The third-generation Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon took centre stage at the Kia stand at the Geneva Motor Show this year. The models will go on sale later this year in five-door hatchback and Sportswagon guise and Kia is confident they will increase the Korean company’s presence in the European C-segment with innovative new technologies, a mature and athletic design, and a more engaging drive.

Since the first-generation Kia cee’d started production in Slovakia in December 2006, more than 1.28 million units have been built. A new naming format – cee’d becomes Ceed – consolidates its reputation as a car for the Community of Europe, with European Design. More than 640,000 units of the second-generation model have been built since 2012. In its third iteration, the new Ceed will account for an even greater proportion of Kia’s European sales – up from 15 per cent in 2017.

The new Ceed is lower and wider than its predecessor, and boasts a striking, contemporary new design. Standard ice cube LED daytime running lights echo the appearance of earlier Ceed GT and GT Line models. In profile, the sharp, straight lines visually lengthen the bonnet and give the car a more upright stance. At the rear, new LED daytime running lights give the Ceed greater visibility – and recognition – on the road. Straight lines in the bodywork and a subtle rear boot spoiler add stability to the Ceed’s overall presence. The Ceed Sportswagon’s tourer shape ensures cargo capacity grows to 600 litres, more than many D-segment tourers. The Ceed is also among the most practical C-segment hatchbacks, offering 395 litres of cargo space.

The new Ceed range is available with Kia’s all-new ‘U3’ diesel engine. Designed to go beyond the stricter limits laid down by the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard, the new ‘U3’ 1.6-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) uses Selective Catalytic Reduction active emissions control technology to significantly reduce emissions. Available with a choice of power outputs (113 and 134bhp), the new 1.6-litre diesel produces 206lb ft of torque.

A Drive Mode Select system enables owners to tailor engine and steering characteristics with Normal or Sport modes. Engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission or Kia’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

The Ceed is available with Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including a new Driver Attention Warning system which combats distracted or drowsy driving by monitoring a number of inputs from the vehicle and driver. Other ADAS features include High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The new Ceed hatchback will go on sale across Europe at the end of Q2 2018, while Sportswagon models will be available during the Q4. Both models will continue to offer Kia’s unique 7-Year, 100,000-mile warranty.