Kia Motors Europe will unveil a new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’ at the geneva Motor Show 2015.

• GT Line model blends the looks of sporty cee’d GT and versatility of the conventional cee’d , inside and out
• Debut for Kia’s all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi engine
• More power and torque and fewer emissions form new seven-speed DCT
• Kia cee’d GT Line available across Europe in Q4 2015

Kia Motors Europe will unveil a new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’ specification at the 85^th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. In addition to a range of visual upgrades, the new cee’d GT Line signifies the arrival of Kia’s all-new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine and new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in Europe.

The look of the GT, the versatility of a conventional cee’d

The new GT Line offers buyers the sporty looks of the high performance Kia cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT 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, three-door pro_cee’d and cee’d Sportswagon.

The exterior of the GT Line evolves the design language of the cee’d GT, with ice-cube LED daytime running lights and deeper bumpers surrounding Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille. At the rear of the car, both the cee’d hatchback and pro_cee’d include the wider GT bumper and twin exhausts, while the Sportswagon is fitted with dual exhausts and a subtle rear diffuser. All GT Line models are fitted as standard with the GT model’s eye-catching side sill mouldings and rear LED light units, and a stylish new 17-inch alloy wheel design.

The interior of the cee’d GT Line has been uprated with a higher quality, sportier ambience, inspired by the cabin of the current turbo-powered GT models. The GT Line boasts a classy, new grey, white and black upholstery with grey stitching; a series of GT Line logos throughout the cabin; and the same piano black and leather steering wheel and aluminium alloy pedals fitted to Kia’s high-performance GT models. 

The dashboard is also equipped with a new aluminium start-stop button, GT-inspired centre fascia design, illumination for the USB and aux-in ports and new chrome trim around the air vents and power window switches.

Debut for Kia’s downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder engine

For the launch of the cee’d GT Line, Kia is introducing its all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDi’ engine, a downsized, three-cylinder power unit engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input. This is the first of Kia’s upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe.

The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine produces 120 ps and 172 Nm torque, and has been engineered to deliver lower CO₂ emissions than the 1.6-litre GDI engine found in other cee’d models, pending final homologation closer to the GT Line’s launch. The 1.0-litre cee’d GT Line is also equipped with Kia’s fuel-saving ISG system as standard which improves emissions and fuel economy, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission.

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. The all-new 1.0-litre T-GDi engine will be fitted to other vehicles in Kia’s European model line-up in future.

More powerful and efficient diesel engine

The cee’d’s 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine has also been upgraded for its application in the new GT Line variant, with power increased from 128 to 133 ps and torque from 265 to 285 Nm. With the small increase in performance, the engine’s full torque is now available from lower engine speeds for more effortless acceleration under all road conditions.

Despite the increase in power and performance, however, CO₂ emissions are expected to fall slightly once the homologation process is complete.

All-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

The new cee’d GT Line features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand’s all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Available on GT Line models equipped with the 133 ps 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, Kia’s new DCT is capable of handling torque outputs up to 300 Nm – higher 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 for their cee’d GT Line will benefit from faster gear changes than a traditional automatic transmission, as well as lower running costs. It is anticipated that the new DCT will offer lower emissions and higher fuel economy compared to the outgoing six-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia’s R&D teams have targeted a three to five per cent improvement in acceleration (0 to 100 kph) and five to seven per cent improvement to fuel efficiency. After the cee’d GT Line, the new seven-speed DCT will be available on a number of Kia models in future, with similar gains expected in fuel efficiency and performance depending on its application in different models.

Kia cee’d GT Line on-sale in Q4 2015

The Kia cee’d GT Line will be available from Kia dealers across Europe in Q4 2015, offering the company’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty as standard.

Designed and engineered in Europe, the Kia cee’d family – incorporating the hatchback, wagon and pro_cee’d – continue to be manufactured at Kia’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia. With 75,960 units sold across Europe in 2014, the cee’d remains one of the brand’s bestselling models across the region.

SEPTEMBER SALES - KIA - Kia celebrates best ever September sales.

• 13,292 new car sales in the month
• 62,538 sales so far in 2014
• Sportage stays at top of Kia sales chart

Kia Motors (UK) Limited enjoyed its best-ever September sales performance with 13,292 new cars delivered to customers during the month – helping the marque reach a sales total so far in 2014 of 62,538 – more than seven per cent up on 2013.

The Kia Sportage retained its best-selling position within Kia’s range, attracting almost 3,500 buyers, followed by Picanto, cee’d, Rio and Venga, and the brand maintained its strong retail performance with 56 per cent of buyers coming from amongst that sector.

Kia’s September sales has only been surpassed by the brand’s performance in March this year when 14,787 new cars were delivered, but it surpassed the previous best September – in 2013.

Yaser Shabsogh, Commercial Director, commented: “In a tough marketplace it was reassuring to see that Kia’s continued record performance held throughout September to deliver our best-ever autumn sales month.

“The market is continuing to grow and with it our performance remains very strong and gives us every reason to believe we shall surpass our target of 78,000 units this year – yet another record year for Kia! And I am particularly pleased that our strong retail performance has continued – that delivers good results for our 181-strong dealer network,” he added.

Kia’s September performance represented an increase of 4.43 per cent over the same month last year and the year-to-date total is 7.26 per cent up over 2014.

Kia announces a $1 billion deal to build a new plant in Mexico.

• Plant to be located in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon region
• Construction to begin in September
• 300,000 vehicles a year capacity for new plant
• Kia’s global capacity will rise to 3.37 million vehicles a year

Kia Motors Corporation has announced it has signed an investment agreement with the government of Mexico to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Monterrey which is located the north-eastern state of Nuevo León.

The official investment agreement was signed at the Technological Museum of the Electricity Federal Commission (MUTEC) in Mexico City, and was attended by a delegation of key executives from Kia Motors, led by Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors Corp., and a host of Mexican government dignitaries including Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, and Rodrigo Medina de la Cruz, Governor of the State of Nuevo León.

Construction on the Kia Motors Mexico plant is scheduled to commence in late September, and when completed in the first half of 2016 it will boast an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles. The plant will boost Kia’s total global manufacturing capacity to 3.37 million vehicles, including 1.69 million vehicles at domestic Korean plants and 1.68 million at overseas plants. Kia plans to produce a range of yet-to-be confirmed compact models at the new plant.

Representing an investment of approximately US$1 billion by Kia Motors, the new, highly automated manufacturing plant will be situated on a 500 hectare (53.8 million square foot) site that will also be home to numerous supplier companies’ facilities.

As one of the world’s fastest growing automakers in recent years, Kia Motors Corporation has been evaluating various options for entering new overseas markets to secure future growth for the brand. With its strong growth forecasts for new vehicle demand, Mexico was chosen as the site for Kia’s next overseas plant given that it is one of the few remaining major markets of the world in which Kia does not have a sales presence.

For Korean automakers to competitively enter the Mexico market, the establishment of local production facilities is pivotal as Mexico imposes high tariffs on imported cars from Korea. Mexico is well-known for its skilled labour force and numerous free trade agreements (such as NAFTA) with about 40 countries.

Kia expects the Mexico plant to play a major role in alleviating current global supply issues thanks to its strategic geographic location. Its proximity to the USA will enable the company to better address the ongoing supply shortage situation that has arisen due to the dramatic growth of the Kia brand in the US market. Kia also plans to utilize the plant as a foundation for strengthening the brand’s sales presence throughout the entire Central and South America region while freeing up supply from Kia’s domestic plants to address supply shortage issues in other regions of the world.

Hyoung-Keun (Hank) Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors Corp., said, “All of us at Kia Motors are proud to signal in a new era for the brand with the announcement of our first manufacturing plant in Mexico. We are committed to producing world-class quality vehicles here in Mexico that feature industry-leading styling and high-tech convenience and safety features that customers have come to expect from Kia, while making significant contributions to both the economic growth of the State of Nuevo León and the future development of the Mexican automotive industry.”

KIA announces improved revenues, sales and profits.

• Global sales up 5.2 per cent
• Revenue increases by 7.6 per cent
• Gross profit and Operating profit both up

Kia Motors Corporation of Seoul, South Korea, has reported improved business performance in Q1, 2014 – despite flat trading in the domestic market and a strong Korean Won-US Dollar exchange rate.  

The company saw its global sales rise by 5.2 per cent to more than 687,000 vehicles in the first three months with China reporting a 13.3 per cent increase to 156,000, Europe showing an uplift of 7.9 per cent to 89,000 units, the United States saw sales increase by 4.8 per cent to 133,000 and the rest of the world saw a modest 1.8 per cent increase to 201,000 vehicles. The Korean market saw sales fall by 1,000 units to 108,000 – a decrease of 0.6 per cent.

But despite an exchange rate that saw the US dollar fall 1.6 per cent against the Korean Won the company still recorded improved revenues, up 7.6 per cent, of 11.9 trillion Korean Won (1,096KW = US $ 1), a gross profit of almost 2.5 trillion Korean Won and an operating profit of 736 billion Korean Won – and increase of 4.5 per cent against the same period last year.

The performance was supported by improved sales of RVs in most markets around the world – up from 27 per cent of total sales to 29 per cent. That trend was marked in Europe where RV sales – Sportage and Sorento – amounted to 36 per cent of Q1 sales compared to 29 per cent in the first quarter of 2013.

Factory production was also increased in Q1 with Korean plants producing 433,000 vehicles – up 9.3 per cent on 2013. Overseas plants – China, Europe and the US – produced 10.8 per cent more vehicles – delivering 339,000 units compared to 306,000 in 2013.

Kia introduces more high end models and auto's across the range.

• New top-of-the-range Picanto ‘4’ and Rio ‘4’ versions added to range
• pro_cee’d becomes available in ‘SE Tech’ trim 
• Picanto ‘3’ and Rio ‘3’ now offered with automatic transmission
• Sorento ‘KX-4’ becomes flagship of the Kia range
• Models fulfil demand for increasingly higher specification levels
• All available with Kia’s all-inclusive Care-3 servicing packages and seven year warranty

Kia is adding high-spec models across its line up and making automatic transmission more widely available on the Picanto and Rio. The additions are in answer to customers seeking even greater luxury, and will help Kia maintain its phenomenal record-breaking sales growth in the UK.   

Luxury touches and extra technology make the Sorento ‘KX-4’ the brand’s new flagship, offering customers features usually associated with high-price premium brands.  New top-of-the-range Picanto ‘4’ and Rio ‘4’ variants introduce features never previously available on Kia’s smaller cars, while the stylish and sporty pro_cee’d is now offered in ‘SE Tech’ specification, with substantial equipment upgrades over the previous top version, the ‘SE’. At the same time the Picanto ‘3’ and Rio ‘3’ offer the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox, that will appeal to buyers who spend substantial amounts of time in heavily trafficked urban areas.   

Sorento ‘KX-4’

The new addition to Kia’s larger SUV range still features the standard 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine common to the model with a CO₂ figure of 178g/km.  But customers will benefit from the extra technology and luxury added to the car to meet increasing demands from customer for a higher specification. Parallel Park Assist automatically monitors parking spaces through 10 sensors and automatically operates the steering wheel to neatly park the vehicle in the available space. The memory seat function on the driver’s seat allows two users to have automatically set adjustment. Stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, rear side door sunshade blinds and a silver front mesh grille and chrome surround add identifiable touches to the Sorento’s road presence.  The Sorento ‘KX-4’ is priced at £36,495 and is in insurance group 22.

pro_cee’d ‘SE Tech’

The pro_cee’d ‘SE Tech’ is the most lavishly equipped version of Kia’s European-designed, European-engineered and European-built three-door hatchback. It is available exclusively with a 1.6-litre 126bhp CRDi turbodiesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, and is priced at £22,795. 

It has identical insurance, economy and performance figures to the pro_cee’d ‘SE’ fitted with the same engine – officially rated 65.7mpg on the combined cycle, CO₂ emissions of 112g/km, 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds, 192lb/ft torque between 1,900rpm and 2,750rpm, and a 122mph top speed.  The insurance category is group 13. 

Standard equipment additions over the ‘SE’ include black leather seats with contrasting mesh inserts, an electric tilting and sliding sunroof with an automatic electric roller blind, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors and Kia’s Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS), that identifies suitable kerbside spaces and steers the car into them automatically.

The instrument cluster features a totally digital LCD colour display that graphically illustrates the chosen Flex Steer system mode and the operation of the PPAS. The font size can be enlarged if required and the display can be switched to kilometres per hour for European driving. The upgraded equipment is completed with an automatic parking brake that frees space in the premium centre console for a new sliding armrest and cup-holder. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is also standard.   

Picanto ‘4’

The range-topping five-door Picanto ‘4’ is powered by a 1.25-litre 84bhp petrol engine driving through a five-speed manual gearbox linked to Kia’s fuel-saving ISG engine stop/start system. The car maintains the extensive equipment offered on the Picanto ‘3’ – including automatic air conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and LED rear combination lights, a premium Supervision instrument cluster and heated front seats – and supplements it with a number of luxury features.

The comfort and appearance are enhanced by an electric tilting and sliding sunroof and, for the first time in a Picanto, UV solar windshield glass to reduce glare and UV light in the cabin and privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate.  Usually the preserve of larger and more luxurious vehicles, a heated steering wheel also makes the standard equipment list as does a smart key entry system and engine start/stop button.

The performance and fuel economy details are: 62.8mpg on the official combined cycle, CO₂ emissions of 106g/km, a torque output of 89lb/ft at 4,000rpm, 0-60mph in 11.0 seconds and a top speed of 106mph. The Picanto ‘4’ is in insurance group 12 and is priced at £11,995. 

Picanto ‘3’ Automatic 5-door

The five-door Picanto ‘3’ Automatic is also powered by the 1.25-litre 84bhp petrol engine, producing 89 lb/ft torque at 4,000rpm, and is priced at £11,045. It is identically equipped to other Picanto ‘3’ variants, but features the four-speed automatic transmission previously available only on the three-door Picanto White and five-door Picanto ‘2’. In automatic form the Picanto ‘3’ is capable of 53.3mpg on the official combined cycle and has CO₂ emissions of 125g/km. It accelerates from 0-60mph in 12.9 seconds, has a top speed of 101mph and is in insurance group 10.  

Rio ‘4’

The new top-of-the-range Rio ‘4’ adds to the existing ‘3’ specification with convenience touches including a smart key with engine start button, a power sliding and tilting sunroof, black leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel.

Rio ‘4’ is available in petrol and diesel engine variants. At £15,495 the 1.4 four-cylinder 107bhp petrol version features a six speed manual transmission, CO₂ emissions of 124g/km and an insurance group of 9. The six-speed manual transmission, 89bhp 1.4 CRDi diesel variant produces 105 g/km of CO₂ and is priced at £16,595 with an insurance group of 7.

Rio ‘3’ Automatic 5-door

The Rio ‘3’ Automatic is also available only as a five-door model, has a 107bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 101lb/ft of torque at 4,200rpm and costs £15,100. Standard equipment matches that of other Rio ‘3’ versions, but with the deletion of the ISG engine stop/start system fitted to manual-gearbox models. Combined fuel economy is 44.1mpg, with CO₂ emissions of 150g/km. The car accelerates from 0-60mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 105mph.  Previously, the four-speed automatic was offered only on the Rio ‘2’.

Warranty & Care-3 all-inclusive servicing packages

In keeping with every Kia, these new additions to the line-up come with the company’s industry leading seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. It is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached. 

All of these new versions are available with Kia’s Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing package, offering retail customers fixed-cost, inflation-proof servicing for the first three or five years. All work is carried out by trained technicians using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils.  Packages cover the car, not the owner, so are transferable should the vehicle be sold.  If a vehicle with a Care-3 package is sold on then the next owner may upgrade to the five year service package. Care-3 packages are priced from £299 – for the Picanto and Rio ranges – £329 for the pro_cee’d range and £349 for Sorento.

Kia Cee'd GT and GT Tech goes on sale in the UK.

• Complements the three-door pro_cee’d GT launched last year
• A performance hatchback with added practicality
• 201bhp and 265 Nm of torque from 1.6-litre T-GDi engine
• Sports-tuned chassis, styling and interior 
• Comprehensive specification includes Recaro sports seats
• Two trim levels priced from £20,495
• Seven-year/100,000-mile warranty
• Care-3 all-inclusive service packages available

Kia’s first high-performance model, the pro_cee’d GT, has now been joined by a five-door version, the cee’d GT, offering all the performance-enhancing styling and equipment features of the three-door car with an added dash of practicality.

The new five-door performance model sits at the pinnacle of Kia’s European-designed, European-engineered and European-built mid-sized hatchback range and is available in two versions – the cee’d GT costing £20,495, and the cee’d GT Tech priced at £22,995.

Both are powered by a turbocharged version of Kia’s 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine delivering 201bhp and 265Nm of torque. With a 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 143mph they deliver scintillating performance, but have also been tuned with everyday usability and civility in mind.

Re-tuned suspension ensures they are more than capable of handling the impressive power and torque outputs. Increased damper rebound and compression rates, stiffer springs and bushes and a larger rear anti-roll bar are joined by stylish 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.

The steering has been tuned for a more direct and sporting feel and the Flex Steer function, which allows drivers to select from three levels of power assistance in other versions of the cee’d, has been removed for the GT. The brakes – 300mm ventilated discs at the front and 262mm at the rear – are the most powerful ever fitted to the cee’d range.

The already sporty lines have been embellished with performance-car additions which give the GT models their own unique look, and it is the same story for the high-quality interior.

T-GDi – turbocharging and direct injection

The 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ engine is the first turbocharged petrol unit to be offered by Kia in the UK. The addition of an exhaust-driven turbocharger raises the power output of the normal Gamma direct-injection engine by 51 per cent and the amount of torque it develops by 61 per cent for truly exciting performance.

The T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine develops its 201bhp at 6,000rpm, but what really gives the GT its instantaneous response and rapid acceleration is the 265Nm of torque available without interruption from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm. The cee’d GT accelerates from 37 to 60mph in fourth gear in only 5.4 seconds and from 50 to 75mph in fifth gear in 7.3 seconds – indicators of the supreme flexibility and immediacy of the T-GDi engine. More than 80 per cent of maximum torque is available from less than 1,500rpm.

Performance benefits from the integration of the twin-scroll turbocharger into the exhaust manifold, a design which improves responsiveness – eliminating the ‘turbo lag’ between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger building up boost pressure – while simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency. The GT may be first and foremost a performance car, but it also contributes towards Kia’s goal of improving the average fuel economy and exhaust emissions of Kia’s model range thanks to the combination of small engine capacity, direct fuel injection and exhaust-driven turbocharging. The combined fuel consumption is 38.2mpg, while CO2 emissions are 171g/km.

The engine drives through a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission featuring revised ratios and a lower final drive to allow the GT to make the most of its torque with minimal fuel consumption.

Dressed to thrill: GT gets a unique look inside and out

For the GT, the already sporty and athletic lines of the cee’d have been layered with visually exciting additions at the front, rear and sides.

The unique front-end treatment, echoing that of the pro_cee’d GT, introduces a lower, broader bumper and air dam and a wide central lower air intake to supply additional cooling air to the high-performance turbocharged engine. This is underscored by a red trim line which emphasises the wide and sporty track. The lower air intake is flanked on either side by high-gloss black inserts housing ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lamps and foglights. The high-gloss black theme is continued on the graphite chrome-framed main radiator grille – with Kia’s family ‘tiger-nose’ outline. The grille includes a smart ‘GT’ badge on the black high-gloss mesh.

From the rear, the broad stance is evident in the bold shoulders. This is emphasised by a diffuser section in the lower edge of the rear bumper, separating the dual sports exhaust outlets. The rear number plate is framed in high-gloss black and straddled by a vertical reversing light and reflectors, while the combination lamp units are LEDs which give a unique signature at night and when braking. There is a ‘GT’ badge on the tailgate.

The side profile is given even greater sense of purpose by bold side sill mouldings and special graphite grey 18-inch alloy wheels tightly encased by the bodywork. Red brake calipers front and rear are a clear sign of the performance credentials, while the premium quality is emphasised by a chrome strip running around the side windows, and the electrically folding and heated mirrors with LED indicator lights.

The performance-oriented exterior design is echoed inside the all-black five-seat cabin. The driver and front passenger are gripped by Recaro sports seats – as in the pro_cee’d GT – adorned with ‘GT’ and ‘Recaro’ logos.  Power-adjustable lumbar support is fitted to both front seats. The upholstery is part leather and part suede, and there is red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and door trims. The leather steering wheel also features perforated grip areas and an overstitched ‘GT’ logo, and there are stainless steel pedals with non-slip rubber inserts. High-gloss black features on the air vent surrounds, front console tray and door trims, adding a premium flourish which is echoed in the stainless steel kick plates on the door sills.

Kia’s familiar three-dial sporty instrument layout is enhanced by a TFT LCD multi-function high-definition display which allows the driver to switch between analogue-type or GT performance digital information. The latter shows the car’s speed, engine torque, turbo boost pressure and engine coolant temperature as well as important trip information. It can display speed in miles per hour or kilometres per hour. A ‘GT’ button on the steering wheel allows the driver to change the display without taking a hand off the wheel.

Two trim lines

There are two extensively equipped variants – ‘GT’ and ‘GT Tech’. The ‘GT’ is the entry-level version, yet it comes with anything other than a base-level specification.  The exterior benefits rom a number of sporty styling touches including new front and rear bumper designs, side sill mouldings, dual exhausts, ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lights and 18-inch graphite grey alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

On the inside the ‘GT’ receives Recaro seats, finished in leather and suede, with power lumbar adjustment. Red stitching is applied to the leather steering wheel and gear knob, and there is black headlining and high-gloss black trim garnish.

Providing driver comfort and convenience are a host of standard items, including air conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, automatic lights, cornering lights, reversing sensors, Bluetooth phone connectivity with music streaming and voice recognition, a six speaker radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, a unique ‘GT’ TFT LCD display, electric windows, electrically operated and heated folding mirrors with puddle lights and privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate.

The comprehensive safety specification includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), six airbags with a cut-off switch for the front passenger’s seat, a seat-belt reminder warning, impact-sensing door unlocking and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.

The ‘GT Tech’ adds a seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, European mapping and full UK postcode recognition; a reversing camera display integrated into the navigation screen; heated front seats and a heated steering wheel; and an engine start/stop button with a smart entry system. Also standard are exterior door handle illumination, rain-sensing front wipers, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with an ioniser, an automatic de-fog system, an automatic-dimming rear-view mirror and Xenon adaptive headlights with headlight washers and automatic levelling in place of the cornering lights on the GT.

Warranty and servicing

The cee’d GT, like every Kia, comes with a seven-year, 100,000-mile fully transferable warranty.  Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes soonest. Retail customers are able to take advantage of Kia’s Care-3 and Care-3 Plus all-inclusive servicing packages, which provide inflation-proof routine maintenance for the first three or five services respectively.  Both are fully transferable to subsequent owners.

TECHNICAL FIGURES

Dimensions & Weights	GT	GT Tech
Length (mm)	4,310
Width (mm, exc. mirrors)	1,780
Height (mm)	1,470
Wheelbase (mm)	2,650
Track - Fr./Rear (mm)	1,545 / 1,553
Overhang - Fr./Rear (mm)	900 / 760
Min Kerb Weight (kg)	1,359
Max Kerb Weight (kg)	1,448
Boot vol. (l, VDA, min/max)	380 / 1,318
Performance & Economy	GT	GT Tech
Power (bhp)	201 @ 6,000rpm
Torque (Nm / (lb/ft))	265 / (195) @ 1,750 to 4,500rpm
0 - 60 mph (seconds)	7.4
Top Speed (mph)	143
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	171
VED Band	H
Combined Economy (mpg)	38.2

PRICING

Version	Insurance Group	Price (OTR)
cee'd ‘GT'	29	£20,495
cee'd ‘GT Tech'	29	£22,995

Kia brings in the new year with some great retail offers.

• Up to £2,000 off selected models
• Care-3 for just £99 on new VR7 range
• Existing cee’d owners eligible for up to £3,000 loyalty offer
• New 2014 Sportage available to pre-order

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd is starting the New Year with a range of customer offers across the entire line-up including newly introduced models.

All customers can save up to £2,000 on selected models across the range. The pocket sized Picanto is available with up to £1,250 off the retail price, meaning the entry level ‘1’ three-door starts from just £7,795. The Rio hatchback has up to £1,000 customer saving and the Venga B-MPV has a £1,600 saving on the entry level ‘1’ and ‘1 Air’. All other Venga’s have a £1,000 saving. The Soul is also available with a £1,000 customer saving across the line-up meaning the entry level 1.6 GDi ‘1’ starts from just £12,800.

Kia’s large SUV, the Sorento, starts at just £24,695 with a £2,000 saving (this £2,000 is available on all models). A top-level ‘KX-4’ 2.2 CRDi 194bhp six-speed auto seven-seat model has been added to the popular SUV line-up. With 19-inch alloy wheels, Parallel Park Assist, driver’s memory seat, two rear sun blinds and a silver front grille as standard, this standout model is also available with a £2,000 customer saving and starts from £34,495.

Savings on the cee’d family are equally generous with an up to £1,000 saving for new customers on the cee’d five-door, pro_cee’d and Sportswagon, whilst existing Kia customers are entitled to a loyalty offer of up to £3,000 in lieu of all other offers. The cee’d line is eligible for a £1,000 deposit contribution with the 4.9 per cent PCP deal from Kia Access. All these offers exclude the GT and GT Tech models.

Special edition VR7 models are now available on the Picanto, Rio and cee’d family line-ups. Standard features across all models include air conditioning, alloy wheels, reversing sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift as well as electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, USB and AUX ports and front and rear electric windows (except on 3-door models). All models across the VR7 range are available in white, silver, black and red.

Not only do these models offer a great level of specification but also a great deal – with prices starting from just £8,795 for the Picanto 3-door, with a £750 customer saving. To top it off all VR7 models are available with Kia’s Care-3 all-inclusive servicing package that includes the first three services for just £99.

The new 2014 Sportage is available to pre-order from January with vehicles arriving in dealerships from February. They feature a revised grille design and a rear combination light restyling that offers enhanced illumination and therefore better visibility. New-style alloy wheels and a shark-fin antenna finish off the exterior changes.

Inside, the model benefits from a new soft ‘nano’ paint finish on the dash and centre console as well as new-style instrumentation and a premium Infinity audio system fitted to high-end models.

New technical features have also been added to the 2014 Sportage – Trailer Stability Control is fitted as standard and Kia’s Flex Steer system and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is fitted to selected models.

The Carens 7-seat MPV is available with a range of customer offers. All derivatives are available with 4.9 per cent Kia Access PCP and Conditional Sale finance offers. A £750 deposit contribution is available to new customers whilst all petrol models get £1,500 off the list price and diesels get £1,000. Current Kia owners benefit from an up to £3,000 loyalty offer.

To make getting into a new Kia even easier there’s 4.9 per cent PCP from Kia Access, as well as 4.9 per cent Conditional Sale finance across the entire range and even zero per cent finance available on Venga and Soul models. Picanto and Rio ‘1’ models are eligible for a £250 and £350 Kia Access deposit contribution respectively.