Created especially for European consumers, the original Kia cee'd marked a major turning point in Kia's history. It was the start of a new era, the first-ever Kia designed and produced in Europe. Manufactured in an all-new factory, it introduced a qualitative revolution for the brand as the highest standards of engineering and European-style aesthetics were applied to every aspect of its design.

Unquestionably, the Kia cee'd family, which grew to encompass wagon and coupe (Kia pro_cee'd) body styles, has proved to be the brand's strongest-ever contender for top C-segment honours. It offered consumers an unprecedented choice of engines, body styles, exterior colours, interior trims and options. It was backed by an industry-leading, 7-Year Kia Warranty - the best warranty ever offered by any car manufacturer, on any vehicle marketed in Europe.

Now, with more than 230,000 examples sold across Western Europe, it is time for Kia to launch the 'new-look' cee'd. The brand's top-selling model in Europe has been thoroughly re-engineered and restyled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to feature the latest version of the company's signature grille - an evolving expression of the brand's design DNA - and to adopt a more distinctive road presence.

Comprehensively updated, the new Kia cee'd range delivers a host of customer benefits, with numerous exterior and interior design refinements and upgraded standard equipment. Kia is confident that these significant enhancements will enable new Kia cee'd to capture an even higher share of the C-segment market in Europe next year.

Technical innovations being introduced with new Kia cee'd enhance the driving experience while also significantly reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions to a low of 110 g/km (estimated) and by an average of 5% across the Kia cee'd line-up.

Fuel-stretching ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology is now available on both gasoline and diesel engines for the first time, a hill-holder function for the ESC is introduced and brighter projection-style headlamps are fitted. The suspension has been fine-tuned for a more comfortable ride, without any loss of agility and the steering response has been sharpened.

The existing range of five engines, which includes 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre CVVT gasoline engines and 1.6 and 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines, is carried over. But the 1.6-litre diesel is an all-new, super-efficient engine from the 'U2' family and is matched to a new six-speed manual transmission. In some countries lower-power versions of the diesel and gasoline engines will be available to suit local taxation regulations.

Kia's new Kia cee'd range will reach Kia dealer showrooms all across Europe during September 2009. The range offers three body styles, five engines, three trim/equipment levels (LX, EX and TX), will be available in a choice of 12 distinctive exterior finishes - including five new colours.

• Restyled with Kia's evolving DNA for a stronger presence
• Upgraded kit and materials for a fresher cabin ambience
• Improving on a 'best-in-class' NVH performance
• All-new U2 1.6 diesel joins five-strong engine line-up
• ISG (Idle Stop & Go) available for three engines
• New six-speed manual delivers customer benefits
• Fine-tuning an already competitive Ride & Handling package
• Kia's precise MDPS 'electric' power steering
• Powerful braking for rapid stopping
• Multiple choices for wheels - all with Michelin tyres
• ESC with new Hill-Start Assist available for every new Kia cee'd
• Safeguarding occupants to maximise protection
• Security and peace of mind