Kia will launch its new mini-MPV later this year – and it’s tipped to be first with Kia’s new badging system. It’s out with names and in with alphanumeric badges, which explains why the MPV’s precursor was called the No.3 concept car.

Our man in Switzerland scooped the new No.3, which looks very similar to its show car namesake. The grille, in particular, seems to follow closely the ‘tiger face’ espoused by Kia’s ex-Audi design boss, Peter Schreyer.

It’s been rumoured that the new No.3 model is a hint at Kia switching to numerical names for its models (e.g. K1, K2, K3) but Kia UK managing director Paul Philpott said there were currently no plans to switch to the format.

It’s based on the same underpinnings as the Soul and Hyundai i20 – and this architecture will also be seen on the next Rio. Insiders talk of the new mini-MPV as a sort of baby Golf Plus. It’s telling that our spy photographers snapped it on a benchmark test with the Vauxhall Meriva.

The new Kia will have a more practical interior than the Soul, with sliding benches and other family friendly goodies likely.