Kia Cee’d Hatchback unveiled
The new Kia Cee’d is set to be revealed at next month’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show and now we have all the official images and details of the five-door hatchback version following last month’s leak.
Based on the new Hyundai i30 platform, the Kia Cee’d competes in the compact hatch segment. The new model is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, while the wheelbase remains unchanged. This gives it a sportier, lower profile stance than the outgoing model.
Inside, Kia has worked on bringing the interior up to a premium level, and focused the cockpit around the driver. There’s a sporty steering wheel with gloss black trim, and button controls for Bluetooth and audio.
The wing-shaped grille is more rounded than in the Optima, but the sculpted hood and upswept lower front valence are common traits. The wraparound headlamps also sport new LED daytime running lights.
The vehicle is longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, but features the same wheelbase. This results in a very sporty profile as well as a wide track and solid stance.
Inside, designers have gone for a premium look and feel by using better quality materials than used in the previous Cee’d, as well as improved switchgear, touch-screen technology and enhanced driving position ergonomics.
Kia is keeping quiet on the car’s engine details but expect a range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units and the choice of manual and automatic transmissions. We should know more once press days for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show commence on March 6, but in the meantime stay glued to our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.
First sales of the new Kia Cee’d are scheduled to start in Europe in the second quarter of the year.
