The family hatchback market is one that remains one of the most competitive in the industry, with the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf leading the way.
But Kia’s Ceed is one of the many challengers to those two, and with the latest version unveiled earlier this year, the South Korean manufacturer is looking to get a bigger slice of the pie.
So what can the third generation Ceed offer and what are the main features you should be looking out for?
It’s more practical than the outgoing model
Built on the new K2 platform, the new Ceed is 20mm wider and 23mm lower than the previous iteration and has 395 litres of load space in the boot – 15 litres more than before. That can be extended to 1,291 litres with the rear seats folded down, but the Sportswagon estate version offers even more space. With a 97-litre increase over the old estate model, the new Sportswagon has 625 litres in the standard layout, which can be stretched to 1,694 litres with the rear bench flattened down.
Kia designed it for the European market
The Ceed was introduced back in 2007 and it has been designed and built to cope with European roads. With the name an acronym for ‘Community of Europe, with European Design’, Kia has made sure the Ceed is dynamic and refined enough for the tastes of European customers. The brand claims the steering rack is 17 per cent more direct than its predecessor and exterior noise at speed has been reduced also.
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The Ceed is one of the most advanced hatchbacks available
Kia has made its latest version of the Ceed one of the most technologically sophisticated cars in the C-segment, as it comes with lane following assist – a level 2 autonomous feature that means the car controls the steering and speed on motorways and dual-carriageways. The system works at speeds up to 80mph and aims to reduce driver fatigue when travelling in convoy over longer distances. Inside, models also come with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and wireless charging, with a heated windscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, and an ECO pack on offer as optional extras.
A hybrid powertrain is on the way
From launch, customers can choose from three petrol units and one diesel engine that are all paired to a six-speed manual transmission as standard – with the top-end petrol and diesel also available with a seven-speed automatic. Power offerings range from 98bhp up to 137bhp.
From 2019, Kia will offer the Ceed with a diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, which incorporates a 48V battery-powered motor that can take over from the combustion engine during cruising or in start/stop traffic. This will be used to help reduce fuel consumption.
Prices are competitive as well
With the new Ford Focus coming later this year, the Ceed needs to be on a similar level in terms of price and quality. Kia has set the starting price at £18,295, which is £265 more than the upcoming Focus, but both a similarly equipped and the top-end Fords are much pricier than the Kia. So, if you are a fan of the Focus, you may want to check out the comparable Ceed first before setting your sights on the American model.
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