- The new and updated Kia Ceed breaks cover for the European market.
- It gets most advanced features in its class including Level 2 autonomous technology.
- Engines include both petrol and diesel options.
- Available in five-door hatchback and Sportswagon body style.
Kia has officially revealed the new and updated Ceed ahead of its European debut in August. The supermini has also dropped an apostrophe in its name and now called just Ceed instead of C’eed. It gets the most advanced features in its segment claims the Korean carmaker.
The styling updates are subtle. Based on the new K2 platform, the Ceed hatch measures 20mm wider, 23mm lower than the outgoing car and has a wheelbase of 2650mm. It gets a cab-rearward silhouette with longer overhangs. The characteristic ‘tiger-nose’ grille is surrounded by new air intakes, new ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lights, and sharper body creases all-around. The rear gets new signature LED tail lights. The estate version measures 4600mm (95mm more than the previous model) in length with the extended bodywork. Both the models get 11 paint schemes along with a choice of 15-, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, the cabin is laden with all the latest safety, connectivity and comfort features available with the Korean carmaker. The dash gets a floating infotainment screen while the steering and gearstick are wrapped in leather. There are metallic or satin chrome trims all around the car. The boot space of the hatch is 395 litres and the same for the Sportswagon is 625 litres. The new infotainment display gets smartphone connectivity, along with premium JBL sound system, wireless phone charger and heated windscreen.
The Ceed now also comes with Level 2 autonomous system with what Kia calls Lane Following Assist. The car can control the steering, throttle and brakes in traffic. Also part of the package is - adaptive cruise control, blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning, as well as a parking assist function and pedestrian recognition technology.
Engine options include two petrol and one diesel engine options. The 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol produces 118bhp while the 1.4-litre unit can be had in either 99bhp or 138bhp state of tunes. The 1.6-litre oil burner also comes in two states of tune – 113bhp and 134bhp. A six-speed manual is standard but a seven-speed DCT is offered as options on the 1.4 petrol and 1.6 diesel. The hatchback will gain a 48V mild-hybrid system next year.
Kia has no plan of bringing the Ceed to our shores when they venture into the Indian car market next year. Instead of the expensive Ceed, we will get the production version of the SP concept showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.
