Kia pro_ceeds with New Sport Compact Concept

As a brand, Kia is beginning to diversify in ways that its never done before. Although the South Korean company has treated its global markets differently, many of its fundamental products, such as the Rio and Spectra have been sold around the globe. Things are starting to change for the brand; starting for the 2007 model year, some of its newest products will be market-specific. As Kia prepares to launch its European-only C-Segment (Golf, Focus) hatchback, called the ceed at Paris this year, it will be bringing along a little something that provides a looking glass into the future of the model range.

Highlighting its stands at Paris this year is the pro_ceed Concept, which is a three-door hatchback. Kias chief designer from its European Design Studios, Gregory Guillaume said, "... our design brief for pro_ceed was to create a teaser for the all-new Kia ceed sporty hatch which will become the third model in the ceed line-up (after the five-door and wagon) from December 2007." The ceed model range will be much different than the Spectra, which will continue on in North America for the next few years.

In terms of its styling, the pro_ceed looks very similar to the regular ceed, though it conveys an image of true sportiness with its glitzy chrome accent splashes, blacked-out headlamp bezels, and flush geometrical tailpipes. The concept does convey the right image though, helped along by the roof line, which has been dropped by an inch when compared to the five-door hatchback, and features shallower windows. Kia said that when the production version of the three-door hits the market, it will also be lower and sleeker than its family-oriented siblings. In true concept style, the pro_ceed has been finished with bulging fender flares and radical, black-powder coated alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance red-line rubber.

Compared to the exterior, which definitely received influence from the sport compact tuner industry, the pro_ceeds interior is quite different. Though its undeniably sporty, it encompasses the best of modern design, and classic, comforting materials. For instance, the dashboard, steering wheel and console are all appealing to look at, in terms of styling and functionality, with a navigation screen, plus amber switchgear and buttons that glow. On the other hand, the seats are trimmed in worn-in, dark, crackle leather that is supposed to mimic a flying jacket. The floor is also upholstered in a unique material called Carbon Leather, which is leather woven in a pattern similar to carbon fiber. This sort of atmosphere is contrasted with brushed metal and black piano-key trim.

Kia hasnt disclosed any information about the pro_ceed engine, although we suspect its probably an inline-four of some type, with a turbocharger strapped on for extra performance. And while the ceed will not be sold in North America (it is only built at Kias new Slovakian plant), Kia ought to add this car to its North American autoshow circuit. Who knows, perhaps the value-oriented brand can re-ignite the compact, three-door hatchback marketplace?