As it seems, Kia is so excited about its first-ever shot at the hot hatch segment in Europe that it just can’t wait to share more details with us.

Less than a week after the Koreans announced their decision to rival VW’s Golf GTI with the three-door Pro_Cee’d GT, Kia has now not only confirmed the availability of a GT version of the five-door Cee’d, but also revealed preliminary specifications.

Both the Pro_Cee’d and Cee’d GTs will be motivated by a new version of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine sporting a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components.

The four-cylinder unit is rated at 201hp (204PS) and 265Nm (195 lb-ft), and will be connected to a standard six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels.

Kia claims a somewhat uninspiring 0-62mph (100km/h) acceleration time of 7.9 seconds, which falls short of the current 207hp (210PS) Golf GTI Mk6’s 6.9 second run (same for manual and DSG models).

Along with the turbocharged engine, Kia stated that the two models will benefit from “significant developments to the chassis and suspension systems” to “ensure that the performance credentials of these more powerful models are matched by exceptional dynamic characteristics”.

As far as looks are concerned, Kia tells us that the GT models will feature bespoke front ends with different grilles, lamp clusters and bumpers, together with unique 18-inch alloy wheels, rear diffuser, red brake calipers, special paint finishes and pairs of jewel-like, four-point LED daytime running lights.

Inside, the GTs will boast Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals and bespoke surface materials for the dashboard and doors.

The new Pro_cee’d GT and Cee’d GT models will be produced at Kia’s Slovakian facility in Žilina from mid-May 2013, with European sales to begin in the summer, which means, we should see the two cars making their world premiere at the Geneva Salon in March of the same year.

PHOTO GALLERY

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