchbacks, the Elan showcased a focus on sporty design and performance. It featured a lightweight design, agile handling, and a peppy engine, targeting a different demographic than Kia's typical customer base. Though never a high-volume seller, the Elan played a crucial role in enhancing Kia's brand image, demonstrating the company's ability to design and manufacture a more sophisticated and emotionally appealing vehicle. The Elan's contribution to Kia's development lies in its exploration of the sports car market and its successful showcase of Kia's design and engineering capabilities beyond merely functional vehicles.