Kia cee’d 1.6 crdi

25 Sep, 2009 3:00pm Comments

Ecodynamics tweaks help hatch clean up act.

Verdict

It’s better late than never for the Kia EcoDynamics brand. But the greenest Cee’d in the revised range is a well executed car that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure in the pursuit of better fuel economy and emissions. The facelift has freshened things up inside and out. Add stop-start, as well as revised suspension for a more refined ride, and it’s a strong choice.

Bosses at Kia are planting the Cee’ds of change! This is the first model to wear the new EcoDynamics badge – a green sub-brand that will eventually include hybrids, electric cars and even fuel cell vehicles.

The EcoDynamics hatch is powered by the 1.6-litre diesel, and for the first time gets ISG stop-start – technology Kia hopes to have fitted to 85 per cent of its cars by 2014. Low-rolling-resistance tyres and a new six-speed manual gearbox complete the modifications.

As a result, CO2 emissions fall from 119g/km in the standard 1.6 CRDi to 110g/km. Economy rises from 62.8mpg to 67.3mpg.

Besides the EcoDynamics bootlid badge, the newcomer looks identical to the rest of the revised range. So it gets the fresh nose and LED-effect tail-lights. Inside, a new centre console and aluminium trim improve things.

The 89bhp oil-burner feels flexible, and the stop-start cuts in unobtrusively in town and fires the diesel when you touch the clutch. Plus, the steering is weighty and the gearbox slick.

Kia offers the EcoDynamics in mid-range Cee’d 2 spec only, and charges more than for the regular car – the £14,195 price is the same as for the higher-powered 113bhp diesel. But the big fuel savings mean you’ll soon recoup that extra outlay.

Rival: Focus ECOnetic
Due for replacement at the end of 2010, the Ford leads the way with its sparkling handling and sharp styling. It’s pricier than the equivalent Cee’d, though.

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Submitted by Lumps on Sat, 2010-01-16 20:16.

Well equiped car with good safety features no unessary clutter and fancy functions. Very comfortable and thought out. Minor tweaks on access to seatbelts by console and pockets on back of seats. Am querying with Kia about the ISG not working below 38of as it is a great fuel saver at lights and jams

Key specs

* Price: £14,195
* Engine: 1.6-litre turbodiesel
* Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
* Power/torque: 89bhp/235Nm
* 0-62/top spd: 13.5s/107mph
* Econ/CO2: 67.3mpg/110g/km
* Equipment: iPod and Bluetooth connections, electric heated mirrors, 16-inch alloys, split-fold seats, six-speaker stereo
* On sale: Now