With more than 1.3 million KIA Ceed models being built since 2006 in its Slovakian manufacturing facility, this all-new model is set to be a family favourite.
It’s athletic new design hints at more than just a face-lift, and in fact, this latest model is new from the ground up with the latest technology sitting alongside new safety and advanced driver systems. Without doubt, making it a force to be reckoned with against the likes of the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra.
On delivery of the model tested thanks to Kia UK, I was somewhat surprised to see an entry-level model sitting on my drive. Press cars in general tend to be of a higher end specification and, with a handful of options ticked, are usually priced beyond what most people can comfortably afford.
Such is the confidence of Kia in this latest model of its ever popular family car, they have called a spade a shovel (a very shiny one at that) and delivered to us journalists a model that is most likely to be delivered to current and future customers.
Priced from £18,855 the KIA Ceed is one of the best priced cars within its category. Bettered only by its cousin, the Hyundai i30, the couple of hundred quid difference is more than made up with Kia’s 7-year warranty. That’s two years more than the Hyundai, and four years more than most other rivals.
Within the KIA Ceed family set for different body types, two of which are available as a plug-in hybrid. In this article we look at the five door hatchback simply named ‘Ceed’ whilst in the coming weeks expect to see an article from two other Ceed models.
Stylish looks are backed up with a firm but comfortable ride, and resulting confident handling experience. The boot offers a split level height, giving practicality. The cabin is not only comfortable with incredibly supportive seating, but surprisingly spacious, too.
A total of seven trim levels for available, starting from £18,855 with the ‘2’ a generous amount of standard equipment part of what care stands for with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic projection cornering headlights with LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, air conditioning, cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear ISOFIX.
This entry-level model is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment hub and provides DAB radio, MP3 playback, USB and auxiliary input, Bluetooth calls and streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a rear view reversing camera.
From £19,655 a ‘2 Nav’ adds a fast charging USB port, and 10.25-inch sat-nav touchscreen. Priced from £21,505 a ‘3’ model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, automatic wipers, half faux leather upholstery, electrically adjustable lumbar support, heated steering wheel, climate control, and rear parking sensors.
A ‘GT-Line’ starts from £22,335 and adds high gloss black door mirrors, dual exhaust, heated front seats, a black head cloth in the cabin, alloy pedals, and keyless entry with start button. A ‘GT-Line Lunar Edition’ is priced from £24,145 adds a wide sunroof with tilt/slide function and automatic electric blind, but removes the larger sat-nav in place of an 8-inch unit.
The pinnacle of the Ceed range is the ‘GT-Line S’ which starts from £27,935 and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED bi-function headlights, black leather upholstery with faux suede, heated outer rear seats, a JBL premium audio system, and smart parking assist.
A sporting warm-hatch model named the ‘GT’ starts from £26,005 and adds red brake callipers, red pin-striping around the lower spoilers, rear diffuser, and restyle air intakes on the front bumper. Non-essential weight, such as the panoramic roof and full leather upholstery is removed from this model.
Trim dependent, you have the choice of three turbocharged petrol engines and a single turbocharged diesel. All engines come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox with the option of a 7-speed automatic ‘box being available on limited engines only.
The petrol range starts with a 1-lite, 3-cylinder engine producing 118bhp, with a 0-60mph sprint achievable and 10.7 seconds with a combined return of 50mpg. A 1.4-litre engine produces 138bhp and will see the traffic light grand prix in 8.6 seconds with a return of 46mpg. This engine is one of those available with an automatic transmission.
A wheel spinning 1.6-litre engine produces 201bhp, and with a 0-60mph time of 7.2 seconds it is far from slow, yet returns 38mpg. Servicing of all petrol engines is recommended annually, or at 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
For those who require a little more economy, and with servicing every 20,000 mile, or if you are not doing big miles, annually, the 1.6-litre diesel engine will suit perfectly for you.
Available with either 114bhp or 134bhp, a 0-60mph time of 10.6 seconds and 9.8 seconds is achievable respectively, along with the combined return of 60mpg and 56mpg respectively. The higher powered engine is also available with an automatic transmission.
We drove the least potent of the diesel engines and during our week with the Kia Ceed it coped perfectly. If you happened to be travelling regularly with five occupants and a boot full of stuff, the more powerful diesel or 1.4-litre petrol would likely be best suited. For those with an inner boy-racer, the 1.6-litre petrol is always going to put a smile on your face.
Kia’s outstanding reliability record alongside a 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty, is almost unrivalled and is for sure, an important part of Kia ownership.
Fact File for model tested
Make : Kia
Model : Ceed
Trim : 2
Engine : 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel
Gearbox : 6-speed manual
Cost : £20,165