Kia set to tee-off at Golf

The notion of Kia taking on and beating Volkswagen at its own game might have seemed preposterous a decade ago, but the Korean brand is deadly serious in its intention to upstage the Germans with an upcoming, state-of-the-art hatchback.

The C'eed concept car pictured alongside revealed at the recent Geneva show, provides the first clues to how the proposed Golf basher will shape up.

If the concept seems to embody a distinctly European flavour, it’s because much of its design was honed at Hyundai-Kia’s design centre in Russelsheim, Germany.

Although known internally as the ‘ED’ for now, the production version -- due to debut later this year -- will replace the existing Cerato. Production will be centred on Kia’s new European assembly plant in Slovakia whcih comes on stream later this year.

Sister brand Hyundai will also offer its own interpretation of the C’eed, but its version will be manufactured in the Czech Republic.

The engine line-up is expected to comprise 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol units, along with 1.5 and 2.0-litre turbodiesels. The new drivetrains reportedly deliver better economy, refinement and performance than Kia’s existing line-up.

Visually, the C’eed is a pointer to a bold new direction. The sleek, thrusting nose is a welcome departure from the Kias we know, and the sculpted flanks and overall proportions appear well resolved. Hopefully, much of this design language will translate through to the eventual production car. Just don’t expect to see the bad-boy 19-inch rims and licorice-strip rubber on the showroom version.

A company insider told UK website 4car.com that the team working on the car was recruited from companies including Opel, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Smart and Saab, and that it has been given a free rein.

“The Koreans are completely open to listening,” the Hyundai-Kia source told 4car. “They are not limiting what we can do in any way. And as it’s a new project. It’s a young team, very lively and creative.”

So perhaps the notion of Kia taking on Volkswagen isn’t as absurd as it may seem. The proof will be in the driving. We’ll know the answer in just over 12 months…