The all-new Kia Cee’d makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, boasting remarkable improvements over the old model.

It is basically a whole new model this 2013 Cee’d. It is longer and larger than its predecessor and looks a helluva lot better as well. Overall length is increased by 50 mm (to 4,310 mm) and overall height has been reduced by 10 mm (to 1,470 mm) by lowering the ride height. It’s sportier, and more spacious with a 2,650 mm wheelbase.

So given the success of the old Cee’d, of which more than 430,000 units have been sold in Western Europe alone, the new model should be an instant hit.

The new Cee’d can be had with 17- and 18-inch diameter alloy wheels, and a range of engines including two petrol engines – a 1.4 MPI and a 1.6 GDI producing 100 and 135 ps respectively – plus two diesels – a 1.4 WGT with an output of 90 ps and 1.6 VGT diesel offered in two states of tune (110 and 128 ps). The most economical model is the 4.1 l/100 km on the combined cycle (3.7 l/100 km in cars fitted with Kia’s EcoDynamics technologies) 1.6 liter diesel.

All engines will be offered with a choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.  Depending on version, the 1.6 GDI will also be available with Kia’s all-new six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which improves fuel efficiency and delivers smooth automatic gear shifts for maximum comfort.

The 2013 Cee’d also comes with a new interior design, which is not that well-deigned, but does feature high-quality materials. A choice of bright chrome, piano black and anodized metal trim accents will be offered, while indirect LED lighting of the centre console and sweeping ‘vertical fin’ door handles establish an upmarket ambience for the cabin.  The seat and cabin trim will be available in a choice of two colours as standard – black one-tone and stone beige two-tone – in cloth, with a full leather interior available on high specification versions.

You can spec it up with a TFT screen, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic roof.

Available active safety features will include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (anti-lock braking system), BAS (emergency Brake Assist System), HAC (Hill Assist Control) to prevent roll-back, VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) which flashes the brake lights when the system detects that the driver is making an emergency stop.