Secret Cee'd is scooped

The image shows how plans for a sporty addition to the Kia line-up are well underway. The firm's Paris Motor Show concept, the three-door Pro_Cee'd, hinted at how a hot hatch variant of the compact family hatch would look. Design­ers are clearly experimenting with racy add-ons, which will be available on both three and five-door variants.

Building on the standard Cee'd's handsome shape, this model has a deeper rear bumper and a small roof spoiler. Large-diameter alloy wheels and a custom-style fuel cap also help this Kia stand out, as does its chrome number plate surround.

While there has been no official confirmation that a high-performance Cee'd will join the range, the flagship is likely to be introduced alongside a styling pack for owners wanting a similar look on lesser models.

Top brass remain tight-lipped on what will feature under the bonnet of the hot variant. A punchy 2.0-litre diesel joins the hatch line-up in June, but with Kia's sister firm Hyundai work­ing on a 2.0-litre petrol turbo, the latter seems more likely. It would have the power to help the Cee'd rival the VW Golf GTI and Vauxhall Astra VXR.

More details about the forthcom­ing flagship are set to be revealed when the new three-door Cee'd goes on sale at the end of the year.