From the very beginning of Ceed model development, 15 years ago, Kia has taken an open-minded approach to various potential body styles. Many have been considered and, in creating the latest Ceed range, Kia’s European design team has been given the freedom to explore several different possibilities.
One additional idea stands out above all the others, as Kia is set to welcome a new arrival to the Ceed family later this year, the Ceed Crossover. Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe, explained: “There’s another style, another type of vehicle, that we feel very strongly deserves to be a new member of the Ceed family. It will the play the role that’s needed to make the Ceed range stronger and even more exciting, more appealing, to European consumers. The design will be nothing like you’ve seen in the Ceed family so far. This will be the next big surprise from Kia.”
Yet, ‘filling niches’, because Kia can, should not be part of a forward-thinking carmaker’s ideology. While other manufacturers, notably in the mainstream, volume sector, have incorporated compact crossover developments into their ranges, it is understandable that Kia would follow suit. A ‘hiked-up’ Ceed, which will be marginally bigger than the Stonic model, while adopting a less angular design approach, will compete directly with the Focus Active and will, therefore, not be of the taller variety of SUV.
However, while Ceed-X, X-Ceed, or whatever name will be announced for the newcomer, is sure to be well-received, it can also be quite an important addition to the range. Kia is a brand that is not so much in the ascendant (a descriptive term that used to apply to it a decade ago) but is an established grower; sharing its DNA with other Ceeds is vital in model series terms. Yet, the underlying reason for the Ceed being as popular as it is lies in its design ethos.
Mr Guillaume and his Frankfurt-based team of stylists recognise the importance of not upsetting the eye of the beholder. Were any member of the Ceed family to be developed in the South Korean domestic market, it would look quite different to the European-influenced models presently on sale. While a local style bias may have its place, European designs also levy a more important influence on models designed for a world market.
With the arrival of the all-new Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon and ProCeed variants, Kia’s best-selling model family has not stopped growing and its newest member will shake up the market again, of that there is no doubt. The new Ceed crossover will be named and revealed later in 2019 and we hope to carry that information as soon as it is available.
