Images of the all-new Kia cee'd have been released ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show. Like its predecessor the new car is an all European affair, having been designed by a Hungarian in Germany and built in Slovakia. Again Kia is hoping that the Euro-factor will allow it to compete with C-segment stalwarts like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
Styling wise it would appear to have what it takes. Longer, lower and wider than the first generation cee'd, but with the same wheelbase, the new car features a steeply raked A-pillar and shortened side windows to give it a coupé-like profile. As you would expect of a Peter Schreyer generation Kia the front end is dominated by the trademark 'tiger-nose' grille and features wraparound headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.
It is inside however that will determine whether or not the cee'd can compete with the big boys and Kia has purposely set out to endow the car with a more premium feel. Higher quality switchgear, touch-screen technology and an enhanced driving position are all said to feature, but we will have to wait until after Geneva to see whether or not the new cee'd can take it to its European rivals.