The Kia Proceed Concept, to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, previews both the expected styling look of the next generation Cee’d range set to launch in 2018, and a possible new body style.
Designed at the Kia European design studio next door to the site of the Frankfurt show, the concept is described as an ‘extended hot hatch’, effectively a shooting brake. If it reaches production it will extend the Cee’d line-up, which currently runs across three and five-door hatchbacks and an estate.
Kia’s European chief designer officer, Gregory Guillaume, describes the concept as a potential different halo model for the Cee’d family, as many European drivers are now seeking performance alternatives to the three-door hot hatch. “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,” Guillaume says, which suggests that the current three-door will not be part of the next-generation Cee’d line-up.
Bold styling treatment
In line with this aim, the styling is more distinctive than the mainstream Cee’d, with a low stance, muscular bodywork and sharp detailing. The bodywork includes a bold ‘Sharkblade’ design element that also emphasises the lack of B-pillars (door pillars), and the car sits on 20-inch six-spoke aluminium wheels.
Other styling influences from the current Kia range are also incorporated, notably the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, a bonnet shape designed by the Stinger model soon to go on sale, and a full-length glazed roof.
Should the Proceed reach production it will likely only appear after the next mainstream Cee’d range launches with the styling treatment displayed on the concept.
