Last month, Kia Motors unveiled its latest models at the Geneva Motor Show. Taking centre stage were the new Kia Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon, alongside the upgraded Optima range and new Rio GT Line.
The new Ceed is lower and wider than its predecessor, and boasts a striking, contemporary new design. Standard ‘Ice Cube’ LED daytime running lights echo the appearance of earlier Ceed GT and GT Line models. In profile, the sharp, straight lines visually lengthen the bonnet and give the car a more upright stance. At the rear, new LED daytime running lights give the Ceed greater visibility on the road. Straight lines in the bodywork and a subtle rear boot spoiler add stability to the Ceed’s overall presence.
The Ceed Sportswagon’s tourer shape ensures cargo capacity grows to 600 litres, more than many D-segment tourers. The Ceed is also among the most practical C-segment hatchbacks, offering 395 litres of cargo space.
The Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon will be powered by a wide choice of powertrains to meet diverse buyer needs. Buyers can choose between three gasoline engines: Kia’s popular 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection ) engine, producing 120ps, a new 1.4-litre T-GDi power unit, producing 140ps, or a 100ps 1.4-litre MPi (multi-point injection ) engine.
The new Ceed range is also available with Kia’s all-new ‘U3’ diesel engine. Designed to go beyond the stricter limits laid down by the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard, the new ‘U3’ 1.6-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection ) uses Selective Catalytic Reduction active emissions control technology to significantly reduce emissions. Available with a choice of power outputs (115 and 136ps ), the new 1.6-litre diesel produces 280Nm of torque.
A Drive Mode Select system enables owners to tailor engine and steering characteristics with normal or sport modes. Every engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, while 1.4-litre T-GDi and 1.6-litre CRDi engines are also available with Kia’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
The new Ceed hatchback will go on sale across Europe in the late summer, while the Sportswagon models will be available before the year-end. Both models will continue to offer Kia’s unique seven-year, 150,000km warranty.
The Rio GT Line features a stylish exterior design. Upgrades include a gloss-black and chrome ‘tiger-nose’ grille, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, and ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamps. The exterior is finished with twin exhaust tips, LED daytime running lights, chrome window trim, a gloss black roof spoiler and sill highlights.
The Rio GT Line is powered by Kia’s lightweight 1.0-litre T-GDi engine, with either 100 or 120ps, and a manual transmission. Later this year, the 120ps 1.0-litre T-GDi engine will be available with a seven-speed double-clutch transmission, while 1.2- and 1.4-litre gasoline engines will also be available in GT Line specification.
