Kia is looking to bolster its brand image over the next few years with the introduction of several sports and performance cars to its model range.
A sporty version of the new Kia Pro_cee'd, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September, will go into production next year.
It will be powered by a 200bhp 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine and will be available with both six-speed manual and dual-clutch semi-automatic transmissions.
Kia CEO and vice-chairman Hyoung-Keun Lee also commented that the company is "seriously looking" at introducing a rear-wheel drive sports coupe based on the Peter Schreyer-designed GT Coupe Concept (pictured above) which made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
Lee said: "We haven't decided yet, but we need a certain product to help with our brand image. We have tried a couple of concept cars and found some potential in the GT. We will try a couple more in the future, starting at Geneva next year, and test the media and consumer response before choosing one."
The last time Kia had a sports car in its range was 1997, when the Korean firm bought the rights to the Lotus Elan; however, after a short production run, the company went bust and was taken over by Hyundai.
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