Kia Motors’ European manufacturing facility at Zilina in Slovakia has been going so well it’s started production of its Cee’d hot hatch six weeks ahead of schedule.

The Pro-Cee’d will arrive in UK showrooms in February.

Jean-Charles Lievens, senior vice president Kia Motors Europe, said: “Since its launch in Europe in December 2006, orders for more than 100,000 Cee’d five-door models have been received.

“The introduction of the Pro-Cee’d will expand our appeal to a different audience and will attract numerous European consumers who find three-door cars particularly attractive and who have not yet considered our products.”