Kia Previews “Extended Hot-Hatch” Concept

Kia Motors Corp. says its new sporty five-door concept car could preview a new body style for future versions of its Cee’d compact hatchback.

Due to be unveiled next month at the Frankfurt auto show, the unnamed concept is described by Kia as an “extended hot-hatch” design. The current Cee’d, which was launched in 2012 and received a facelift in 2015, is available in three- and five-door variants.

Kia says the concept is longer than a typical hatchback but shorter than a compact wagon. The vehicle aims to mimic the athleticism of the coupe-like Pro_Cee'd hatchback in a five-door package and an extended rear.

The new model’s sleeking styling also is compared with the Stinger fastback concept introduced earlier this year at the Detroit auto show. Other styling elements include full-width taillights, prominent wheel arches, GT badging and a lack of door mirrors and B-pillars.

The third-generation Cee’d is expected to bow sometime next year in Europe. The car will be produced at Kia’s plant in Zilina, Slovakia.