Now in its third generation with collective sales of 1.28-million units, changes to the Ceed are more than just in the looks and interior department, as the new model also drops the apostrophe from its name and adopts a capital C having previously been known as the cee'd.
Available in five-door bodystyle only and due to arrive in left-hand drive countries during the second quarter of the year, the Ceed rides on a version of Kia's new K2 platform and measures 20 wider (1 800 mm) and 23 mm lower (1 447 mm) than the cee'd with wheelbase remaining at 2 650 mm. Boot space has also improved with Kia claiming a total cargo capacity of 395-litres as well as more headroom up front and rear passenger shoulder room.
Externally, the Peter Schreyer styled Ceed now takes after the Stonic and to a degree the Stinger, with a wider C-pillar, the now signature "ice cube" daytime running LEDs, wider tiger nose grille, new LED taillights, subtle integrated boot spoiler, choice of 12 colours and wheel sizes ranging from 15-inch steelies to 17-inch two-tone diamond cut alloys.
A new option is the so-called Eco Pack which apart from featuring a sealed underbody and lowered suspension to improve aerodynamics, also adds low rolling resistance Michelin tyres and an Active Air Flap that opens and closes the grille to aid cooling.
The interior has been reworked and takes after Kia's range of other models, benefitting from a more sculpted appearance, upgraded materials, controls angled towards the driver, a choice of three touchscreen infotainment displays with sizes consisting of five, seven and eight-inches, a premium JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, two driving modes (Normal and Sport) and keyless entry/go.
As to be expected, safety in the Ceed is extensive and includes Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, level two autonomous Lane Following Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning and Smart Parking Assist.
For Europe, the Ceed will be offered with a choice of three petrol engines and a single diesel, either mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or Kia's in-house developed seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Petrol power will come from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder T-GDI making 88 kW, a normally aspirated 1.4-litre four-pot producing 74 kW and a brand new 1.4-litre T-GDI replacing the previous atmo 1.6 that churns out 103 kW.
Said to go "beyond" Euro6 emissions requirements, the new U3 1.6-litre turbodiesel boasts a selective catalytic reduction control unit to reduce emissions, according to Kia, below 110 g/km. It will be available in two states of tune; 84 kW and 100 kW.
While confirmed for Europe as mentioned, sales of the Ceed in the United Kingdom is yet to be announced, while its remains to be seen if it will come to South Africa as either the next Cerato or if the yet to be seen Cerato hatch would incorporate elements from the Ceed.
