Kia released the official details and specs of the new Pro_Ceed and Ceed GT models, as they are getting ready for their official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Both cars are powered by Kia’s 1.6-liter GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, the same unit they put in the Provo Concept.

This twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder engine is rated at 204 PS (201bhp) and 265Nm of torque, which translates into a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 kph (143 mph). These figures are for a six-speed manual gearbox, which also enables good in-gear acceleration: 60-100 kph in fourth gear in 5.4 seconds, 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 7.3 seconds and 80-120 kph in sixth gear in 8.8 seconds.

Styling-wise, the new GT series of the Ceed feature new front grilles and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, jewel-like four-point LED daytime running lights, new fog lights, dual-exhaust pipes, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, eye-catching red brake calipers and a range of special paint finishes. The idea is you get all the good conventional features of the Ceed, but with a nice touch of sportiness and performance sprinkled on top.

The same applies to the interior, where you get Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals, bespoke surface materials and a seven-inch racing car-inspired TFT instrument cluster.

The Korean car maker will celebrate the launch of this hot new model with a special series Kia pro_cee’d GT 1st Edition, limited to just 500 units in the UK. This version is fully-loaded with high-end features, including Adaptive Xenon headlights, automatic air conditioning, satellite navigation and a large sunroof .