Kia has unveiled its new Cee’d hatchback and SW estate at Geneva.
The new Cee'd gets the company’s updated grille design as seen on the Optima, chrome detailing around the windows and a more streamlined, longer, lower look. A new Kia badge also features on the grille.
Three petrol engines will be offered, and two diesels. The petrol line-up comprises 99bhp 1.4 MPI and 133bhp 1.6 GDI engines, plus a 128bhp 1.6 MPI. The diesels are an 89bhp 1.4 WGT and a 1.6 VGT with either 109bhp or 126bhp.
The 126bhp variable geometry turbodiesel is expected to be the biggest seller, and as with all models, will be available with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.
It will also be offered with an EcoDynamics package, giving claimed fuel economy of 76.3mpg and tax-free CO2 emissions of 97g/km.
The direct-injection 1.6 GDI will be the most powerful engine, delivering 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds but still managing 40.5mpg and emitting only 119g/km.
Kia's first ever dual-clutch transmission will also feature in the range - although exact specification for UK models will not be confirmed until May.
Bosses have admitted that giving the Cee'd a more sporty attitude was one of the company's key priorities. The car is based on an all-new platform, and at 4,310mm, it's 50mm longer than its predecessor. Lowering the ride height has reduced the overall height by 10mm to 1,470mm. The car has a wider track, too.
Handling is said to be much improved, with a smoother ride.
The increased dimensions free up more legroom for front passengers, while those in the rear benefit from additional shoulder room. Cabin refinement is also said to be better, while more hi-tech equipment, including dual zone climate control, HID 'smart" headlights and an automatic steering control parking system are among the equipment highlights.
The Cee’d will be built at the company’s plant in Zilina, Slovakia, with sales of the five-door set to start in the UK in June. The estate follows in September.
The company has also hinted that a Cee’d hot hatch is on the cards.
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From bargain bucket joke to serious contenders in a ridiculously short time. Looks like somebody else took the Skoda lesson to heart. I bet some of the main players must be getting rather unhappy about the new range.
If Kia don't get too ambitious with their pricing, they could have a huge hit with this car; the SW especially looks the part. Of the Korean manufacturers, Kia seems to be getting closest to achieving a coherent, Western-friendly design language with their products. Let's hope it drives well and uses quality materials.
I think KIA will always need to be slightly below the rest of the market in terms of pricing to attract people but they have gone from a joke to a brand to be listened to.
It looks a bit like one of Peugeots more successful designs but without Peugeots woeful reliability. A hit I suspect.
I have crossed over from Japanese to a Kia Pro_Ceed and they are very good. Dont know why they are saying the new range will come with "including dual zone climate control," as thats currently in my spec model, with lots of other fancy options, so thats nothing new! Kia need to remain cheaper than other mainstream alternatives to pick up those customers who are looking for something different, more reliable, and competitive pricing. Can't wait for the hot hatch but if its on the lines of the Veloster price then it wont be that attractive, apart from its styling.
Oh yes, Toyota, Ford, VW, Fiat, all three French brands and just about any other main stream player should be worried. I said to myself about 5 yrs ago Kia are getting better and better looking in about 10 years they'll be stealing sales off of well established Japanese and European rivals. Well in just 5 yrs they doing that. The new Picanto and new Rio look fantastic, drive well and are well equiped. Also all are 5 star NCAP rated. Factor in they are well priced and all come with a 7 year warranty you can see why. The Auris has been a flop for Toyota as has the new Yaris (good reason for that; it's rubbish) both massively outsold by their Korean rivals. With the new Cee'd due out in the summer I think cars like the Focus, Golf, 308, A3 and rivals should all be scared. Give them another 5 years and they'll evither be buying major rivals, or putting them out of business!