Kia cee’d range beats tough competition to win Best Used Car Award.

• Kia cee’d range beats tough competition to win Best Used Car Award
• cee’d impresses with excellent value for money, equipment and safety
• Class-leading warranty helps the cee’d range to the top spot

The Kia cee’d has again beaten tough competition to be announced as Carbuyer’s ‘Best Used Car’ in their annual awards. The cee’d range impressed the judges with its excellent value for money secondhand, practicality, standard levels of equipment, build quality and reliability, all bolstered by the brand’s industry leading seven year warranty.

A strong contributing factor to the cee’d range’s victory in this competitive category was the warranty extension available on all cee’ds and the entire Kia range. When purchasing a Kia vehicle up to 18 months old from the Kia Approved Used network, the company tops up the warranty period to its original amount of seven years, effectively allowing over eight years of worry-free motoring.

The cee’d range, which won the same used car award in 2015, is a car designed for Europe, built in Europe and only sold in Europe. 

It is now in its second generation having been introduced in 2006 and includes three family friendly body types, starting from a sleek three-door version scaling up to a larger Sportswagon, set apart by the popular five-door version. 

Offering a choice of attractive bodystyles, efficient engines and industry standard safety equipment, the cee’d range is a clear choice for many customers in the used and new car market.

Editor of Carbuyer, Stuart Milne commented on the win. “The Kia cee’d is a great-value new car, but it’s harder to buy a nearly new car of better quality on the used market. It’s practical, well built, spacious and efficient and represents superb value secondhand. 

And you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’ll still be protected by the balance of Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty.”

Paul Philpott, CEO and President of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. gave his feelings: “The Kia cee’d is an integral and important part of Kia in the UK, and indeed across Europe. It answers the needs of many people, delivering great value for money, safety, high levels of equipment and striking looks. 

This win is testament to how good a proposition our cee’d range is to customers. This win will also mean a great deal to all the dealers in our national network, who all work incredibly hard to exceed our customers’ needs, whether that be with new or used vehicles.”

Last year the Kia cee’d received an update which gave the range a competitive edge. With world-class new powertrains, a sporty new GT-Line trim level and major additions to electronic driver aids and connected car systems, the new version of Kia’s European mid-sized hatchback continues to impress and build on the strengths which has already attracted more than a million buyers.

The Kia Sportage not only takes DieselCar Best Medium SUV, but over all Car OF The Year Too.

• Sportage wins Car of the Year and Best Medium SUV in hotly contested Diesel Car Awards
• Sportage applauded for its value for money, high specification and excellent handling
• Both Sorento and cee’d claim top 50 places – surpassing many premium rivals

Only a few months after launch, the all-new Kia Sportage has been crowned with another significant accolade, Diesel Car Magazine Car of the Year. Alongside this prestigious award, Sportage was also named Best Medium sized SUV.

The all-new fourth generation Sportage bettered the competition due to its excellent specification levels, even on low grade vehicles, including Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and satellite navigation. This coupled with its dynamic handling and distinctive design, made this family crossover a clear choice for the top spot.

The Sportage also impressed with its competitive prices, from only £17,995 or £139 a month, placing it as a very easy purchase decision for customers. The lead-in 1.7 CRDi 6-speed manual version starts at £19,745. Teamed with Kia’s industry leading 7 Year Warranty, the Sportage also brings significant peace of mind.

Kia’s new crossover, which was introduced to the UK market on 5 February this year, has already seen unprecedented sales success, with over 14,000 customers placing orders in just four months.

Not far behind the Sportage in Diesel Car’s Top 50 cars was Kia’s family hatchback the cee’d, which came in at number 21, beating industry staples such as the Mazda 3 and Audi A3. Also claiming a top 50 place was Kia’s range topping large SUV, the Sorento.

Editor and publisher of Diesel Car Ian Robertson commented on Kia’s win: "The Sportage won the top spot because of its generous equipment levels, keen prices and excellent road manners, which means that the Sportage leapfrogs the competition to sit at the very top of the class."

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “We are delighted and honoured to get this tremendous accolade from Diesel Car. Clearly new Sportage is a big winner with customers and Diesel Car’s endorsement only reinforces the car’s success.”

Some of the very latest models to hit this year’s fleet market will be unveiled at the Fleet World Fleet Show.

Some of the very latest models to hit this year’s fleet market will be unveiled at the Fleet World Fleet Show at iconic Silverstone next month, including the stylish new Renault Megane.

This year’s Show on May 11 will see a number of UK debuts in an impressive line-up of new models from the 21 vehicle manufacturers attending the event, with almost 300 models available for driving.   

Fleet decision-makers will have a choice of three separate circuits of the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix track on which to evaluate them, the National, International and Stowe circuits - plus a road route in the locality.

Amongst the stars of the Show seem certain to be the latest offerings from a resurgent Renault, including the new Megane which attracted so many headlines at the Geneva Motor Show last month when its Sports Tourer sibling was also premiered for the first time.

Renault will also have several examples of its best-selling Zoe electric car, plus a number of the Kadjar crossover, which shares the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai, for fleet decision-makers to evaluate.

Korean manufacturer, Kia Motors, which has strong fleet ambitions for this year, will be offering test drives of its new Sportage SUV and Optima saloon, along with a model line up that includes the Picanto city car, Rio supermini, Cee’d hatchback and sports wagon and Sorento SUV.

Meanwhile, Volvo will be providing fleet decision-makers with  the opportunity for the first UK drives of the new 49g/km T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid version of the XC90 SUV.

The new XC90 T8 Twin Engine uses Volvo’s new T6 turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor at the rear axle. This offers four-wheel drive traction and a combined 407bhp, reaching 62mph in just 5.6 seconds.

As well as high performance, the XC90 T8 Twin Engine delivers incredible economy figures with CO₂ emissions of 49g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 134.5mpg. Fully charged, it can travel up to 26 miles on electric power.

Show director, Jerry Ramsdale, said: “We are delighted that so many vehicle manufacturers have chosen this year’s Fleet Show at Silverstone to showcase their very latest offerings for the UK fleet market.  

“By coming to this year’s Show, visitors will have the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the newest models to hit the UK fleet market and try them out for themselves,” he added.

As always, the Fleet Show looks to strike a balance between interactive fleet education, test driving and a contemporary fleet exhibition which features some of the latest developments, products and services in the fleet arena.

On the education front, a new, Question Time-style interactive session will be led by industry experts and will tackle some of the leading fleet topics of the day, as well as addressing concerns from the floor.

The Silverstone Wing will again play host to a wide-ranging fleet exhibition in halls 1-3, boasting a diverse array of suppliers who will be demonstrating the latest developments, products and services in the fleet market.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for Show visitors to hold face-to-face meetings and network with exhibitors and other visitors alike.

Last year’s Fleet Show attracted higher numbers of top quality fleet decision-makers than ever before – up 25% on the previous year – and the audience has increased in size every year since the inaugural event in 2011.

UK SALES 2015 - Kia breaks all previous sales records in the UK, but will it carry on in 2016 !

• Sales total 78,489 – a new yearly record
• Sportage hits record of 23,010 in its run-out year
• New model programme heralds an even better 2016

Kia Motors (UK) Limited has recorded a new annual sales record of 78,489 in 2015 in the face of increasing competition in the new car market.

During what President and Chief Executive Paul Philpott described as a “tumultuous year” in the marketplace, Kia saw its overall sales volume grow thanks to  organic and profitable development amongst its 188 dealers across the country.

And the remarkable success of Kia’s Sportage SUV led the way in what was its run-out year, with a new record of 23,010 delivered during 2015. The all-new Sportage, featuring even higher quality and refinement levels along with state-of-the-art new technologies, arrives in showrooms in February.

The European built Sportage was Kia’s best-seller, but the brand enjoyed strong sales right across its range with the cee’d and Venga – also built at the Zilina, Slovakia plant – recording sales of 12,395 and 6,510 respectively. The long-standing favourite Picanto  held on to its number two spot with sales of 14,279 followed in third with cee’d and then by Rio with 12,152 units delivered to customers.

Paul Philpott said: “The second half of this year has seen cut-throat competition in showrooms due to the weak Euro. Whilst heavy discounts are good news for private buyers the after-effects include falling second-hand values and reduced profitability for dealers – which is not good for customers in the long run.

“I am delighted that our dealers have seen their sales increase in a way that preserves their stability, their commitment to our brand and their ability to create more jobs in their businesses.

“But most importantly we go into 2016 with a raft of new products arriving in showrooms – all-new Optima saloon in January, all-new Sportage in February, our new dedicated Niro hybrid in the summer and then Optima wagon and GT and plug-in hybrid in the early autumn. Plus there is more to come in following years and I am totally confident that this will bring even more motorists to the Kia brand over the next few years to enable us to reach our sales goal of 100,000 car a year by 2020,” he added.

Kia continues to grow in Europea with a near 10% gain over last year in Q3, to make 2015 a record quarter.

• Record Q3 sales for Kia Europe, with year-on-year growth of 9.7%
• Kia Europe’s best ever year-to-date sales with 295,140 units registered
• UK still Europe’s biggest national market with 21,960 sales
• 8.3% growth in European sales so far this year
• Rise in sales for best-selling Sportage and recently-upgraded cee’d
• Upgraded B-segment models drive further sales growth

Kia Motors Europe has posted record Q3 sales across Europe, with 95,102 units sold from July to September this year. According to the latest data from ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), Kia’s third quarter sales figures represent year-on-year growth of 9.7% (up from 86,718 for the same period in 2014).

So far in 2015, Kia is enjoying its best ever year in terms of sales across Europe, with 295,140 units sold so far this year – an increase of 8.3% compared to the 272,600 units sold from January to September 2014. Kia Motors Europe had already achieved sales of more than 200,000 in the first half of 2015 for the first time in the company’s history.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “It’s very satisfying to see our European sales continue to grow in line with our plan for sustainable growth. Kia’s promise to offer uncompromising quality, great design and the highest levels of customer care are clearly striking a chord with buyers across the continent, and we remain on course for record full-year sales.”

The United Kingdom remains the largest of Kia’s markets in Europe, with 21,960 units sold in Q3, representing over 23% sales contribution to Europe’s figures. The UK is followed by Germany (14,488 units) and Spain (9,771 units).

Sales growth for best-selling Kia Sportage and cee’d

The Kia Sportage – the brand’s European best-seller – continues to achieve strong sales growth, enjoying one of its best ever quarters in the model’s history. In its fourth full-year of production, 25,308 Sportage models were sold across Europe from July to September, a 5.2% increase, bringing total year-to-date sales to 81,310.

Kia’s second best-selling product, the cee’d model family, also experienced sales growth through the third quarter, having recently been upgraded with a revised, more modern interior and exterior look, and a range of efficient new powertrain options. In September, following the introduction of the new model, year-on-year cee’d sales grew by 3.3% during the month, to 7,227 units. 58,761 cee’d models have been registered across Europe so far this year.

Manufactured exclusively for Kia Motors Europe at the company’s state-of-the-art production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, the cee’d achieved a major milestone earlier in 2015, with the 1,000,000th cee’d manufactured since its introduction nine years ago.

B-segment models drive European sales growth

The hard-fought B-segment has played a major role in Kia’s sales growth over the last quarter, with rising sales of the recently-upgraded Rio hatchback and Venga compact MPV. Sales of the Rio rose by 10.8% compared to the same period last year (16,452 units in Q3, 49,511 year-to-date). The Kia Venga also saw year-on-year sales growth, with 6,884 units sold in Q3 representing a 9.0% growth compared to Q3 2014

Every model in Kia’s European line-up is sold with the brand’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty.

UK SALES SEPTEMBER - KIA - Best ever September and best ever Q3 keep KIA flying high.

• Kia Motors UK Ltd posts best ever September sales with 13,980
• Record breaking Q3 for Kia UK with 21,960 sales
• 2015 sales currently ahead of target at 64,028 sales
• Kia Sportage continues to lead UK sales

Kia Motors UK Ltd enjoyed its best-ever September sales performance with 13,980 new cars delivered to customers during the month – helping the marque reach a sales total of 64,028 in 2015 so far, nearly three per cent higher than in 2014.

Kia’s September sales has only been surpassed by the brand’s performance in March this year when 15,017 new cars were delivered.

Kia’s September sales sufficiently contributed to quarter three also being a record quarter for the brand in the UK totalling 21,960 sales, a 1.2 per cent increase on 2014 sales at 21,689 sales.

Even in its sixth and final year of sales, the Kia Sportage retained its best-selling position within Kia’s range in Q3, attracting nearly 6,000 sales (5,974). This was followed by the ever popular Picanto with 4,547, cee’d with 4,065 and then Rio totalling 3,637 in the quarter.

Paul Philpott, Kia Motors UK President and CEO commented: “In a very competitive marketplace it was reassuring to see that Kia’s continued record performance held throughout quarter three and especially September to deliver our best-ever autumn sales month. This continued sales success makes us confident in achieving our 2015 sales target of 80,000 units.

“What is pleasing to see is that the Kia Sportage is still creating impressive sales in its sixth and final year of sales. Luckily we do not depend on this vehicle entirely, with strong sales figures coming from Picanto, cee’d and Rio.

Finally, I am particularly pleased for our 188-strong dealer network, our strong retail performance aids their success and dedication to our brand,” he added.

Kia has updated the cee'd with better tech, engines and quality interiors.

• Subtle upgrades to exterior looks, interior quality and refinement
• Wide range of engines includes highly-efficient new 1.0-litre T-GDI
• Lower emissions and adoption of new seven-speed DCT
• Kia’s Connected Services powered by TomTom launched later this year
• Introduction of sporty new GT Line specification
• Upgraded Kia cee’d now on sale across Europe
• More than 1,000,000 Kia cee’d models produced since 2006

Kia Motors Europe has carried out a comprehensive upgrade of its ever popular Kia cee’d, a model that has provided the foundation for the company’s continuing success in Europe over recent years. With more dynamic performance and Kia’s distinct style, the upgraded cee’d offers buyers a car built to meet the exacting standards of quality and design demanded by European buyers.

Kia’s European designers have evolved the interior and exterior styling of the current cee’d into an exciting new look, with the powertrain team developing a wider range of engines and transmissions. The improvements include Kia’s all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine, as well as a range of new safety, comfort and convenience upgrades. The changes apply to every model in the cee’d range, incorporating the five-door cee’d hatchback, Sportswagon and three-door pro_cee’d.

The modifications applied to the cee’d range also include a range of visual and dynamic improvements to the high-powered cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT models. Already among the best-looking cars in the C-segment ‘hot hatch’ segment, these changes will further strengthen the GT models’ appeal to buyers in this more emotive corner of the market.

The upgraded model will come with a new ‘GT Line’ specification, offering buyers the sporty looks and dynamics of the GT models and the versatility of the conventional cee’d model family. The GT Line specification is available on all three cee’d body types – five door cee’d, cee’d Sportswagon and three-door pro_cee’d.

These upgrades to the Kia cee’d arrive just as Kia has achieved a major milestone in the model’s history. Having started production in 2006, May 2015 saw the 1,000,000^th Kia cee’d manufactured by Kia Motors in Europe, and the cars has played a significant role in Kia’s sustained growth and success since its introduction nine years ago. The 1,000,000^th cee’d to roll off Kia’s European production line was a high-powered Kia cee’d GT five-door hatchback in ‘White Pearl’. The car and its 204 ps 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo petrol direct injection) engine were both produced in Slovakia, for a buyer in the Netherlands.

Exterior styling: a more modern appearance

The upgraded Kia cee’d inherits the bold, distinct styling of the current model, with a series of visual modifications to modernise the car’s appearance.

At the front, the cee’d continues the look that has proven so popular with European buyers, retaining Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille, sleek wraparound headlamps and integrated fog lamps. Changes to the ‘face’ of the cee’d include a more angular and wider bumper, with chrome trim around the fog lamps, and a new oval-shaped grille mesh echoing many of the shapes and design forms on the front of the car.

A similar change has been made to the rear of the cee’d, with reshaped bumpers and sporty-looking reflectors adding greater volume and strength to the car’s appearance. LED rear lamps complete the rear of the car, adding a higher level of refinement while updating the cee’d’s night-time light signature. Stylish new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs are also now available across the range.

Subtle styling upgrades to the interior and improved NVH

The high quality cabin in the Kia cee’d has received a range of minor styling upgrades to build on the simple elegance of the interior design. The basic form of the cabin remains unchanged, but a number of subtle enhancements bring a more modern look and feel to the interior. A new optional colour pack further adds to the cee’d’s appeal.

The asymmetric, driver-focused dashboard receives a flash of chrome around the instrument binnacle, driver-side and central air vents and around the upper edge of the instrument panel. The central fascia panel is now finished in a high quality, anti-scratch gloss black for a more premium look. Other chrome highlights have also been added to the cabin, in particular around the base of the gear-stick, on door handles, and to the temperature control dials on the dashboard, depending on trim level.

The 2016 Kia cee’d will be available with a new interior colour package, a new Brown Pack adding elegant brown upholstery to the seats and doors.

For diesel variants, the upgraded interior of the cee’d offers improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics. Additional sound-absorbing materials have been adopted for the carpet and ventilation system, while twice as much anti-vibration foam has been added to the dashboard panel to cut engine vibrations intruding on the calm of the cabin. All diesel engines have also been fitted with sound-absorbing material to the engine block, oil pan and diesel particulate filter.

Upgraded range of Euro 6-compliant engines includes all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI

The upgraded cee’d offers a wider choice of powertrains than before, with all engines now compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standard.

For the launch of the 2016 cee’d, Kia is introducing its all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDI’ (turbo petrol direct injection) engine. This new downsized, three-cylinder power unit has been engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions, while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input.

Kia’s new turbocharged engine, developed in-house at the company’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea, features a high-pressure direct injection system, advanced engine cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold for cleaner emissions and efficient packaging. Immediate engine response and highly-efficient combustion were cornerstones of the engine’s development, fulfilling Kia’s sustainable engine downsizing strategy.

This is the first of Kia’s upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe, and will be available with a choice of two power outputs. In its basic state, the new engine produces 100 ps and 172 Nm torque, while the higher powered 1.0-litre T-GDI produces 120 ps and the same 172 Nm torque. The maximum engine torque is available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, making it an incredibly flexible engine under all driving conditions. Pending homologation later this year, both 100 ps and 120 ps are expected to deliver the lowest CO₂ emissions of any petrol-engined cee’d to date.

The diesel cee’d continues to be a popular choice for European buyers, and the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine has also been upgraded for its application in the new model. A new high-pressure injection system and continuously-controlled variable oil pump reduce friction losses in the engine, with the lower powered 110 ps version available across both the standard cee’d and new GT Line range. CO₂ emissions fall to 102 g/km, or just 94 g/km when fitted with Kia ISG (Idle Stop/Go).

Available with both the enhanced cee’d range and the new GT Line variant, the higher powered 1.6 CRDi engine now produces 136 ps (up from 128 ps), and 285 Nm torque (improved from 265 Nm). With the small increase in performance, the engine’s full torque is now available from just 1,500 (down from 1,900, when equipped with a manual transmission), resulting in more effortless acceleration under all conditions.

The Kia cee’d will continue to be offered with the 128 ps 1.6-litre GDI and 100 ps 1.4-litre MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines, as well as the popular 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine, all of which now also meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

All-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission

The upgraded cee’d features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand’s all-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), available exclusively on models equipped with the higher powered 136 ps 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. Kia’s new DCT is capable of handling the higher torque outputs of the modified engine fitted to the upgraded cee’d, with a higher capacity than the six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission it replaces.

Like the new 1.0-litre T-GDI power unit, Kia’s new DCT has also been developed in-house and has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.

Drivers specifying the new DCT will benefit from faster gear changes than a traditional automatic transmission, as well as lower running costs. When equipped with the new DCT, the 1.6-litre CRDi engine emits just 109 g/km carbon dioxide, compared to the 145 g/km recorded by the earlier engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The wider cee’d range continues to be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, with the 1.6-litre GDI engine also available with a six-speed double-clutch transmission.

Improved ride comfort, handling, NVH

Engineers have made a number of modifications to the suspension and chassis of the upgraded cee’d in order to improve ride comfort and handling, endowing the car with more dynamic performance.

The principal enhancement to the upgraded cee’d is the addition of a new torque vectoring system, which reduces understeer by partially applying the brake to the inner wheel under cornering. The motor-driven power steering system now results in more linear and predictable steering inputs, while changes to front wheel geometry have improved on-centre steering feel. Finally, new stoppers on the rear strut mount insulators and new outer ball joint on the rear stabiliser bar help to improve ride comfort on poor surfaces by minimising vibrations through the suspension.

The NVH characteristics of the suspension in the upgraded cee’d have also been improved slightly, with the adoption of a hollow stabiliser bar, replacing the previous solid stabiliser, to reduce road noise.

New safety and convenience features include Kia’s Connected Services

Kia development teams have added a range of new comfort, convenience and safety features to further improve the modern, high-tech appeal of the Kia cee’d.

Safety is a priority for Kia, and the popular cee’d is now available with an optional Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), which uses a camera to identify speed limit signs and display them beside the speedometer and on the navigation screen. Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are also available as options, using sensors to monitor the side and rear of the cee’d for other vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and give the driver a visual or audible alert.

Drivers can enjoy easier parking with the 2016 cee’d, with an upgraded Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS), depending on market. SPAS uses side-mounted ultrasonic sensors and front and rear parking sensors, as well as the electric power steering system, to identify a suitable parking space and automatically steer the car into the space. In the latest cee’d, the system can now steer the car into perpendicular spaces, in addition to parallel parking. The parallel exit function allows the cee’d to steer itself out of tight road-side spaces.

The upgraded cee’d also features Kia’s latest audio-visual navigation (AVN) system for a more modern appearance on the cee’d’s 7.0-inch central fascia display. The AVN system also supports the addition of DAB digital radio, which is available across a number of European markets.

A new addition to the upgraded cee’d is a new Navigation System with Kia’s Connected Services, a package offering a wide range of up-to-date, driver-oriented information. Powered by technology company TomTom, the new connectivity features include live traffic updates, speed camera alerts, local search and weather forecasts. Providing useful real-time information, Kia’s Connected Services will enhance the safety, comfort and enjoyment of every journey. In Europe, the system will be available to cee’d buyers free of charge for seven years after the car’s purchase. Kia’s Connected Services will be introduced to the cee’d range in line with the launch of the new GT Line specification, due across Europe later this year.

Wide range of updates to high-powered GT models

The high-powered cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT have been upgraded with modifications to powertrain and dynamics. These changes ensure the GT remains among the most compelling – and best-looking – cars in the C-segment ‘hot hatch’ class.

For the exterior, GT models retain much of the visual aggression that differentiates them from the standard cee’d range, including the stylish ‘ice-cube’ daytime running lights and sporty bodywork. The 2016 cee’d GT is now also available with a new 18-inch wheel design.

On the inside, cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT models are now fitted with a newly-designed flat-bottomed steering wheel with a subtle GT logo and concave central design, while the black engine start-stop button from the standard cee’d is replaced with an aluminium button. Chrome accents have also been added to in-door power window switches. Combined with the car’s standard RECARO suede bucket seats, these enhancements make the car stand out even further from other models in the range.

A new electronic sound generator, fitted exclusively to GT models, is activated when drivers press the ‘GT Mode’ button on the steering wheel. Effectively synthesising the 1.6-litre T-GDI’s fast-revving engine note into the cabin, the sound generator adds a new element to the driving experience and brings the driver closer to the car’s higher level of performance. With GT Mode switched off, the sound generator produces a quiet and moderate engine note.

The high-powered 1.6-litre T-GDI engine found in the cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT receives a new turbocharger system. With increased air pressure serving to boost low-end torque and engine response, acceleration from 0-100 kph is improved by 0.1 to 7.6 seconds. Drivers will also enjoy greater in-gear acceleration as a result of the new turbocharger. The 1.6-litre T-GDI produces 204 ps and 265 Nm, with CO₂emissions reduced slightly to 170 g/km.

As well as the addition of torque vectoring and NVH improvements to the standard car, Kia engineers have further upgraded the dynamics of the cee’d GT. New optional enlarged front disc brakes, increased in size from 300 mm to 320 mm, result in higher heat capacity and improved resistance to brake fade. The 100-0 kph stopping distance in the upgraded cee’d GT has been reduced from 36.4 metres to 35.0 metres.

2016 Kia cee’d range on-sale from July 2015

The upgraded Kia cee’d will be available from dealers across Europe from July 2015, offering the company’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty as standard.

Designed and engineered in Europe before launching originally in December 2006, the Kia cee’d model family is manufactured at Kia’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, and remains one of the brand’s bestselling models, with more than 75,000 sold across Europe in 2014.

UPGRADED KIA CEE’D – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (EUROPE)

Body and chassis

Three- or five-door, five-seater C-segment hatchback, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of diesel and petrol engines driving the front wheels via manual or automatic transmission – depending on model.

Engines

1.4-litre / 100 ps MPI Petrol

Type                     

Four cylinder in-line, naturally aspirated

Capacity                

1.4-litres, 1,368 cc

Bore and stroke                

72.0 x 84.0 mm

Compression ratio   

10.5:1

Max power             

100 ps (74 kW) @ 6,000 rpm

Max torque             

134 Nm (99 lb ft) @ 4,000 rpm

Valves                   

16 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Continuously variable valve timing, multi-point injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.6-litre / 135 ps GDI Petrol

Type                     

Four cylinder in-line, naturally aspirated

Capacity                

1.6-litres, 1,591 cc

Bore and stroke                

77.0 x 85.4 mm

Compression ratio   

11.0:1

Max power             

135 ps (99 kW) @ 6,300 rpm

Max torque             

164 Nm (121 lb ft) @ 4,850 rpm

Valves                   

16 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Continuously variable valve timing, direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.0-litre / 100 ps T-GDI Petrol (low)

Type                     

Three cylinder in-line, turbocharged

Capacity                

1.0-litres, 998 cc

Bore and stroke                

71.8 x 84.0 mm

Compression ratio   

10.0:1

Max power             

100 ps (73 kW) @ 6,000 rpm

Max torque             

171 Nm (126 lb ft) @ 4,000 rpm

Valves                   

12 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Continuously variable valve timing, direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.0-litre / 120 ps T-GDI Petrol (high)

Type                     

Three cylinder in-line, turbocharged

Capacity                

1.0-litres, 998 cc

Bore and stroke                

71.8 x 84.0 mm

Compression ratio   

10.0:1

Max power             

120 ps (88 kW) @ 6,000 rpm

Max torque             

171 Nm (126 lb ft) @ 4,000 rpm

Valves                   

12 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Continuously variable valve timing, direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.6-litre / 204 ps T-GDI Petrol

Type                     

Four cylinder in-line, turbocharged

Capacity                

1.6-litres, 1,591 cc

Bore and stroke                

77.0 x 85.4 mm

Compression ratio   

9.5:1

Max power             

204 ps (150 kW) @ 6,000 rpm

Max torque             

265 Nm (195 lb ft) @ 1,500-4,500 rpm

Valves                   

16 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.4-litre / 90 ps CRDi Diesel

Type                     

DOHC, four cylinder in-line, turbocharged

Capacity                

1.4-litres, 1,396 cc

Bore and stroke                

75.0 x 79.0 mm

Compression ratio   

16.0:1

Max power             

90 ps (66 kW) @ 4,000 rpm

Max torque             

240 Nm (177 lb ft) @ 1,500-2,500 rpm

Valves                   

16 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Common-rail direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.6-litre / 110 ps CRDi Diesel (low)

Type                     

DOHC, four cylinder in-line, turbocharged

Capacity                

1.6 litres, 1,582 cc

Bore and stroke                

77.2 x 84.5 mm

Compression ratio   

16.0:1

Max power             

110 ps (81 kW) @ 4,000 rpm

Max torque             

280 Nm (207 lb ft) @ 1,500-2,500 rpm

Valves                   

16 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Common-rail direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

1.6-litre / 136 ps CRDi Diesel (high)

Type                     

DOHC, four cylinder in-line, turbocharged

Capacity                

1.6-litres, 1,582 cc

Bore and stroke                

77.2 x 84.5 mm

Compression ratio   

16.0:1

Max power             

136 ps (100 kW) @ 4,000 rpm

Max torque             

280 Nm (207 lb ft) @ 1,500-3,000 rpm (MT)

300 Nm (221 lb ft) @ 1,750-2,500 rpm (DCT)

Valves                   

16 (four per cylinder)

Fuel system            

Common-rail direct injection

Emissions class                 

Euro Stage 6b

Transmissions

Petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI      1.6 T-GDI

Manual                    6-sp             6-sp             6-sp             6-sp

Automatic               ---                6-sp DCT       ---                ---

Diesel

                            1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

Manual                        6-sp             6-sp             6-sp

Automatic               ---                ---                7-sp DCT

Gear ratios

Petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI      1.6 T-GDI

                             MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)         MT

1                           3.769            3.615  3.615  3.615  3.615  3.308

2                           2.045            1.955  1.955  1.955  1.955  1.962

3                           1.370            1.370  1.303  1.286  1.285  1.323

4                           1.036            1.036  0.943  0.971  0.971  1.024

5                           0.893            0.839  0.939  0.774  0.774  0.825

6                           0.774            0.727  0.743  0.639  0.639  0.702

Reverse                           3.700            3.700  4.657  3.700  3.700  3.583

Final Drive 1            4.400            4.267  3.762  4.059  4.267  4.467

Diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

                            MT               MT               MT     AT

1                           3.769            3.636            3.636  3.786

2                           2.040            1.962            1.962  2.261

3                           1.189            1.189            1.189  1.957

4                           0.844            0.844            0.844  1.023

5                           0.702            0.702            0.702  0.778

6                           0.596            0.596            0.596  0.837

7                           ---                ---                ---       0.681

Reverse                           3.583            3.583            3.583  5.074

Final Drive 1            4.188            3.471            3.471  3.087

Suspension and damping

Front                        

Fully-independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, with anti-roll stabiliser bar

Rear                         

Fully-independent by subframe-mounted double wishbones, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, with anti-roll stabiliser bar

Steering

Type                        

Electric motor-driven rack-and-pinion power steering

Gearing                     

14.1:1

Turns, lock-to-lock      

2.85

Turning radius            

5.3 metres

Brakes

Front                        

280~300 mm ventilated discs

300~320 mm ventilated discs (GT only)

Rear                         

262 mm solid discs

Wheels and tyres

Standard                

Alloy 15-inch, 195/65 R15 tyres

Alloy 18-inch, 225/40 ZR18 tyres (GT only)

Optional                 

Alloy 16-inch, 205/55 R16 tyres

Alloy 17-inch, 225/45 R17 tyres

Spare                    

Tyre mobility kit

Dimensions (mm)

cee’d (GT) 5-dr exterior

Overall length           4,310                    

Overall width*          1,780

Overall height           1,470                    

Wheelbase              2,650

Front track**           1,563 (1,545)          

Rear track**            1,571 (1,553)

Front overhang          900                       

Rear overhang           760

Ground clearance      140

*excluding door mirrors

**on 15-inch (18-inch) wheels 

cee’d SW 5-dr exterior

Overall length           4,505                    

Overall width*          1,780

Overall height           1,485                    

Wheelbase              2,650

Front track**           1,563                    

Rear track**            1,571

Front overhang                  900                       

Rear overhang                   955

Ground clearance      140

*excluding door mirrors

**on 15-inch wheels

pro_cee’d (GT) 3-dr exterior

Overall length           4,310                    

Overall width*          1,780

Overall height           1,430                    

Wheelbase              2,650 

Front track**           1,563 (1,545)          

Rear track**            1,553

Front overhang          900                       

Rear overhang            760

Ground clearance      140

*excluding door mirrors

**on 15-inch (18-inch) wheels

cee’d, cee’d GT, (cee’d SW) 5-dr interior

                             1^st row          2^nd row

Head room              1,018 (1,024) 976 (996)

Leg room                1,067            894

Shoulder room                   1,420            1,392

Hip room                1,360            1,295

pro_cee’d, pro_cee’d GT 3-dr interior

                             1^st row          2^nd row

Head room              986              939

Leg room                1,067            894

Shoulder room                   1,420            1,372

Hip room                1,362            1,308

Capacities

Luggage (litres, VDA) cee’d 5dr       cee’d SW       pro_ceed 3dr

Behind 2^nd row                   380              528              380

Behind 1^st row                   1,318            1,642            1,225

Fuel tank                 53 litres (all models)

Weights (kg)

cee’d 5-dr, petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI      1.6 T-GDI

                             MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)         MT

Curb weight             1,179            1,196  1,227  1,204  1,204  1,292

Gross weight            1,820            1,820  1,840  1,820  1,820  1,870

Tow capacity, braked         1,200            1,400  1,300  1,000  1,200  1,400

Tow capacity, unbraked      600              600     600     500     600     600

cee’d 5-dr, diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

                             MT               MT               MT     AT

Curb weight             1,282            1,289            1,289  1,316

Gross weight            1,910            1,920            1,920  1,940

Tow capacity, braked         1,500            1,500            1,500  1,500

Tow capacity, unbraked      650              650              650     650

cee’d SW 5-dr, petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI

                             MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)

Curb weight             1,204            1,221  1,255  1,230  1,230

Gross weight            1,820            1,820  1,850  1,820  1,820

Tow capacity, braked         1,200            1,400  1,300  1,000  1,200

Tow capacity, unbraked      600              600     600     500     600

cee’d SW 5-dr, diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

                             MT               MT               MT     AT

Curb weight             1,307            1,314            1,314  1,341

Gross weight            1,910            1,920            1,920  1,940

Tow capacity, braked         1,500            1,500            1,500  1,500

Tow capacity, unbraked      650              650              650     650

pro_cee’d 3-dr, petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI      1.6 T-GDI

                             MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)         MT

Curb weight             1,172            1,188  1,220  1,196  1,196  1,284

Gross weight            1,820            1,820  1,840  1,820  1,820  1,850

Tow capacity, braked         1,200            1,400  1,300  1,000  1,200  1,400

Tow capacity, unbraked      600              600     600     500     600     600

pro_cee’d 3-dr, diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

                             MT               MT               MT     AT

Curb weight             1,274            1,281            1,281  1,308

Gross weight            1,910            1,920            1,920  1,940

Tow capacity, braked         1,500            1,500            1,500  1,500

Tow capacity, unbraked      650              650              650     650

Performance and fuel economy

cee’d 5-dr, petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI      1.6 T-GDI

Performance            MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)         MT

Top speed (kph)      183              195     195     185     190     230

0-100 kph (secs)      12.7             9.9     10.8    12.8    11.1    7.6

Fuel economy (litres / 100km)*

Combined               6.0/5.6                   5.8/5.2          5.9     4.7     4.9     7.4

Extra-urban              4.9/4.7                   4.7/4.4          4.9     3.9     4.2     5.9

Urban                     7.8/7.1                   7.8/6.6          7.5     6.1     6.2     9.7

CO₂ (g/km)             138/129        135/119        136     109     115     170

*on 15-inch wheels (18-inch for GT models)

**standard / with Idle Stop/Go package

cee’d 5-dr, diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

Performance            MT               MT               MT     AT

Top speed (kph)      173              190              197     200

0-100 kph (secs)      13.5             11.1             10.2    10.6

Fuel economy (litres / 100km)*

Combined               4.2               4.0/3.6                   4.0/3.6          4.4/4.2

Extra-urban              3.7               3.6/3.4                   3.6/3.4          4.0/3.9

Urban                     5.1               4.7/4.2                   4.7/4.2          5.1/4.6

CO₂ (g/km)             109              104/94          104/94 115/109

*on 15-inch wheels

**standard / with Idle Stop/Go package

cee’d SW 5-dr, petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI

Performance            MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)

Top speed (kph)      181              192     192     182     187

0-100 kph (secs)      13.0             10.2    11.1    13.1    11.4

Fuel economy (litres / 100km)*

Combined               6.0/5.6                   6.3/5.9          5.9     5.0     5.2

Extra-urban              4.9/4.7                   5.1/4.9          4.9     4.3     4.4

Urban                     7.8/7.1                   8.2/7.4          7.5     6.3     6.4

CO₂ (g/km)             138/129        141/131 136   117     120

*on 15-inch wheels

**standard / with Idle Stop/Go package

cee’d SW 5-dr, diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

Performance            MT               MT               MT     AT

Top speed (kph)      172              188              194     197

0-100 kph (secs)      13.9             11.5             10.5    10.9

Fuel economy (litres / 100km)*

Combined               4.2               4.0/3.9                   4.0/3.9          4.4/4.2

Extra-urban              3.7               3.6/3.6                   3.6/3.6          4.0/3.9

Urban                     5.1               4.7/4.4                   4.7/4.4          5.1/4.6

CO₂ (g/km)             109              104/102        104/102 115/109

*on 15-inch wheels

**standard / with Idle Stop/Go package

pro_cee’d 3-dr, petrol

                             1.4 MPI                  1.6 GDI                  1.0 T-GDI      1.6 T-GDI

Performance            MT               MT     AT      MT (lo)         MT (hi)         MT

Top speed (kph)      183              195     195     185     190     230

0-100 kph (secs)      12.7             9.9     10.8    12.8    11.1    7.6

Fuel economy (litres / 100km)*

Combined**            6.0/5.6                   5.8/5.2          5.9     4.7     4.9     7.4

Extra-urban**          4.9/4.7                   4.7/4.4          4.9     3.9     4.2     5.9

Urban**                  7.8/7.1                   7.8/6.6          7.5     6.1     6.2     9.7

CO₂ (g/km)             138/129        135/119 136   109     115     170

*on 15-inch wheels (18-inch for GT models)

**standard / with Idle Stop/Go package

pro_cee’d 3-dr, diesel

                             1.4 CRDi        1.6 CRDi (low)         1.6 CRDi (high)

Performance            MT               MT               MT     AT

Top speed (kph)      173              190              197     200

0-100 kph (secs)      13.5             11.1             10.2    10.6

Fuel economy (litres / 100km)*

Combined**            4.2               4.0/3.6                   4.0/3.6          4.4/4.2

Extra-urban**          3.7               3.6/3.4                   3.6/3.4          4.0/3.9

Urban**                  5.1               4.7/4.2                   4.7/4.2          5.1/4.6

CO₂ (g/km)             109              104/94          104/94 115/109

*on 15-inch wheels

**standard / with Idle Stop/Go package