Kia's best-selling Ceed range has received a range of bold and contemporary enhancements for 2021, including dynamic and athletic design accents. The Kia Ceed five-door hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake versions will each reveal an entirely redesigned front-end, sporty updates to the rear, restyled alloys and refreshed body colours and interior when the new models go on sale at the beginning of Q4.
The Kia Ceed family offers one of the most comprehensive C-segment line-ups on the market, and its enduring presence in the Kia range highlights the model's outstanding customer appeal and reputation. Long recognised for its key role in establishing the Korean brand in Europe, the Ceed range was Kia's first car designed, engineered and built in Europe specifically to appeal to European tastes. Now contributing to 28 per cent of Kia's European market share, the Ceed range remains a strong contender and stands confidently alongside many best-selling brands that have dominated this segment for decades.
Bold and contemporary design
From the outside, the rejuvenated exterior speaks of vitality, creating a contemporary and dynamic stance. A completely redesigned front end features Kia's new logo, a simplified graphic of the company name that reflects the ethos 'movement that inspires'. Special attention has been given to make each variant (including GT Line and GT versions) more unique and distinct from each other. The iconic tiger-nose grille, which makes the Kia Ceed a recognisable Kia, is upgraded to a black gloss finish with satin chrome upper and lower wing-shaped garnish for a sleek and modern appearance.
To the sides, two large side air intakes shoot through the front bumper creating the sportier look. The 'wing' inspired theme repeats in other elements of the front redesign, such as the satin chrome trim on the lower air intake grille and the sweeping side garnish which extends into the front wheel arch. On the rear, to highlight the simplicity of the new Kia badge, the surface between the LED combi lamps has been smoothed out to accommodate the sleek new brand emblem. A new glossy black diffuser is added to the sporty rear bumper, which also echoes the satin chrome finish seen at the front of the car.
A modern premium interior
Onboard the updated Ceed, the driver is instantly welcomed by chic interior décor, sophisticated soothing colours, tactile materials, and a layout designed to put all occupants at ease. The panoramic sunroof provides a connection to nature and creates a greater sense of space for occupants to feel inspired. Seating is available in nine upholstery finishes, four of which are new with this upgrade. Choices include the black suede leather bucket seats with contrasting edge stitching in grey on GT Line and signature red on GT models. GT Line and GT models benefit from a newly designed gear knob for a modern look. DCT versions get an added touch of luxury with a perforated leather gear knob for an improved tactile experience. All DCT versions come with a glossy black PRND display panel.
The Kia Ceed interior now blends a modern style in look and feel with premium functionality and new technology. For ProCeed GT-Line S models, a large 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen is paired with a 10.25-inch screen to further enhance driver interaction with the vehicle. Every aspect of the interior overhaul has been designed with usability in mind, such as the electronic parking brake switch and other features based around the 'easy to use, easy to see' principle which underlines the cabin design.
Upgraded Ceed benefits from the latest connectivity and convenience tech
Kia has invested much time and expertise into creating an inspirational, stress-free and optimal user experience for all travelling inside the new Ceed. In the UK, the door locking system for the Ceed GT-Line and all ProCeed variants is controlled via a Smart Key, and the engine is started or stopped at the press of a button. ProCeed GT-Line S variants allow two driver profiles to be programmed into the power-adjustable memory driver's seat, further ensuring maximum comfort and convenience.
The infotainment navigation screen is paired to a JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth streaming to create seamless connectivity between people and devices. On Sportswagon and ProCeed models, available convenience features enhance interactions day-to-day. These include second-row seats which fold at the touch of a button, and a smart power tailgate which detects the presence of the smart key and opens the tailgate if the person carrying the key remains behind the vehicle.
Every aspect of passenger comfort and convenience has also been considered in the Kia Ceed interior refresh. Depending on vehicle specification, heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats, provide soothing comfort on colder days, while dual-zone auto air conditioning keeps the cabin cool in the height of summer.
Advanced powertrains
The new Kia Ceed range offers buyers a fully comprehensive choice of powertrain configurations, including mild-hybrid diesel engines (MHEV), with horsepower ranging from 99bhp to 201bhp. Ceed customers are also presented with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, the 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol and the 1.6-litre diesel powertrains all benefitting from Kia's Smartstream technology.
Smartstream engine technology incorporates Kia's Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) to optimise performance. CVVD also serves to improve fuel efficiency alongside a Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LP-EGR) system, which returns some of the hot gases produced by the engine to the combustion chamber to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy.
Launched in the UK earlier in 2021, the new 1.5-litre T-GDi engine is produced in Kia's Slovakia plant - also home to the production of the Ceed family. This new Smartstream engine, which replaces the previous 1.4-litre T-GDi, is paired either to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) or a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) and delivers 158bhp while offering reduced emissions. 1.6-litre diesel variants of the Ceed, delivering 134bhp, are only available as a mild-hybrid, and can be paired with either a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or 7DCT.
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