New Kia Ceed range set to grow to four models
VW Golf-rivalling hatch and estate to be joined by shooting brake with SUV likely, too
The new third-generation Kia Ceed hatchback will be joined by two all-new body styles, as well as the already revealed Sportswagon estate.
The new hatchback goes on sale in August with the Sportswagon arriving towards the end of the year. However, Kia has confirmed that the third model, a shooting brake, will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Auto Express understands that this new version could take the Proceed name, previously used on the old Cee’d three-door model and also used for the shooting brake concept shown at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. And like the new hatch, it’ll lose the apostrophe and the underscore from its name.
Following on from the new Proceed will be a further variant of the Ceed family, which is likely to be an SUV. Kia will position these new models as more premium than the standard hatch, to bridge the gap towards models such as the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series, as well as their associated spin-off models.
Kia has also confirmed that 48-volt hybrid technology will shortly make it into the new Ceed range, while plug-in and full hybrid versions are also likely.
All Ceeds will be based on the new K2 platform, with similar dynamic benefits to the recently-launched hatchback. Expect only the more powerful petrol and diesel models – with hybrid tech, too – to make it into the Proceed and SUV, while they’ll only likely to be available in top spec trim levels, too. That will now include level two autonomous technology as well as the latest connectivity and advanced safety systems.
Expect the Proceed shooting brake to go on sale on 2019 with the SUV likely to follow in 2020.
Would you buy a Ceed-based shooting brake or SUV? Let us know in the comments section below...
