Echoing contemporary and European styling highlights from the hatchback, the new Kia Ceed SW adds a vast amount of versatility and practicaility to the car, whilst adding a stylish flagship to the line-up.
Due for launch in September 2007, this is the first estate model offered by Kia, and will add a highly aspirational model to the current range.
The Kia Ceed SW has excellent handling and performance, combined with high levels of quality, style, spaciousness and design. The SW will continue to build upon the strong impact of the hatchback Ceed, emphasising the core values of the brand - dynamic, trustworthy, quality - and the dynamic design direction the company is taking.
The Kia Ceed SW will be built alongside the Ceed 5-door at Kia's state-of-the-art plant at Zilina, Slovakia where record production levels were recently set for a European car factory. It also benefits from the same industry leading 7-year manufacturer's warranty as the 5-door.
The C1 estate segment is expected to grow over the coming years as customers demand greater flexibility, versatility and space. Estates are becoming increasingly popular again as modern MPV's and SUV's are seen by some as becoming more expensive to run with regards to fuel economy, taxation and insurance, whilst also suffering from greater styling compromises.
The Kia Ceed SW represents a strong volume opportunity for Kia to maximise sales and growth, whilst building awareness of the expanding Ceed family.
The new Ceed SW has the following competitive strengths, many shared with its hatchback counterpart: -
- Price/spec positioning - likely to be amongst the class leaders in value for money, with the SW at a modest and highly competitive premium over the 5-door
- Contemporary exterior styling - aggressive and sporty styling, considerably more European in appeal and a dramatic shift for Kia
- Performance - efficient range of powerful yet economical engines
- Interior space - both passengers and luggage - among class-leaders for boot space and rear headroom/legroom
- Versatility - enlarged cargo compartment and tailgate hinging system - opening cut into the roof which allows users to access the boot space without stepping back from the car
- Specification levels - matching the hatchback - e.g Air Con standard; luxurious yet sporty interior trims
- Excellent safety package - 6 airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX, Speed Sensing Auto Door Locking, active front headrests etc.
- High-quality audio with integrated CD/MP3 and USB/Aux Port (iPod compatible)