Proceed Concept. Kia’s new concept car makes its world debut
at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show on 12 September.
Designed at Kia’s European design centre in Frankfurt, just
500 metres from where it will be unveiled, the Proceed Concept indicates what
the next-generation cee’d could look like.
The concept presents a new body type for Kia. The extended
hot hatch retains the athleticism of the current pro_cee’d model, while
combining its striking visual presence with a dash of real-world versatility.
Reworked and reimagined for a new generation of driver, it puts forward a bold
vision for a potential member of the next-generation cee’d family.
Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe for Kia Motors,
commented: “With many European drivers now seeking performance alternatives to
the three-door hot hatch, we began thinking about a different halo model for
the cee’d family. 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.”
Low, lean and lithe, the Proceed Concept’s rakish roofline,
muscular proportions and compact footprint hint at its outright agility. The
silhouette of the car is complemented by a series of distinctive design cues. A
dynamic window frame follows the roofline to the rear tailgate, while the
striking ‘Sharkblade’ in the bodywork, complete with GT logo, reinforces its
lack of B-pillars. Lateral strakes exaggerate the Proceed Concept’s slim
waistline and lend an air of muscularity to the rear of the car. It runs on
six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, 20 inches in diameter.
Where daytime running lights have become a key element in a
car’s identity, the Proceed Concept uses light in other ways. The concept
features a ‘Luminline’ – an illuminated outline of the car’s glasshouse that
greets drivers as they approach the car. This serves as a powerful nocturnal
visual identifier for the Proceed Concept, highlighting its fastback shape.
The concept’s dramatic roofline flows into a tailgate
characterised by its stacked air vents, and the rippled surface of a rear light
strip inspired by molten ferromagnetic metal.
Its stance and proportions may be new, but the Proceed
Concept features many of Kia’s now familiar design motifs. The iconic ‘tiger
nose’ grille, the sculpted ‘island’ bonnet inspired by the Stinger, the
castellated windscreen, the full-length roof glazing, and Kia’s inimitable mix
of curvaceous sheetmetal and taut creases. Each element singles out the Proceed
Concept as a truly modern Kia.
The concept is finished in bespoke ‘Lava Red’ paintwork.
This has been created by combining multiple hand-applied layers of black,
chrome-effect silver, and red-tinted lacquer for a glossy, lustrous paint
finish.
Kia will unveil the Proceed Concept on 12 September on the
Kia stand, located in Hall 9 of the Frankfurt Messe exhibition centre.
DATA SENT BY KIA AND NOT VERIFIED
BRUCE HUBBARD
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
MOTORING TIMES
BEST DRIVES
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