2017 Kia Ceed - first spy shots

The new Kia Ceed has been spied testing for the first time ahead of its expected release in 2017.

The fully camouflaged test mule was spotted winter testing in Scandinavia, offering a glimpse under the bonnet of the second-generation family hatchback.

The engine pictured in the Ceed appears to be Kia's new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI powerplant found in the GT Line Ceed, which was unveiled at the Geneva motor show earlier year. It should be joined in the line-up by a raft of more efficient petrol and diesel engines, although hybrid versions aren't currently planned.

With the facelifted GT Line Ceed set to go on sale at the end of this year, this spied Ceed won't be released until 2017. However, it could make its public debut at the Geneva motor show that year.

A full-fat hot-hatch GT version of the new Ceed, which counts the Ford Ford Focus and Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf among its rivals, could also form part of the new line-up.

Styling tweaks on the new Ceed include a revised front-end design, judging from these camouflaged spy pictures, with a fresh bumper, light cluster and grille for the forthcoming model.

There's no word on pricing yet, but the interior is expected to be a major step forward from that of the current generation and that could see a price hike over the £14,805 to £23,995 that the current model is on sale for.

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