Second Generation Kia Ceed is Ready to Go

FYI: Kia Buyer's Guide

SEOUL-- February 15, 2012: Combining dynamic, sophisticated styling with maturity and prestige, the all-new ceed five-door hatchback makes its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The new ceed is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with the same long wheelbase. The elegant simplicity of its coupe-like proportions is emphasised by a steeply raked A-pillar, a very low belt-line in the front and lengthened side windows.

The front of the new ceed is dominated by the latest interpretation of Kias trademark tiger-nose grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights.

In profile, pronounced front and rear wings emphasise the cars wide track and solid stance. Above taut, strongly sculpted door surfaces, the steeply raked A-pillar, sweeping roofline and integral rear spoiler accentuate the sporting aesthetics of the new models generous glasshouse.

Throughout, the exterior is accented by numerous small yet highly significant detail touches which add to the prestige and premium feel of the new ceed without detracting from the purity and elegance of the overall design.

These include a new, bolder, more sophisticated Kia badge, the indicator blade protrusion in the front headlamps, the Kia-signature windscreen head castellations, the chrome side glazing surround and the ceed-unique, aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the adjacent bodywork.

The new ceed features a completely new interior hallmarked by a more premium look and feel, higher perceived quality, improved switchgear, touch- screen technology and enhanced driving position ergonomics.

The dashboard layout features a cockpit-like design with an aircraft- themed, driver-oriented fascia. The main control panel wraps around the steering wheel, placing all switchgear within easy reach of the driver, and the main control groups such as audio and air-conditioning have been segregated to bring a more premium, luxurious, big car feel to the interior.

Carefully considered precision detailing gives the cabin a more prestigious look and feel than that of the current generation model. Soft touch materials add a new tactility to the driving environment. Instruments and switchgear are picked out in very thin chrome, the door handles are built up in a layered sandwich of high quality materials and the door opener itself has a sculpted, one-piece, shell-like quality reflecting the premium values of the new interior design.