Kia Introduces New Pro_cee’d and Carens for Other Markets [2012 Paris Auto Show]

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The night before the Paris auto show opened, the media assembled at the Pavillons de Bercy to witness the launch of the new Kia pro_cee’d and the Carens. The Pro_cee’d is a coupe-like, three-door derivative of the Cee’d compact. Far from being an entry-level car with two fewer doors, the Pro_cee’d is styled very differently from its five-door sibling, and it serves as a credible, sporty extension of the Kia portfolio. This will ring most true when its sees a 1.6-liter, gas-fired turbo four on its options sheet, which we hear could happen as early as next year. We have the Forte Koup in the US, so it remains unlikely that the Pro_cee’d will reach North American shores.

Kia also launched the Carens, whose predecessor was a sister model to the practical but very-dead Rondo. The new car is spacious and beautifully designed, with an interior that is clean and symmetrical. Don’t hold your breath for a Rondo redux: A spokesman tells us that this car will not reach the U.S. market.

Courtesy of Car&Driver