Kia Ceed gets new look and tech upgrades
Kia has updated its Ceed line-up with styling upgrades and latest connectivity and convenience tech.
On sale from Q4 2021, the Ceed five-door hatchback, Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake versions will each received an entirely redesigned front-end, sporty updates to the rear, restyled alloys and refreshed body colours and interior. The updates will ensure each variant, including GT Line and GT versions, is more distinct.
Exterior upgrades include the Kia’s new logo – revealed at the start of the year and representing its ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry – and also update the brand’s signature tiger-nose grille with a black gloss finish with satin chrome upper and lower wing-shaped detailing.
New headlamp designs have been introduced on all Ceed models, with full LED headlamps on ProCeed GT-Line S and GT versions featuring daytime running lights, while GT-Line variants of the five-door hatch gain newly designed LED combination lamps.
Updates also include new alloy designs across all variants, ranging from 16- to 18-inch, while a new glossy black diffuser is added to the sporty rear bumper, which also echoes the satin chrome finish seen at the front of the car.
Two new colours – Orange Fusion and Machined Bronze – replace the current Copper Stone option.
The interior gains four new upholstery finishes while ProCeed GT-Line S models feature a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen paired with a 10.25-inch screen.
The range facelift also introduces software allowing users to connect remotely with their car via the Kia Connect smartphone app and use various on board features. New connectivity features for the Ceed line-up include improved functionality for Bluetooth search via voice recognition, third-party calendar link with navigation, valet mode to monitor the vehicle’s location when others are driving, and last-mile navigation with augmented reality. Users can also back up their in-vehicle Kia Connect preferences via the cloud and transfer settings from one vehicle to the next.
Onboard equipment also includes a smart key system for the Ceed GT-Line and all ProCeed variants. The infotainment navigation screen is paired to a JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth streaming.
Convenience features for Sportswagon and ProCeed models include second-row seats which fold at the touch of a button, and a smart power tailgate which detects the presence of the smart key and opens the tailgate. Heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats, are available, depending on the model, along with dual-zone auto air conditioning.
Safety features have been improved; the previous blind-spot warning is replaced by an active avoidance technology. When operating the turning signal to change lanes, the new Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) will warn of any risk of collision with a rear side vehicle and will then actively control the vehicle to help avoid the situation.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW+) has been updated to include leading vehicle departure alert tech, which provides a visual alert on the screen to inform the driver that the vehicle in front is driving away, such as at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.
The warning for rear cross-traffic has also been upgraded and will now step in with emergency braking if needed to prevent an incident from occurring.
Engine line-up has been carried over and includes the new 1.5-litre T-GDi petrol introduced earlier this year to replace the previous 1.4-litre T-GDi. It’s paired either to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission and delivers 160hp while offering reduced emissions. The line-up also includes a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 136hp 1.6-litre mild hybrid diesel, the latter available with either a six-speed intelligent manual transmission or seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
GT models get an exclusive 204hp 1.6-litre T-GDi engine married up to seven-speed dual clutch transmission and with paddle-shift levers and three drive modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport.
Full UK specifications and pricing will be announced shortly before sales start in the UK later this year.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
