In 2015 we had the Novo and the Sportspace, then the Stinger, and now this: the Kia Proceed Concept, a shooting brake revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. Yep, Kia’s new-found penchant for producing striking concept cars continues at pace.
We’re told this rather pretty concept hints at styling directions for the next generation of Ceed, and that a car like this particular one could slot in at the top of the range as the halo model. Given that’s most recently been the Proceed GT and Ceed GT hot hatches, it shows a potential change in direction to a posh fast estate.
And doesn’t it look grand? The minimalist rear end gets but a single light bar running left to right, whilst the sides, with their enclosed door handles, crease and front arch vent appear to have taken inspiration from Bertone’s 2013 Aston Rapide fastback concept. Not a bad thing to use as an influence.
Perhaps the most obvious feature is the almost never-ending window line. Starting at the A-pillar, it stretches back all the way to the rear and finishes by turning back on itself and morphing into a fin-shaped C-pillar. It’s highlighted by what Kia calls ‘Luminline’ – an illuminated light highlighting the fastback shape.
Kia refers to it as “extended hot hatch styling”, and reading between the lines of the fairly scant information on offer, the concept looks as though it will be big on tech and driving aids. Also big on wheels, too: the concept runs on six-spoke, 20in alloys. The interior, meanwhile, is about as wild as a concept car can get, the seats looking for all the world like shaved plasticine.
“With many European drivers now seeking performance alternatives to the three-door hot hatch,” explains Kia design boss Gregory Guillaume, “we began thinking about a different halo model for the Ceed family. The Proceed Concept represents a bold new vision of how the vibrant soul of the Proceed could be reincarnated and revitalised for a new generation of performance-oriented drivers.”
Out with hot hatches and in with fancy estates, then. Maybe. No one told Renault, Hyundai or Seat, mind. What do you reckon? Is Kia and its striking concept onto something?