Kia could be poised to enter the fast-growing European C-segment convertible market.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Spokesmen and the official press release say only that the Exceed cabrio concept car making its debut at the Geneva show next month “gives a clear indication that Kia could produce a stunning looking cabrio” but it looks near production-ready to us.


If launched, this would be the fourth body variant of the Slovak-built Ceed line, launched a few months ago as a five-door hatchback, and with a three-door hatch and five-door wagon already confirmed for production.


The styling of the fabric-roof cabrio – potential rivals such as the Ford Focus all have folding metal tops – is the work of new Kia design chief Peter Schreyer and the model is based on the three-door Ceed hatchback. It has the same wheelbase, but features several new exterior panels, while sharing the floor-pan and numerous unseen components with the three-door car, plus a powered folding fabric roof.


By adopting a fabric roof for the Exceed, Kia deliberately goes its own retro-way rather than following the trend towards cabrios with folding metal roofs, the automaker said. Schreyer paid special attention to designing a classic cabrio with a traditional soft-top roof.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“I’m convinced that the fabric roof will have a renaissance. We’ve all lived with the romantic idea of open-air driving for a long time and for me, it is the fabric roof that is the quintessential element of a truly rewarding cabrio,” he said.


The concept is finished in ‘meringue white’ with a ‘bitter chocolate’ fabric roof and the interior is trimmed in two-tone leather.