► First details of new 2016 Kia Ceed
► Modest facelift, tech tweaks
► New 1.0 turbo 3cyl, DCT gearbox
Kia is overhauling the Ceed hatchback, Sportswagon estate and three-door Proceed range for the 2016 model year with a range of cleaner engines, chassis tweaks, a new twin-clutch transmission and modest design refresh.
We’re in the realms of detail change here; we’re not sure we’d notice the cosmetic differences unless they were pointed out to us: a wider bumper, chrome piping around the foglamps and an oval-shaped motif to the grille mesh. LED rear lamps, reshaped bumpers and – get this – ‘sporty-looking reflectors’ complete the makeover at the rear. Fresh 16- and 17-inch alloys complete the new look.
Err, so this is a modest facelift?
Yep. If it ain’t broke, and that. Don’t forget the Ceed is the model which sparked the turnaround in Europe, so Kia isn’t mucking around much with its very Euro-flavoured hatchback Focus and Astra rival. In May 2015 it built the one millionth model at its Zilina factory in Slovakia after nine years in production.
Barely anything changes inside bar a few fresh colour palettes, but Kia has added extra sound-deadening inside diesel models. This is telling: the company openly admits it’s doubled the anti-vibration material fitted, so expect a calmer, less clattery derv experience. More noticeable are the latest infotainment systems, including upgraded sat-nab, connected serves and gadgets such as speed limit reading cameras.
Sportier GT models get extra pep-up inside, including a GT Mode button that pipes in extra engine noise through a synthesised sound generator; extra noise to go with modestly faster performance (a new turbo cuts 0.1sec from the 0-62mph time, now at 7.6sec) and chunkier brakes.
Any mechanical changes to the 2016 Kia Ceed?
All engines now meet the impending Euro 6 emissions regs and the highlight is the new, downsized 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo. It comes in two states of tune: 98bhp/127lb ft or 118bhp/127lb ft and although no CO2 figures have been homologated yet, Kia says it will become comfortably the cleanest Ceed to date. A shade over 100g/km is likely.
Other engines include 1.4 and 1.6 petrols and diesels, some of which are a little cleaner and more powerful than before. The higher-powered 1.6 CRDi diesel is also available with the company’s first twin-clutch auto transmission.
The pepped-up Ceed range goes on sale in Europe from July 2015; UK models are expected in the autumn.
