New Kia Ceed unveiled

Date: 19 January 2012   |   Author: Jack Carfrae

Kia has revealed the first official image of the new Ceed.

Sporting a more mature look than its predecessor, the five-door model will be revealed in the metal at the Geneva motor show in March along with the Ceed SW estate. Built at Kia's factory in Slovakia, the hatchback is due on sale in June and will be followed by the SW in September. The three-door Pro Ceed will appear in early 2013.

Full details have yet to be announced but Kia claims that the new model's petrol and diesel engines will be more efficient than those of the outgoing model. The Korean firm is also gunning for a more upmarket audience, hence the new look and details like the decision to mount the badge on the bonnet rather than the grille, which chief designer Peter Schreyer believes is 'a more premium place to put it'.

In addition to the range of economical variants, there is also the likelihood of a performance version of the Pro Ceed some time in 2013. It's likely to be powered by the same 1.6-litre 210hp engine as seen in the Hyundai Veloster at this month's Detroit motor show.

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