THE ALL-NEW KIA CEED ON SALE FROM 1 AUGUST 2018

• Athletic new design for Kia Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon
  
• Innovative technologies to boost comfort, convenience and safety
  
• First Kia to offer ‘level two autonomous driving’ Lane Following Assist technology
  
• Comprehensive range of advanced driver assistance systems available
  
• Engines include 140ps 1.4-litre T-GDi and efficient new ‘U3’ 1.6-litre diesel
  
• Name updated: cee’d becomes Ceed
  
• Produced in Slovakia, with seven-year, 100,000 miles warranty on every model
  

On-sale in the UK from 1 August with pricing starting from £18,295

Now in its third generation, the all-new Kia Ceed – designed, developed, engineered and built in Europe – strengthens Kia’s presence in the European C-segment with a mature and athletic new design, innovative new technologies, and a more engaging drive.

Since the first-generation Kia cee’d started production at Kia’s new Slovakian manufacturing facility in December 2006, more than 1.28 million units have been built. A new naming format – cee’d becomes Ceed – consolidates its reputation as a car for the Community of Europe, with European Design. More than 640,000 of the second-generation model were built between 2012 and 2018. As it enters its third iteration, the Ceed is expected to account for an even greater proportion of Kia’s European sales.

Like its predecessors, the new model has been designed, developed and engineered in Frankfurt by Kia’s European design, product development and R&D teams. It is manufactured at the brand’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, alongside the Kia Sportage and Kia Venga.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, comments: “After more than a decade on sale, the Kia Ceed continues to underpin the brand’s consistent growth across Europe. Like its predecessors, the new model has been designed and engineered exclusively for European buyers, fine-tuned thanks to the feedback from a growing Kia customer base. More than 1.3 million Ceed vehicles have been manufactured here since 2006, and the new model builds on everything that owners loved about earlier generations.

“The Ceed offers a contemporary, recognisable design, something which has been a key strength for the model since its inception. Advanced new technologies make the Ceed more comfortable, convenient to use and safe. Meanwhile, a range of new engines and European-tuned ride and handling will make it more enjoyable and engaging to drive. And Kia’s unique seven-year warranty provides unrivalled reassurance to customers about the quality of their new vehicle.”

The Ceed five-door hatchback and Ceed Sportswagon goes on sale in the UK on 1 August as production of the Ceed five-door hatchback began in May.

Exterior design

Mature athleticism – a new design for a new generation of Ceed

The Kia Ceed range has been designed at the brand’s European design centre in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, European Head of Design, and Peter Schreyer, President of Design and Chief Design Officer. Carrying over the sporty, emotional design character of the Stinger, the Ceed conveys a more self-confident new look – one that is both emotive and precise in its execution.

Lower, wider, and with a longer rear overhang than the car it replaces, the Ceed’s cab-rearward silhouette exhibits a more mature sense of athleticism. Straight lines replace the rounded-off edges of its predecessor, evolving the front of the car with a wider ‘tiger-nose’ grille and lower air intake, and precise, linear shapes framing its ‘face’. The new model features ‘ice cube’ LED daytime running lights as standard, echoing the appearance of earlier Kia GT and GT Line models. In profile, the sharp, straight lines visually lengthen the bonnet and give the car a more upright stance. A greater sense of maturity and strength is created in its shoulder line, which now runs along a more horizontal plane. The new model adopts the wide C-pillar that has become a hallmark of Kia design in recent years, enhancing its cab-rearward stance. This also gives the upper window-line a sleek new ‘half-moon’ shape. At the rear, new LED daytime running lights give the Ceed greater visibility – and recognition – on the road.

Constructed on Kia’s new ‘K2’ platform, the Ceed five-door hatchback is 20mm wider (1,800mm) and 23mm lower (1,447mm) than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase remains the same at 2,650mm, with the front overhang shortened by 20mm (to 880mm), and rear overhang extended by 20mm (now 780mm). Its wider dimensions and longer rear overhang create a more assertive and sporty stance, for a more confident presence on the road.

Sharing near-identical dimensions to the five-door hatchback, the Ceed Sportswagon features a longer cargo area and rear overhang. Extending the straight lines of the bodywork, and capped with a subtle tailgate spoiler, the Ceed Sportswagon joins its five-door hatchback sibling in presenting a stable, sporty aesthetic. The rear overhang is extended by 115mm (now 1,070mm) compared to the outgoing model. At 4,600mm in overall length – 95mm longer than its predecessor – the new model offers significantly more cargo space.

From launch, the Ceed range will be available in a choice of 11 paint finishes. A selection of wheels and designs are available, with buyers able to choose from 15-inch steel wheels, 16-inch steel or aluminium wheels, and 17-inch two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Interior design

Contemporary interior design with more efficient packaging

Inside the cabin, the Ceed is more ergonomic than ever, and with higher-quality materials used throughout. The cabin architecture from the most recent Kia vehicles has been adapted for the new Ceed, with the dashboard laid out horizontally for a more sculptural, seamless and slimline appearance. This design also creates greater space and a sense of openness for the front passenger, creating more room in the footwell and a clearer view ahead.

For all models, the dash is split into an upper area – for the ‘floating’ touchscreen infotainment system – and lower area, housing controls for audio and heating and ventilation. Driver-centric in its layout, the centre console is angled slightly towards the driver’s seat for ease of use on the move. The interior is finished in a higher proportion of sophisticated soft-touch materials throughout, subtly intensifying the refined and upscale ambience of the cabin. Surfaces are finished with metallic or satin chrome trim, with buyers able to choose from a range of cloth, synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearstick are also available as an option.

The new platform supports the Ceed’s more efficient packaging, with a more spacious cabin than before, in both hatchback and Sportswagon models. The wider body creates greater shoulder room for rear passengers (increased by 34mm to 1,406mm), while a 16mm-lower seating position in the rear creates sufficient knee and leg room for passengers in the second row. Despite the lower roofline, the platform and lowered front seating position create greater front-row headroom than before (now 987mm). The lower rear bench also ensures similar levels of headroom for rear passengers.

While the Ceed five-door hatchback occupies a similar on-road footprint to its predecessor, it boasts a larger 395-litre boot – increased in size by 15-litres. The boot lip is also substantially lower than before – the lift-over height is reduced by 87mm compared to the outgoing cee’d, making it easier to load heavier items into the boot. A split-level boot floor allows owners to lower or raise the height of the boot floor, to accommodate larger cargo or create a hidden compartment beneath.

The Ceed Sportswagon also boasts significantly higher cargo capacity than ever before. The boot is 97 litres (18 per cent) larger than the outgoing model, expanding to 625 litres in capacity – larger than most D-segment tourers. The boot lip is also substantially lower – the lower lift-over height makes it easier to load heavier items into the boot.

C-segment tourer customers’ expectations go beyond cargo capacity, so Kia’s designers have ensured versatility and usability are key strengths for the Ceed Sportswagon, making it one of the most practical cars in its class. The split-fold rear seats are fitted in a 40:20:40 configuration and can be folded remotely with a single touch from a lever just inside the tailgate. With the seats folded, the boot floor is completely flat. Every Ceed Sportswagon features an underfloor box to secure or hide smaller items, as well as a tonneau cover and a bag hook to prevent groceries and other items rolling around the load bay. Integrated roof rails are also fitted as standard to facilitate supplementary stowage.

Sportswagon customers can also specify a Smart Power Tailgate, which opens automatically when it detects the Ceed’s smart key in close proximity to the tailgate, for occasions when users’ hands are full with heavy cargo. A safety barrier net – between the cabin and the boot – is also available, as well as a net to secure small items, and a luggage floor rail system.

Technologies and features

Technological innovation to enhance

Innovation sits at the heart of the Kia Ceed, which will become the most high-tech car in its class when sales commence.

The cabin features a wide range of new technologies to enhance comfort and convenience for occupants. The ‘floating’ infotainment system is available as either a 7.0-inch touchscreen audio system or 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system, with navigation and Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom®. The system enables full smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. Android Auto™ is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. The Ceed’s Apple CarPlay™ system is compatible with the iPhone 5 and every iPhone released since.

Buyers can also specify a powerful JBL® Premium sound system with Clari-Fi music restoration technology. Standard technologies include full Bluetooth smartphone integration, as well as automatic lights and keyless entry.

A Drive Mode Select system will enable owners to tailor their driving experience, with Normal and Sport mode. Drivers can use Drive Mode Select to alter the level of effort required to steer the car, while each mode subtly changes the character of the engine. Normal mode maximises the potential for greater fuel efficiency and offers more relaxed steering inputs. Sport mode enhances throttle responses, enables faster acceleration – from a standstill and at speed – and adapts the steering to offer additional weight and more decisive responses to driver inputs.

An optional heated windshield – with nearly-imperceptible wires to gently heat the glass – makes the Ceed easier to live with in colder months. The first time this technology has featured in a Kia, it melts away frost, ice and windscreen mist at the push of a button. A wireless smartphone charger, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are also available. Ceed Sportswagon buyers can specify Kia’s Smart Power Tailgate, which can be opened hands-free for added tourer practicality.

On the outside, the Ceed is fitted with newly-designed ‘ice cube’ style LED daytime running lights (DRL) as standard. Previously, these were only featured on Kia GT and GT Line models, embedded into the front bumper – the ‘ice cube’ DRLs are now integrated into the headlamp units on every model in the Ceed range. Full LED headlamps are also available as an option.

The Ceed’s optional ECO Pack features an Active Air Flap, which closes and opens depending on engine cooling requirements, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic efficiency for greater fuel economy. The ECO Pack also features an underbody cover and lower suspension, aiding air flow beneath the vehicle, as well as low rolling resistance Michelin tyres. Both the Ceed five-door hatchback and Sportswagon are available with the ECO Pack.

Safety

Adoption of new driver assistance systems

In addition to the car’s seven standard airbags, advanced driver assistance technologies further enhance occupant protection, using active safety systems to mitigate the risk of collisions. Standard safety technologies will include High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

A first for any Kia sold in Europe, the Ceed is available with Lane Following Assist, a ‘Level Two’ autonomous driving technology. Lane Following Assist tracks vehicles in front of the Ceed in traffic, and detects road markings to keep the car in its lane on the motorway. The system controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the convoy of vehicles in front, using radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Lane Following Assist operates between 0 and 130 kph.

Additional available technologies include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Smart Parking Assist, and pedestrian recognition with haptic steering wheel warnings for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.

Every Ceed is equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). VSM ensures stability when braking and cornering by controlling the car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if it detects a loss of traction.

Warranty and manufacturing

On-sale from August with 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty

The Kia Ceed will enter production in Q2 2018 at Kia’s Žilina, Slovakia manufacturing facility. The Ceed will be covered by Kia’s quality promise, with the brand’s industry-leading 7-Year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.

UK specific information

The Kia Ceed will go on sale in the UK on 1 August with prices starting from £18,295. Four trim lines will be available from launch – grade ‘2’, ‘Blue Edition’, grade ‘3’ and ‘First Edition’. Full UK pricing and specification will be announced in due course.