Another player joins the European compact segment
The third-generation Kia Ceed is coming to Geneva Motor Show without the apostrophe but gains level two autonomous abilities, new engines and Germanic looks.
Kia will publicly reveal the new Ceed compact model next month in Geneva but as custom goes in the car industry, the online reveal precedes the in-the-metal launch.
2018 Kia Ceed: Inside and out
Kia designers penned the new Ceed in Frankfurt within the brand's European design center and yes, it is "lower, wider and longer." The ice-cube LED front lights (a mark of GT and GT-Line models on the previous generation) are a standard feature now and are joined by LED DRLs. 12 paint finishes, and wheels sized between 15- and 17-inch complete the visual package on the outside.
Inside the cabin, Kia went for a split geography as far as the dashboard is concerned. Sitting on the upper side is the infotainment's touchscreen (available in either 5-, 7-, or 8-inch configuration).
The lower area populated with audio, heating and ventilation controls. Seat upholstery includes cloth, synthetic leather and genuine leather on higher-spec models. Also optional are the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.
2018 Kia Ceed: the mechanical bits and bobs
Underneath the new Kia Ceed works a fully-independent suspension setup "engineered exclusively for European roads."
Engine-wise, the Ceed gets Kia's new U3 1.6-liter CRDi diesel engine derived to develop 115 and 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque.
In the petrol camp, buyers can choose from an updated variant of Kia's 1-liter T-GDi turbocharged engine (120 PS), the new Kappa 1.4-liter T-GDi mill (140 PS, also turbocharged) and a 1.4-liter MPi motor with 100 PS on tap. A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard, but the 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter engines can be married to seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
2018 Kia Ceed: Tech
Besides the infotainment system, customers can get a JBL Premium sound system. There's also a drive mode selector with two settings: Normal and Sport, both altering the engine's response under acceleration and steering wheel lightness.
There's also the so-called ECO Pack that sees the front grille fitted with an active air flap that opens or closes depending on the engine's cooling needs. It also brings a lowered suspension, underbody cover, and low-resistance Michelin tires.
Safety systems include the likes of lane following assist, adaptive cruise control, stop & go, blind spot collision warning and smart parking assist. Kia will assemble the new Ceed as of May 2018 in Zilina, Slovakia, together with the Sportage SUV and Venga mini MPV. No words yet on the price, but expect similar or slightly bigger prices for the new generation.
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