Test KIA Ceed 5p GT Line 1.5 T-GDi MHEV 160 CV DCT: saver and very equipped
The range of the KIA Ceed 2022 is now available in Spain. It remains one of the most affordable compact in the segment. With the update they are now more visually appealing and also receive equipment upgrades. The mechanical offer includes diesel, gasoline and MHEV options. Today we drive the KIA Ceed 5p MHEV 160 CV DCT.
According to Kia Europe, the Kia Ceed represents 28% of the brand's sales in the European market. Now, in order to keep the model fresh, the brand has given it a bit of cosmetic surgery. It is still available in a hatchback and family version (Tourer). They are joined by the KIA Proceed, which also receives visual, mechanical and equipment improvements.
For now, the KIA Xceed is left out, whose improvements will arrive in mid-2022. The KIA Ceed 2022 continues to be a winning bet due to its quality-price-equipment ratio. Available from just under 17,000 euros, its rivals include the Peugeot 308, Hyundai i30, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Renault Mégane, SEAT León or Volkswagen Golf.
Compared to these, it offers a practical interior, enough space for four adults to travel comfortably and abundant equipment. On the other hand, KIA has carried out a tuning that makes driving more pleasant in almost all situations. It also improves ride comfort, although in this GT Line finish it is somewhat worse than in the rest.
Exterior design
The renewed KIA Ceed arrives with quite marked changes in its exterior. At the front, a new grill that varies depending on the finish is striking. This is complemented by various chrome and galvanized accents, as well as other details in glossy red and black. At the end of the distinctive bonnet, the brand's new logo stands out in particular.
At the ends of the front of the Ceed we find a new Full LED lighting system. There are new headlights and new light signature for these. Already in the lower end we can see a new sports front bumper (varies depending on the finish). The front window is wide, offering good visibility, and there are front parking sensors.
In dimensions, the KIA Ceed has a length of 4.32 meters, a width of 1.80 meters and a height of 1.44 meters. It maintains practically unchanged the dimensions of its predecessor. The battle amounts to 2,680 millimeters. The front and rear tracks measure 1,559 and 1,567 mm, respectively.
Simple and sporty, the side view can be fitted with 16- to 18-inch wheels and boasts a muscular waist. It is complemented by marked wheel arches. In this case, the 17-inch wheels are fitted with Michelin Primacy 4 tires in dimensions 225/45 R17 91W for both axles. The glazed area is large and the surface of the doors is clean.
Depending on trim and bodywork, the new Ceed also gets new full LED honeycomb taillights. These incorporate dynamic direction indicators and a new lighting signature. It is perhaps the most controversial part of the new model. The roof spoiler with third brake light and winglets in black adds a sporty touch.
KIA's design team has also tweaked said rear bumper. In it we find accents in glossy black and red, as well as simulated air vents. The new model comes with nine body colors, some of them new. Solid and metallic finishes are offered. In this case we can see the metallic Infra Red.
At the rear there is no shortage of rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. It is worth mentioning that it offers a really good image quality, something that is appreciated. On the roof rests a shark fin-type antenna and, depending on the version, a practicable sunroof with electrical opening.
Interior design
Inside, the KIA Ceed incorporates as new a digital instrument panel, a larger screen for the infotainment system and new upholstery. There are five upholstery options available of which three are new. There's also no shortage of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a new USB port in the center console.
In terms of quality, there are multiple padded surfaces on the upper and more visible parts. Hard plastics are kept for low areas. In any case, these have a very pleasant touch and look, like the buttons. Everything has been taken care of a lot as a whole we find an excellent assembled level. This prevents the appearance of creaks and vibrations.
It should be noted that the entire interior is finished with materials that are soft to the touch and fluffy. If we look at the dashboard, the upper part is finished with padded material in the highest finishes. It has even been given a leather-like finish thanks to the stitching urged into it. Without a doubt, this and other details highlight the quality of the interior.
The dashboard has a very horizontal design that creates a feeling of greater interior space. The seats offer good grip without being sporty. They are comfortable in the backrest and bench, although the headrest is too hard for my taste. Thanks to the dashboard slightly oriented towards the driver, the interior is ergonomic.
Everything is at our fingertips. These sit comfortably on a steering wheel with height and depth adjustment. With eight buttons and four rotary elements, it gives the driver the opportunity to access most systems. To it we add the voice control that, despite not being the most sophisticated, works quite well.
Behind the wheel we find a new digital instrument cluster. It boasts a size of 12.3 inches. It is one of the great novelties of the model and allows you to visualize four designs. Three of them depend on the driving mode, although they can be selected independently). The fourth is the most striking.
The new instrumentation, very clear and intuitive, replaces the conventional speedometer and tachometer gauges. Its unique screen incorporates visible indicators with a high refresh rate. In the central part we find a multifunction area that is controlled by buttons located on the steering wheel.
In this section of the instrumentation, the driver can clearly see within his field of vision the turn signals of the navigator, as well as information from the audio system, phone calls, notifications from various active safety systems , driving assistance technologies, contacts or detailed trip information.
The simplest versions (all except GT-Line) have an instrument panel made up of two dials at the ends and a color screen. It has a size of 4.2 inches. The multimedia system screen is 5 inches in the Concept and 8 inches in the Drive. In the Tech and GT-Line it is already 10.25 inches.
As in the rest of the models in the range, the dashboard is divided into two heights. Presiding over it we have a new 10.25-inch floating touch screen. It gives us access to the infotainment system. This system is very clear and functional. It offers good graphics and compatibility with the UVO Connect app with interesting features.
7 years of free connected services are included (driving statistics, vehicle status, car search function, send directions to the navigator...). The team is fast and intuitive, it has no downside. Optionally we can equip the JBL Premium sound system. The screen in the simplest finishes has a size of 8 inches.
In the lower part of the dashboard we will find the controls for the audio and dual-zone air conditioning in this finish. The only pity is that on sunny days the display of the climate control dials does not look good at all. The obnoxious Piano Black is also abused in various elements, a mistake in my opinion because it “attracts” dirt and produces reflections.
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Between the front seats is a fixed center armrest with a roomy glove compartment. There are also two coasters with a curtain and enough storage spaces. The one on the dashboard can be equipped with a wireless smartphone charger. The glove compartments on the doors seemed too small to me. In addition, they lack a lined base.
The interior space of the model is very generous. This platform contributes to a more efficient distribution of space. The new Ceed has good shoulder room for rear passengers (1,406 mm). It should also be noted that the position of the rear seats is 16 mm lower compared to the previous generation. Provides good vertical clearance.
It is comfortable for two adults of medium-tall height for width, height and legroom. Even equipping sunroof. However, three people will be uncomfortable except on short journeys. The transmission tunnel is not very intrusive, but the height and width of the central seat are less and the padding harder because of the central armrest.
Cargo volume is 357 liters for MHEVs (395 liters for the rest). It has very regular shapes, good finish and acceptable lighting. The loading threshold is not very high (720 mm) and there is a small space under the load floor. The folding rear seats offer a 60:40 configuration to expand capacity up to 1,253 litres. The gate is manual.
KIA Ceed 5p MHEV 160 CV DCT engine
Among the mechanics there are gasoline, diesel and PHEV options. The gasoline branch starts with the three-cylinder and 1.0-liter turbocharged 120 hp. It can be associated with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed DCT and 48V hybridization. Those who need more power can opt for the 1.5-liter engine with 160 hp or the 1.6-liter reserved for GTs with 204 hp.
In diesel, it is available with a 1.6-liter engine and 136 CV, also hybridized and with an ECO sticker. It is offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT automatic. Finally, the plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-liter GDI gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a lithium battery with a capacity of 8.9 kWh. Approves 141 CV of power and 50 km in EV.
For the test I have opted for the 1.5 T-GDi MHEV option. It is a block made of aluminum with a displacement of 1,482 cm³. It mounts two overhead camshafts, direct injection, turbo, intercooler and Start/Stop. It is capable of developing a power of 160 CV (117.5 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 253 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 laps.
That may not seem like an excessively wide range of thrust, but the truth is that the Ceed moves briskly with these figures. Thanks to the DCT box, it maintains speed with solvency on the highway even when we travel loaded. It offers a progressive response that, despite not sticking to the seat, is enough to move the model with great agility.
To give you an idea, in figures this mechanic declares a 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. It is capable of recovering from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.7 seconds and claims a top speed of 210 km/h. It is not a plane, but it moves very well in almost all environments. In my opinion, if you usually travel loaded, opting for the 120 CV three-cylinder may not be the right one.
Although it is true that it offers good recoveries from low revs, without annoying vibrations, most of the thrust takes place from 2,000 rpm. It is a fairly elastic mechanism that does not force us to constantly play with the change to offer good performance. On the highway, traveling at 120 km/h in seventh gear, the engine revs at 2,300 rpm.
This does not penalize consumption on the highway, which is very good. During our usual drive of almost 400 km, the highway average was only 5.3 liters. In the city, driving calmly, we will move in about 7.5 real liters. The average consumption after a week of tests and more than 2,000 km traveled was 6.1 liters per 100 km.
Much of the blame lies with the microhybridization system. This allows a very interesting saving and offers the mode of advance by inertia. The downside is that it is only available in ECO mode. In total there are three driving modes –ECO, Comfort and Sport– that modify various parameters of the vehicle, although the differences between them are not very noticeable.
Regarding the seven-speed DCT, this is smooth and fast in normal driving. Yes, it is true that it is not as refined as that of some rivals, nor as fast as to practice sports driving. Despite this, I consider it 100% recommended for operation and comfort. Add sequential mode on the lever and paddles behind the wheel.
| Version | 1.5 T-GDi MHEV DCT GT-Line - 4 cylinder in-line |
|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,482 cm³ |
| 160 PS (117.5 kW) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 253 Nm @ 1,500 - 3,500 rpm |
| Weight | < td width="60%">1,390 kilos|
| Dimensions L/W/H mm | 4,325 / 1,800 / 1,442 mm |
| Boot volume | 357 (1,253) liters |
| 0 to 100 km/h acceleration | 8.6 seconds |
| Recovery 80 to 120 km/h | 5.7 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h |
| Approved consumption | < td width="60%">5.7 / 7.1 - 5.5 - 4.9 - 6.1 l/100 km (Fuel / speed low - medium - high - very high)|
| CO2 emissions per km | 130 g/km of CO₂ (Euro 6) |
| DGT sticker | Eco |
| Starting price | 31,700 euros (this engine and trim without discounts or extras) |
KIA Ceed 5p MHEV 160 CV DCT Behavior
Taking advantage of the facelift, engineers have made the KIA Ceed more pleasant to drive. The improvement in isolation and ride quality is appreciable, although the GT-Line version is not the most appropriate to appreciate it. Overall it feels somewhat more dynamic, but also more comfortable in the vast majority of situations.
The truth is that the tuning of the Kia Ceed in behavior is worth mentioning. The silent, performance and smooth operation of this mechanics is combined with a greater harmony of all the components. It seems that everything has been fine-tuned to offer a more pleasant drive in every way. I think balance is one of his strong points.
It is noticeable that the chassis allows a dynamic set-up, although the client is not what he is looking for in all versions. To achieve maximum versatility, the suspension -McPherson strut on the front axle and deformable parallelogram on the rear- has been tuned to achieve a better compromise between ride comfort and agile reactions.
With this, the Ceed can offer a softer response and a lower tendency to bounce on damaged surfaces. All this without losing its good efficiency when it comes to containing the swaying of the body. It allows a very controlled cornering, with natural reactions and great ease of driving.
On twisty roads, the model moves with enough precision, conveying confidence and a lot of poise. It is true that it is perceived that the steering assistance is somewhat greater to favor driving on long trips and at low speeds. In other words, it has lost some feedback. The turning diameter between curbs is 10.6 meters.
Brake feel remains pretty good on this compact. However, it is noticeable that the first few degrees of the pedal regenerates energy. It offers good sensitivity and graduation when applying the braking force. We find 305-millimeter ventilated brake discs on the front axle and solid discs on the rear.
In the section on safety and driving assistance, the Ceed can be equipped with seven airbags as standard, dynamic assistant for high beams, intelligent cruise control, fatigue detection, parking assistant, lane assistance, detection system blind spot and frontal collision warning system with emergency braking, among others.
Equipment and price
The trim levels in the renewed family are maintained with the names Concept, Drive, Tech, GT-Line and GT. The first already has LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, trip computer and painted bumpers.
Other standard elements are the light sensor, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, cruise control with limiter, hill start assist, lane departure alert, fatigue detector, pre-collision warning, sound system with five-inch screen, USB, among many others.
The Drive level adds LED taillights, fog lights, photosensitive interior mirror, rain sensor, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, sound system with 8-inch touch screen, bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and rear view camera.
The Tech finish adds LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, folding mirrors, chrome package, SmartBeam, induction mobile phone charger, specific upholstery, Kia Connect multimedia system with 10.25-inch screen and App control . It is one of the most recommended options in the range, along with the Drive.
The GT-Line level also has the exterior sports package, panoramic sunroof, sports pedals and steering wheel, electric parking brake, signal reader, digital instrumentation, blind spot monitor, keyless access, starter by button, automatic parking system with front sensors, etc.
Finally, the GT finish includes certain decorative details in red that add a sportier note. This trim option is only marketed in combination with the most powerful gasoline engine and ranks as the most expensive in the entire range. The equipment includes everything from the GT-Line.
In Spain, the prices of the KIA Ceed 2022 range without discounts or promotions are as follows:
| Engine | CONCEPT | DRIVE | TECH | GT-LINE | GT |
| 1.0 TGDI 100 CV | €20,950 | €22,400 | €24,600 | – | – |
| 1.0 TGDI 120 CV | €22,100 | €23,550 | €25,750 | – | – |
| 1.0 TGDI 120 CV MHEV DCT | – | €25,850 | €28,050 | – | – |
| 1.5 TGDI 160 CV MHEV DCT | – | – | €29,200 | €31,700 | – |
| 1.6 TGDI 204 CV DCT | – | – | – | – | €33,950 |
| 1.6 CRDI 136 CV MHEV | €24,850 | €26,300 | €28,500 | €30,000 | – |
| 1.6 CRDI 136 CV MHEV DCT | – | – | €31,000 | €32,500 | – |
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