Official

Kia debuts second-generation Cee'd ahead of Geneva

This is the second-generation, 2012 Kia Cee'd that we'll soon be feasting our eyes on at the Geneva Motor Show. Kia claims it has "enhanced maturity and presitge within a sport package," and based on the (admittedly retouched and beautified) photos, we're inclined to agree.

The exterior is a host of the small-hatch design elements we're seeing from varous makers such as massively stretched headlights and pronounced hips. Nevertheless, there are plentiful Kia design details that should keep the new Cee'd from getting lost among its C-Segment rivals.

Kia promised a driver-oriented interior, and while it doesn't strike us from the interior shots as particularly driver-centric, it looks good. The redesign includes a reworked control layout for better ergonomics, new switchgear and a touchscreen, plus chrome accents and door handles that are "a layered sandwich of high quality materials." Tasty.

Engine options still haven't been disclosed, but we'll be getting all the gossip come next month's Geneva show. For now, there's a press release after the jump and a few images to get yourself acquainted.
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ALL-NEW KIA CEE'D HAS DESIGNS ON THE FUTURE

- All-new cee'd set for Geneva Motor Show debut
- Elegant looks combine dynamic and sophisticated styling details
- Enhanced maturity and prestige within a sporty package


(15/02/12) -- Kia's all-European cee'd stunned audiences when it was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show just six years ago and at Geneva this year the all-new version is set to repeat that feat thanks to its elegant lines – heralding an even more successful future for the company's bed-rock C-segment model.

Combining dynamic, sophisticated styling with maturity and prestige, the all-new cee'd five-door hatchback the new cee'd 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 cee'd is dominated by the latest interpretation of Kia's trademark 'tiger-nose' grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights.

Wide track and solid stance
In profile the pronounced front and rear wings emphasise the car's wide track and solid stance whilst above the taut, strongly sculpted door surfaces, the steeply raked A-pillar, sweeping roofline and integral rear spoiler accentuate the sporting aesthetics of the new model's generous glasshouse.

The entire exterior is accented by numerous small yet highly significant detail touches which add to the prestige and premium feel of the new cee'd 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 cee'd-unique, aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the adjacent bodywork.

New premium interior
The new cee'd 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.

Kia Information

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