Kia takes the cee'd upmarket 16 | 02 | 2012

THIS IS THE ALL-NEW Kia cee'd, the model which is expected to further enhance the Korean manufacturer's position in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the new cee'd not only boasts elegant lines, but is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. It does though retain the same long wheelbase. 

Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights dominate the front of the new model.

And the whole car looks squat and aggressive, thanks to its pronounced front and rear wings which emphasise the car’s wide track and solid stance.

See more official photos of the new Kia cee'd

Kia's designers have been very clever in terms of ensuring the new cee'd incorporates numerous small yet highly significant detail touches which add to the prestige and premium feel of the new car.

Take time to look at the new car and you'll see the indicator blade protrusion in the front headlamps; the chrome side glazing surround; a new, bolder Kia badge; and the Kia-signature windscreen head castellations. The cee'd also gets a new unique aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the adjacent bodywork.

Kia unveils sporty Track'ster

Step inside the new cee'd and you find a completely new, more premium-feel interior. In fact there are improvements all round, with new switchgear, touch-screen technology and better ergonomics for the driver.

Kia has switched to a new cockpit-like design for the dashboard, which is angled directly towards the driver. The interior also benefits from a new range of soft touch materials.

Read our roadtest & watch our video of the new Kia Optima

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Jim McGill