The Pro_Cee’d GT, the first production Kia to bear the new two-letter performance badge, isn’t even really out yet, and the Korean automaker is already reportedly planning to launch additional models which would get similar treatment with the same badge. The information comes from AutoExpress, which had a chance to speak to “a source from within the company,” at the Pro_Cee’d GT UK launch.
The inside source said: “If everything goes well and it’s received warmly then we could spread the GT badge, and maybe see a GT version of the Rio as well,” which means that the likes of the Renault Clio GT (sub-RS warm hatch version) will be getting a very interesting rival.
I don’t think it will be a rival to the Clio RS 200 EDC or Peugeot 208 GTi, like the UK publication says (looks like speculation on their part too…), as it doesn’t really make sense to give it as much power as the larger Cee’d and Pro_Cee’d.
I also don’t think that “Kia could soon be the start of a hot hatch dynasty to rival the heritage of Ford or Peugeot,” as it is difficult to negate history and the experience gained throughout that history, as well as the extensive fan bases these brands have already won over. Imagine trying to sell a Cee’d GT to somebody who loves the VW Golf GTI, and that car only. When it comes to hot hatches, brand fidelity is quite high, I think.
They will eventually get to make great performance cars, but they should by no means rush their development. Still, a warm or hot Rio would definitely be an interesting proposition, as the engines it’s currently offered with don’t really put its surprisingly composed chassis to the test.
Note: 2013 Kia Pro_Cee’d GT pictured
By Andrei Nedelea
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