Kia has officially taken the wraps off its new, third-generation Ceed, ahead of the five-door hatchback’s public debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. The automaker says that a second Ceed body style will be unveiled alongside the hatch in Gevena.
As the Korean brand has already pointed out (when recently revealing a teaser sketch), the hatchback’s official moniker has been changed from the stylised “cee’d” to the more conventional “Ceed”.
Running on Kia’s new K2 platform, the new Ceed is 20 mm wider (at 1 800 mm) and 23 mm lower (at 1 447 mm) than the outgoing model, while its wheelbase remains unchanged at 2 650 mm. The front overhang has been cut by 20 mm to 880 mm, and rear overhang extended by 20 mm to 780 mm.
The new Ceed boasts a larger, 395-litre boot, while Kia also claims “greater shoulder room” for rear passengers, more headroom in the front row and a lower driving position.
Kia says it will offer an updated version of its 88 kW 1,0-litre turbopetrol engine along with a new 1,4-litre T-GDi power unit. Replacing the naturally aspirated 1,6-litre engine, the new turbocharged 1,4-litre “Kappa” unit produces 103 kW. A 74 kW naturally aspirated 1,4-litre will also be available.
A new “U3” 1,6-litre CRDi will also make its debut in the Ceed, and is set to be offered in 85 kW and 100 kW states of tune. Both output versions of this fresh turbodiesel engine produce 280 N.m.
Every engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, while the new 1,4-litre T-GDi and 1,6-litre CRDi powerplants will also be available with Kia’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Inside, Kia says the Ceed is “more ergonomic than ever”, with “higher-quality materials used throughout”. The facia is laid out horizontally, split into an upper area (for the floating touchscreen infotainment system) and lower area (housing controls for audio and heating and ventilation).
So, will we see this new Ceed in South Africa? Well, Kia Motors SA recently told us that while the broader details (and likely specifically timing) remain “unresolved” at this point, it did indeed still have plans to add the Ceed to its local line-up.
