Currently reading: Turbo power for Kia hot hatch
Smaller capacity for Kia's 200bhp hot Cee'd; Frankfurt 2013 launch for three-door standard car

Kia will use 1.6-litre turbocharged power for the planned hot version of the next-gen Cee’d, company sources have revealed.

The hot hatch will be based on the new three-door Cee’d, which will make its debut at the Frankfurt show in 2013 (18 months after the five-door and estate appear at next year’s Geneva show).

Kia plans Golf GTI rival

Sources had hinted that Kia could use a turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant, but concerns about emissions and running costs are said to have prompted a switch to a new GDI 1.6-litre turbo motor tuned to just over 200bhp. Expect performance and price to be in competition with the Seat Leon Cupra.

The same motor is also likely to go into the five-door Cee’d. “The sports models won’t be there for volume,” said Kia UK managing director Michael Cole. “They’ll just be a boost to the brand’s image, particularly in the UK.”

Other Kias on the UK launch schedule include the Optima — a Mondeo rival — and a new Carens. Due in 2013, the Carens will be the final model in the range revamp programme.

Vicky Parrott

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The Kia Cee’d is more than good enough to harry the opposition, which is an achievement in itself for the fiercely competitive family hatchback class

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