The forthcoming all-new Kia cee’d has been previewed by the Korean brand today, two months ahead of its motor show debut.
Set to premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, cee’d is said to combined the "styling typically found on a sporty coupé with the space and functionality of a five-door hatch", and will go on sale in Europe from June.
To date, a solitary image of the new model shows an updated design with a bright chrome trim framing the glasshouse and a more muscular bonnet and front fascia. Kia says the revised exterior will be complemented by an ergonomic, driver-oriented dashboard and a refined interior that focuses strongly on quality materials.
The new C-segment entry will be priced to be "highly competitive" in the European and UK markets and will also be the first there to offer a seven year warranty.
At this stage, Kia Australia has said it will not offer the Hyundai i30-based model here for fear of it detracting from sales of the Cerato hatch.
"cee’d is not on our plans whatsoever, and with an all new Cerato expected next year it would be pointless building a business case [for cee’d]," explained Kia Australia PR manager, Kevin Hepworth.
"The new Kia Cerato will arrive in Australia in Q3 of 2013 with the entire model range to be updated in one hit. We’ll see a new sedan, five-door [hatch] and Koup arrive at the same time."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site