Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva

Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva Kia Motors has been on an incredible tear as of late, with “strong and sustained growth” thanks to a “design led” “aggressive product line.” All that is according to Michael Cole, COO for Kia Europe who outlined just how far Kia has come in the last few years at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, where the Cee’d GT and Pro_cee’d GT debuted.

Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva

Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva

 Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva

Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva

Kia Cee’d GT is the Most Performance-Focused Kia Ever – 2013 Geneva

Kia Pro ceed GT side view 300x187 imageIn 2012, Kia saw major growth in its two most important markets. In North America, sales were up 15.4 percent, while China grew by 11 percent. In Europe, sales have grown by 50 percent to 338,000 in 2012, and all during one of the region’s worst recessions. Overall sales rose 9.3 percent to a record 2.7 million units in 2012. To put all of that in perspective, Kia has doubled its sales volume in the last five years, making it one of the world’s fastest growing car brands.

After the compelling sales announcements, Cole and Co. unveiled the C’eed GT and Pro_cee’d GT with an electric-guitar-heavy video sketch that recalls the global hot hatch segment leader, the Volkswagen GTI. Called “the most performance focused Kia products ever,” the C’eed GT (4-door) and Pro_Cee’d GT (2-door) are most definitely a Korean interpretation of the venerable GTI, with perhaps a dash of Focus ST thrown in for good measure.

The fingerprints of Kia design chief (and newly minted Kia president) Peter Schreyer are all over the GT twins, but what makes them special are the racy bits, including “ice-cube like” LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, specially tuned exhaust system with two pipes shrouded by a rear diffuser, and two exclusive paint schemes. Inside, Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals and a special multi-function display complete the look.

Kia Pro ceed GT rear side view 300x187 imageIn Geneva, Kia debuted the 1st Edition model, 500 units of which will be sold across Europe. The car is mechanically identical to other Pro_cee’d GTs, but adds adaptive HID headlights, a navigation system, large sunroof, black high-gloss 18-inch wheels and side-view mirror housings, red interior lights, stainless steel scuff plates with red lighting, and premium floormats with red double stitching.

The two- and four-door hot hatches are powered by a direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 201 hp. When paired with a six-speed manual, Kia says the Pro_cee’d GT will accelerate from rest to 62 mph in just under eight seconds.

Kia says these “genuine driver’s cars” will be produced in Slovakia and go on sale in June of this year, but in Europe only. No word on if or when either will make to the U.S.