Kia Exceed Cabrio (2007) concept CAR review

Sexy car from Kia shock!

That’s right. When Peter Schreyer (who oversaw the design of the original Audi TT and new Beetle in his time at the VW group) took over as head of design for the Koreans he identified correctly that the firm needed a halo car - essentially a Kia that would turn people on. Well, this is it, the first Kia he’s wafted his magic pen over and probably not by coincidence about the only current-generation Korean car that gets the blood pumping a bit quicker. It’s by no means outrageous, but the Excee’d is certainly a more adventurous take on a potential production car than Kia has managed in a good while.

Agreed it looks good - but it’s only a convertible version of the Ceed hatch, isn’t it?

Essentially, yes. It’s actually based on the three-door Proceed that will make its debut later this year. It’s got short overhangs front and rear to give it a much more aggressive stance on the road than previous Kias. And the grille is far less anodyne than the front of the Ceed, giving the car a bit more character. Only the slab sides are a bit of a letdown. Even some chrome detailing and insets towards the bottom of the door can’t disguise that.