Kia has already launch its Toyota Corolla-rivalling c'eed hatchback internationally, but set to follow in its wheeltracks is a sporty three-door version, dubbed the pro_c'eed.

Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the pro_cee'd will debut at next month's Frankfurt motor show, exactly one year after the concept version took its bows at the 2006 Paris motor show.

Kia says the newcomer will target customers in the C-segment who fancy a bit more style and pizzazz than that offered by the relatively mundane five-door c'eed. Yet, the company is quick to point out that the 4250mm long three-door sacrifices little in the way of practicality compared with the latter and boasts of "class-leading passenger and luggage space".

"The cee'd family wheelbase (2650 mm) is retained, so despite its lowered, sporty appearance, pro_cee'd provides generous legroom front and rear, and luggage capacity with the rear seats upright matches the five-door model," claims Kia

Although it will appear in production form at the Frankfurt motor show in a matter of weeks, the pro_ceed won't go on sale internationally until early next year.

Kia Europe design chief Gregory Guillaume says he and his team strived to differentiate the pro_cee'd from its five-door stablemate via a 10mm longer nose, a shallower grille, new-style headlamps, a wider, lower bumper with a prominent lip spoiler, a deeper central air intake and larger fog lights.

Meanwhile, the profile was given a more rakish attitude by opting for a much shallower windscreen and reducing the vehicle's height by 30mm.  In addition, the doors are 276mm longer than those of the cee'd and the side window, C-pillar and tailgate spoiler are all new.

Crucially, although the rear screen is steeply raked, Kia claims rear headroom remains good.

To boost practicality, Kia's designers re-styled the rear seat cushion, which is now fixed, and re-engineered the 60/40 split backrest so that it's easy to release and simply folds down onto the cushion with no need to remove the head restraints.

A variety of engine choices will be available overseas, with power outputs ranging from 65kW to 105kW, but Kia is yet to confirm whether a go-faster variant -- to rival the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R -- will follow in due course.

Meanwhile, there's an optional Sports Pack, which comprises 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres, stiffer dampers and sport-concept interior trim (with 'tyre-track' pattern fabric and silver stitching, plus alloy pedals and stainless-steel door-scuff plates).

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