Kia cee'd

By Chris Thorp

03rd October 2006

Unveiled alongside the standard five-door cee'd and the estate, also revealed here for the first time, the cleverly named Pro_cee'd is more than just a styling exercise. But there's a twist to the firm's plans for the VW Golf GTI rival, as revealed by a spokesman: "The hottest hatch in the cee'd range will be a diesel."

Details of performance and power output are yet to be confirmed, but the oil-burner will comply with the latest European emissions regulations. With an attractive three-door shape, futuristic alloy wheels and thick C-pillars, the Pro_cee'd concept fits in with the latest performance car trends.

Inside, there's a four-seat cabin, sporty three-spoke steering wheel and brown leather trim. For something a bit more practical there's the estate model, which has the same 2,650mm wheelbase as the five-door, but more load space thanks to its 4,470mm length. Buyers will get a choice of five engines and three trim levels.

The standard five-door cee'd will go on sale in December, followed by the estate next summer and the hot version at the end of 2007.

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