Kia reveals Proceed Concept

Kia has unveiled the Proceed Concept — previewing a new body style for the brand.

Described as an ‘extended hot hatch’, the Proceed Concept demonstrates the potential for a new variant in the Cee’d range.

Although it retains Kia’s styling DNA, featuring the trademark grille and cues from the Stinger GT, the concept presents a sleeker appearance than that of to the current Pro_cee’d hatchback.

It lacks B-pillars and has an extended tailgate, making it more reminiscent of an estate car, while six-spoke 20-inch alloys and GT logos reinforce the sporting stance.

The concept represents a huge change from the current range of Cee’d cars, which take a traditional hatchback form.

The Pro_cee’d, the Korean manufacturer’s first hot hatch, was added to the line-up in 2013.

The Proceed Concept also features a bespoke Lava Red paint finish, created using layers of black and chrome-effect silver paint, with a red-tinted lacquer.

Gregory Guillaume, chief designer for Kia Motors in Europe, said: “With many European drivers now seeking performance alternatives to the three-door hot hatch, we began thinking about a different halo model for the Cee’d family.

“The Proceed Concept represents a bold new vision of how the vibrant soul of the Pro_cee’d could be reincarnated and revitalised for a new generation of performance-oriented drivers.”

The Kia Proceed Concept will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 12 — 500 metres from Kia’s European design facility, the birthplace of the concept.