Kia has fully revealed its new Kia Procee'd at the Paris motor show.
The new three-door line-up will spawn a performance version with around 200bhp; this will reach the UK in June next year. This model is the next stage in Kia's desire to become a brand with the performance credentials to back up its design flair.
Cee'd product manager, Vladislav Alexiev told Autocar the firm was "ready for the next step" should the warm Procee'd be well received by markets. More performance and niche, style-led models such as a production version of the acclaimed Kia GT concept are on the cards.
Standard versions of the new Procee'd will launch in the UK in the spring. Initial engine options will include 1.6 petrol and diesel units taken from the Cee'd five-door line-up.
The warm hatch will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6 petrol, which is predicted to have strong low-end torque as well as headline power of around 200bhp.
The performance model will have bespoke chassis settings, and a unique look inside and out, which will include 18in alloy wheels. Testing on UK roads has taken place.
The Procee'd sits 10mm lower than the standard Cee'd five-door and is the same width and length, and shares the same wheelbase. The rear suspension is a multi-link design.
The stylish design of the Procee'd features a slimmer grille to the five-door, and a revised design for the fog lights and lower bumper at the front. It is rakish in profile, and a distinctive kink kicks up from the bottom of the slim glasshouse. The roofline and tailgate are sloping and, combined with the wide rear haunches, give the Procee'd a low, muscular stance.
On the subject of further expansion after the warm hatch, Alexiev said: "We're ready for the next step but are careful and listen to the markets and what is expected from the brand. Our designers are always pushing, but we must keep establishing the brand with cars like the Procee'd to give it the credentials to do different things. We are very interested to hear the feedback."
The Procee'd is tipped to take between 12 and 14 per cent of all Cee'd sales. In the UK, it is likely to be comparatively priced to the five door but with different levels of equipment for even greater differentiation.
Join the debate
Add your comment
European and Japanese beware
Kia are gunning for those sections they traditionally missed whilst they made their bread and butter. Now come a decent spread of jam. And the best thing possible for the buyer is a standard guarantee which no one else can match! (other try by offering expensive lengthened cover etc)
New Procee'd
The old one was much better looking. Pity they had to mess up the styling so much.
Much Needed Car
Kia have been crying out for this model for a while now and it is great to see the management (be that Korea or the UK) finally getting the product to market.
Whilst I don't think it is going to set the warm hatch market alight, hopefully they have produced a solid performer with a modicum of talent, which should ensure decent sales.