KIA Cee'd: prices and specifications

Model Overview

The Kia Cee`d is a model that the South Korean manufacturer originally created for the European market. Its concept was first shown in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. Development was entirely carried out at Kia's European design center in Rüsselsheim. The name Cee`d stands for "Community of Europe and European Design." In 2009, the model was updated, but the changes only affected the exterior and were cosmetic in nature.

The second generation debuted in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show, where only the five-door hatchback and station wagon were shown. The design of the new generation was handled by renowned specialist Peter Schreyer, who created the exteriors of many Audi models.

The C-class model is produced in three body styles: three-door (pro_cee`d) and five-door (cee`d) hatchback, as well as a station wagon (cee`d_sw). Production is set up at Kia's plant in Slovakia. The car is supplied to the Ukrainian market with two petrol engines (1.4 and 1.6 liters) and one diesel engine (1.6 liters) manufactured by Hyundai. This is logical, as the model shares a platform with the Hyundai i30. All engines are paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. A dual-clutch robotic gearbox is also available (versions with it are not supplied to Ukraine). Drive is only front-wheel.

History

The first prototype of the Kia cee`d was presented by Hyundai Motor Group in the spring of 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. Design development was carried out under the index ED (European Design) at the German studio in Rüsselsheim. Kia published the first images of the concept car in September 2006, and the official unveiling of the production model took place at the Paris Motor Show.

Sales of the Kia Ceed started in 2007. In 2010, the model was updated: the radiator grille and headlights were changed. However, the exterior still remained dull, which became a problem for the model, so the Koreans decided to completely redesign it.

In 2012, at the Geneva Motor Show, Kia showed the second generation of the five-door Ceed hatchback.

In 2013, the three-door hatchback and station wagon with the SW index appeared.

Serial production of the Kia Ceed is organized in Žilina (Slovakia), Ust-Kamenogorsk (Kazakhstan), and Kaliningrad (Russia).

At the end of 2013, the family was joined by two "hot" versions — the three-door pro_cee`d GT and the five-door ceed GT hatchback. They feature sporty interior and exterior decor, as well as a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 204 hp.

Exterior

The second generation Kia cee`d, like the first, was developed at Kia's European design center under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer. He created such successful designs as the Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf IV, and Volkswagen Passat B5. The influence of the European design school is clearly visible in the appearance of the Ceed. Compared to its platform-sharing Hyundai models, the cee`d stands out with its strict and concise design, which is not devoid of bright details.

Kia's corporate style, which began to take shape several years ago, looks excellent in the second generation cee`d. The radiator grille with large honeycomb cells, headlights extending far onto the fenders, beautiful rear lights, and a dynamic silhouette — all this creates a cohesive image without excessive detailing that was characteristic of older Korean models.

Interior

The first generation Cee`d pleased with good ergonomics and decent trim materials, but fell short of European competitors. In the new generation, the developers outdid themselves. The interior is stylish, modern, and functional, without pretentiousness. The quality of materials and finishing is beyond reproach. The architecture of the front panel with the console angled toward the driver and a large tachometer resembles European business-class cars, and the interior design is surprising.

The firm contoured seats hold the body well, and the adjustment ranges allow finding a comfortable driving position.

The rear seat row in the second generation has become more spacious than in the first. The distance from the knees to the front seat back has increased by 9 mm, and the headroom for rear passengers has increased by 15 mm. The rear seats feature a wide armrest and air vents. The Cee`d offers more than one might expect based on its price and class.

Equipment is also top-notch. Even in the base version, the cee`d comes with six airbags, swiveling headlights, power windows, a multifunction steering wheel, heated seats, USB and AUX ports, an audio system, and air conditioning (or dual-zone climate control). Also available are: Bluetooth with voice control, central display prompts, a rearview camera, a panoramic roof (in top trim), exterior lighting adjustment, cruise control, a rain sensor, and a heated steering wheel.

The spacious interior adds practicality. The rear door extends into the roof, making access to the trunk easier, and its trim matches the cabin. Besides standard transformation, the trunk has a spacious organizer in the underfloor. The hatchback's trunk volume is 380–1318 liters, and the station wagon's is 528–1642 liters.

Engine and Transmission

On the Ukrainian market, the Kia Cee`d is available with two petrol engines: 1.4 MPI (100 hp) and 1.6 GDI (135 hp), as well as one diesel: 1.6 VGT (128 hp).

The engines work with a 6-speed manual or automatic with manual mode. All engines carried over from the predecessor to the second generation, but with new control programs, which improved performance. However, the dynamics cannot be called hot — the emphasis is on efficiency and environmental friendliness. The car is equipped with the EcoDynamics™ fuel-saving system, which is used on cars with diesel and petrol engines and manual transmissions. It includes a start-stop system, low rolling resistance tires, and an alternator management system.

The suspension of the Kia Ceed is solid, but the ground clearance is small (150 mm), so you need to drive carefully on dirt roads. The car handles bumps firmly but elastically, and the suspension makes no extraneous noise. Compensation for the stiffness can be considered adequate behavior in high-speed corners. The equipment includes the Flex Steer system (in mid and top trims), which allows selecting one of three electric power steering modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. In comfort mode, the steering is light, making maneuvering in the city easier, while in sport mode, the booster tightens, adding reactive force.

Safety

Safety is one of the strong points of the 2014 Kia Ceed. Even the base configuration includes: ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and seat belts with pretensioners and height adjustment.

More expensive versions of the cee`d are equipped with an active handling system, hill-start assist, and emergency braking assist. For safe parking, an optional smart Parking Assist System with front, side, and rear sensors is available, which automatically controls the steering during parallel parking — the driver only controls the pedals.

According to Euro NCAP crash test results, the Kia cee`d received the maximum five stars for safety. Specifically, the car earned five stars for driver and passenger protection, four for child safety, and two for pedestrian safety. These results confirm that the Kia cee`d is one of the safest C-class cars.

Features

The Kia Ceed is suitable for those who do not like the VW Golf or find it too expensive. The model offers decent comfort, quality finishing, and a wide range of engines, including an economical diesel.

The availability of a station wagon body, which is ideal for a family, is pleasing. Overall, the new 2014 Ceed is a stylish and practical car, better equipped than many classmates at a comparable price.

Popularity in Ukraine

The second-generation Kia cee`d is the most popular Kia model in Europe. In 2013, it took fourth place in the European Car of the Year competition. The main sales markets in Europe are Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Poland, and Ukraine. The car is also popular in Russia, Slovakia, and Sweden, where Kia is almost a top brand. The model is aimed at family city dwellers aged 25–40.

Our Verdict

The Kia Cee`d is a Europe-oriented car capable of competing on equal terms with the best representatives of the Golf class. It has a pleasant, memorable design, rich equipment, a well-tuned suspension, and a large number of basic systems offered at attractive prices.