Stunning Kia models for Geneva debut

• 230 kph top speed for most performance-focused Kia models ever
• Turbocharged 1.6-litre engine produces 201bhp and 265 Nm
• Designed, developed and manufactured in Europe
• pro_cee’d GT 1st Edition – High-spec version limited to 500 units

The all-new high-performance Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT make their global debuts at the 83rd Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on Tuesday 5 March.  This new duo powers Kia into one of the most high-profile market segments in Europe, and they are the brand’s most performance-focused production cars ever.

The two models are powered by a new version of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components.  Power and torque outputs are dramatically increased (compared with the non-turbo engine), with maximum power up 51 per cent to 204 ps (201bhp), and torque up 61 per cent to 265 Nm.  The Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT each deliver fuel consumption of 7.4l / 100km and emit 171g/km CO2.

Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the front-wheel drive models can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62mph) in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 kph (143 mph).  They can also accelerate from 60-100 kph in fourth gear in 5.4 seconds, 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 7.3 seconds and 80-120 kph in sixth gear in 8.8 seconds.

“The world premiere of Kia’s new pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT highlights the diversity of our current product line-up and underpins the natural expansion of the brand into the performance car market, an important step forward for Kia,” comments Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.  “The new Kia pro_cee’d GT will have great appeal for motorists looking for style, performance and dynamism in their next car – and the cee’d GT adds an extra level of practicality for buyers who prefer five doors.”

Designed in Europe under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT feature new front grilles and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, jewel-like four-point LED daytime running lights, new fog lights, dual-exhaust pipes, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, eye-catching red brake calipers and a range of special paint finishes.

Inside, the GT models are equipped with Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals, bespoke surface materials and a seven-inch racing car-inspired TFT instrument cluster to create an engaging, performance-oriented ambience for the driver and passengers.

Developments to the suspension system ensure that the high performance credentials of these more powerful models are matched by exceptional dynamic characteristics, while retaining an outstanding ride quality, ensuring that both GT models are well suited for every day driving.

Kia pro_cee’d GT 1st Edition

Kia is celebrating the arrival of its first high-performance model with a limited edition variant that features a host of unique interior and exterior styling enhancements.  With a production run of just 500 units across Europe, the ‘Kia pro_cee’d GT 1st Edition’ is based closely on the all-new Kia pro_cee’d GT.

This limited-run model, of which only a handful are to be allocated to the UK, features a very high level of standard specification over and above the, mechanically identical, pro_cee’d GT.

Items such as Adaptive Xenon headlights, automatic air conditioning, satellite navigation and a large sunroof will be amongst the items on the spec list.  Unique GT 1st Edition features will include black high-gloss 18-inch wheels and door mirror housings, stainless steel scuff plates with red illuminated GT badging and unique numbering, red cabin-footwell lighting and premium-quality velour floor mats with red double stitching.

Production of the Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT, the newest members of the cee’d family, is scheduled to start at Kia’s Zilina plant in Slovakia in May 2013, with cars going on sale across Europe from mid-year.