KIA

KIA CEED HATCHBACK 1.5T GDi ISG GT-Line 5dr

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionManual

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph8.1s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2129 g/km

This improved version of Kia's third generation Ceed has further sharpened its proposition in the Focus-class family hatchback segment, with smarter looks, extra technology and stronger standards of safety equipment. As before, value continues as a strong suit and there's an industry-leading warranty. Potentially then, there's a lot to like here.

KOREAN CLEVERNESS

Kia has added a bit of extra polish to its third generation Ceed family hatch. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This improved version of Kia's third generation Ceed has further sharpened its proposition in the Focus-class family hatchback segment, with smarter looks, extra technology and stronger standards of safety equipment. As before, value continues as a strong suit and there's an industry-leading warranty. Potentially then, there's a lot to like here.

Background

If you want to better appreciate just why Kia is one of the world's fastest growing automotive brands, you've only to look at this car, the Ceed family hatchback. The Slovakian factory that builds it only opened its doors in 2006 yet already, way over a million Ceed models have been built. Automotive historians will look back at the original version of this car (then badged 'cee'd') as a landmark design, the first to take on the European and Japanese market leaders on their own terms in the volume Focus and Golf-dominated Family Hatchback sector. Built in the heart of Europe, it was targeted at the heart of the European motor industry, hence the unusual name, a combination of the French abbreviation for European Community (CE) and this car's project title (ED). It shamed the established players by matching their quality while massively undercutting their prices and offering an astonishingly long 7-year warranty. But times change - and so do market segments. So in 2018, Kia re-designed this MK3 'CD'-series model with a more athletic look and added more efficient engines and extra technology. Then enhanced the whole package three years on, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

There's always been plenty of potential here for a class-leading dynamic performance. The Ceed has, after all, long had a more sophisticated suspension system than most rivals offer in their mainstream guises. Instead of the crude old torsion beam rear-suspended set-up you'd find on an ordinary Focus or Golf, this Kia gets the kind of more sophisticated multi-link rear damping system that Ford and Volkswagen Group rivals reserve for pricier, more powerful versions of their family hatchback contenders. And here, it's embellished with the kind of bespoke-engineered handling set-up you might not expect in this corner of the market. The brand has slimmed down the Ceed powerplant range in recent times to the unit that it's found most customers want, a 158bhp four cylinder 1.5-litre T-GDi powerplant mated to 6-speed manual transmission. It can also be had with a DCT automatic if you stretch to top 'GT-Line S'-spec. In terms of handling updates for this facelifted third-generation model though, Kia's largely left the set-up alone, which is fine by us, as that was one of this model's strongest aspects. The Ceed is built on a stiff 'K2'-series platform and garnished with feelsome power steering aided by a torque vectoring system that helps to get the power down through the bends. The result is a car we think you'll genuinely enjoy driving. Plus this is still one of the most refined cars in its class, something helped by the emphasis the Korean brand has put on reducing vibration from its latest engines.

Design and Build

As before, there's a choice of five-door hatchback, Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake body styles. Facelifts are usually about a bit of a nip and tuck, but this one sees a completely redesigned front end, with smarter headlamps flanking a 'tiger nose' front grille upgraded to a black gloss finish with satin chrome highlights. Even more overt are the two large side air intakes shooting through the front bumper, creating a sportier look. At the rear, the surface between the LED combi lamps has been smoothed out to accommodate the company's latest brand emblem. And a glossy black diffuser has been added to the sportier rear bumper. It's all a bit more up-market inside too, Kia having worked on the interior decor, introducing sophisticated soothing colours and more tactile materials. If you haven't tried a Ceed for a bit, the main change you'll notice with this current one is the addition of a frameless 10.25-inch centrally mounted display with infotainment, navigation and telematics connectivity features. Driver-centric in its layout, the centre console is angled slightly towards the driver's seat for ease of use on the move. In the rear, there's decent shoulder room for rear passengers by class standards. And out back in the standard hatch, there's a reasonable 395-litre boot. It's 594-litre for the ProCeed shooting brake and 625-litres for the Sportswagon estate.

Market and Model

The Ceed remains one of the most affordable choices in the family hatchback segment, though that value proposition's been tempered slightly inb recent times because customers are restricted to a single, relatively powerful 1.5 T-GDI petrol engine. There are four trim levels though, '2', 'GT-Line' (which is what most choose), then '3' and 'GT-Line S', the latter swapping the usual 6-speed manual gearbox for a DCT automatic. Across the range, prices start from around £22,500 and range up to around £31,000 for the hatch. There's also an alternative Sportwagon estate, only offered in '2' or '3'-spec with the same engine and prices from just over £23,000. Whichever kind of Ceed you choose, you'd expect to find it decently equipped - it is - but the key change with recent updates lies with the availability of even more 'ADAS' ('Advanced Driver Assist') systems, Kia having updated its 'Driver Attention Warning' and 'Blind-spot Warning' systems. In addition to the car's seven standard airbags, included safety kit runs to High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning autonomous braking with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Connectivity's taken a step forward with this car in recent times too - not only with a larger 10.25-inch centre stack monitor but also with telematics. The brand now offers its 'Kia Connect' smartphone app which allows customers to connect remotely with their cars. A new 'User Profile Transfer' feature enables users to back up their in-vehicle Kia Connect preferences via the cloud and transfer settings from one vehicle to the next. 

Cost of Ownership

The latest Smartstream engine technology in use here incorporates Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) to optimise performance. CVVD also serves to improve fuel efficiency alongside a Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LP-EGR) system, which returns some of the hot gases produced by the engine to the combustion chamber to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy. So much for the tech; what about the WLTP results? Well, the 1.5 T-GDi petrol engine manages up to 49.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 129g/km - in manual form. As usual with Kia, there's a 7 year or 100,000 mile warranty which, since it can be passed from owner to owner, should help the impressively strong residual values. You might want to note that roadside assistance cover is limited to one year, but you do get a long 12 year bodywork warranty. Maintenance costs can be kept down by opting for Kia's 'Care-3' or 'Care-3 Plus' servicing packages, which offer a fixed-cost and inflation-proof servicing plan for the first three or five years, something which can also be passed on to subsequent owners.

Summary

There will still be people of course, who'll blindly buy a Focus, a Golf or some other family hatchback from a conventional mainstream brand without considering its Korean alternative. But these will largely be uninformed folk yet to fully cotton on to the way that products in this segment have changed. Thanks to the continuing success of this Ceed model line, there are fewer and fewer customers of this kind around. Of course, shortlist selection isn't the same as a sale. There are family hatch folk who'll want more powerful engines or more dynamic handling than this car can offer. But, I'd suggest, many more will enjoy this Kia's sharp looks, impressive quality, strong safety standards and low running costs. True, the asking prices may be a little higher than you might expect from a South Korean brand, but don't judge them until you've tried the product, a confident design from a very confident brand. We think you might like it.

  • Rear wash/wipe
  • Tinted glass
  • Heated rear window with timer
  • Rain sensing front wipers
  • Automatic defog system
  • All-round Electric Windows with Front Auto Up & Down Function
  • Windscreen Washer Level Warning
  • Privacy glass (rear side windows and tailgate)

  • Hill start assist control (HAC)
  • Electronic stability control (ESC) and vehicle stability management (VSM)
  • ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS)

  • Bluetooth with Voice Recognition & Music Streaming
  • Apple car play/Android Auto with voice control

  • Reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines (Integrated into centre fascia screen)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) - City/Pedestrian/Cyclist
  • Driver attention warning + (DAW) with leading vehicle departure warning
  • Manual speed limit assist
  • Lane keep assist
  • Emergency stop signalling system
  • Motor driven power steering
  • Rear parking sensor
  • Cruise control + speed limiter

  • Trip computer
  • 4.2" supervision colour cluster display
  • UVO connect
  • 10.25" touchscreen satellite navigation

  • Wide view drivers door mirror
  • Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors with LED Indicators
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • High gloss black door mirrors

  • Satin Chrome Fascia Trim
  • Black high gloss front console garnish & door trim

  • Intelligent Stop and Go

  • DAB Radio with MP3
  • 6 speaker audio system
  • USB Fast Charger in Front Centre Console
  • Steering wheel mounted controls
  • Illuminated USB ports
  • USB port for connection of a media device

  • Body coloured side sill mouldings
  • Body Colour Exterior Door Handles
  • Body coloured rear spoiler with high gloss black trim
  • High Gloss Black and Satin Chrome Radiator Grille
  • Body colour bumpers
  • Chrome window surround

  • Front fog lights
  • LED rear combination lights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • High beam assist
  • LED High-mounted Brake Light
  • LED rear fog light
  • Halogen projection headlights
  • Automatic headlights control

  • Dual zone automatic air conditioning

  • Cupholders in centre console
  • Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel
  • Cupholders in rear armrest
  • Aluminium pedals
  • Centre console storage box/armrest
  • Luggage hooks
  • Centre console storage box
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Rear centre armrest
  • Rear coat hooks
  • Satin chrome interior door handles
  • Cloth/faux leather upholstery
  • Front and rear door storage
  • Luggage area parcel shelf
  • Interior door lock/unlock function
  • 12V power socket in luggage compartment
  • Faux leather door centre trim
  • Leather trimmed steering wheel and faux leather gear knob
  • 3 x passenger assist grips
  • Dual Height Luggage Area Floor
  • Leather D-Cut steering wheel with grey stitching

  • Dash illumination dimmer switch
  • Luggage area light
  • Front cabin map light with sunglasses case
  • Door courtesy lamps
  • Illuminated ignition key hole

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Dual horn
  • Height adjustable front seatbelts
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Impact sensing auto door unlocking
  • All round 3-point seatbelts
  • Twin front airbags
  • Front passenger airbag cut-off switch
  • Seatbelt reminder warning
  • Dual front side airbags
  • Twin Curtain Airbags

  • All-round height adjustable headrests
  • ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings
  • Front Passenger Seat Height Adjuster
  • Heated front seats
  • Driver's seat height adjuster
  • Front seatback pockets
  • Driver + front passenger electric lumbar support
  • 60/40 split folding rear seat

  • Alarm system
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Engine Immobiliser & Deadlocks
  • Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry System
  • Speed sensitive auto door locking

  • Driver & Front Passenger Sunvisors with Vanity Mirror Illumination & Ticket Holder

  • 17" GT-Line alloy wheels

  • Tyre mobility kit

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 129

  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Transmission: MANUAL
  • Gears: 6 SPEED
  • CC: 1482

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False

  • Coin Series: GT-Line
  • Coin Description: GDi
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E
  • Service Interval Mileage: 10000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 158
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.5
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

  • Engine Power - BHP: 158
  • Engine Power - PS: False
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): True
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.1
  • Top Speed: 130
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 25.8
  • Engine Power - KW: 118
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5500
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 187
  • Engine Torque - NM: 253
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R17
  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R17
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False

  • Wheelbase: 2650
  • Length: 4325
  • Width: 1800
  • Width (including mirrors): N
  • Height: 1442
  • Height (including roof rails): N

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 395
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1291

  • Premium paint: £580
  • Solid paint: Included

  • Solid - Blue Flame: £0

  • Premium paint - Fusion white: £580
  • Premium paint - Orange fusion: £580
  • Premium paint - Dark penta metal: £580
  • Premium paint - Infra red: £580
  • Premium paint - Phantom black: £580

  • Cloth/faux leather - Black/light grey: £0

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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