Kia sows second line of cee’ds

Kia will launch the all-new second-generation version of its c’eed family car into showrooms on 1st June.

According to its creators the car, credited with changing the perception of Kia as a brand, is improved in all areas.

The new cee’d will be offered with a choice of 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and turbodiesel engines, including for the first time a direct injection petrol unit. This, already in the Sportage 4×4, will be the c’eed range-topper with 133bhp and 121lbft of torque.

Kia says average fuel consumption across the range is down four per cent, while the 1.6 diesel offers CO2 emissions of just 97g/km and fuel economy up to 76mpg. This is thanks partly to the Intelligent Stop & Go stop/start function fitted to all 1.6 manual engines.

Gearboxes have been updated too – six speeds are standard across the range, while the petrol 133 unit gets a new dual-clutch auto/manual ‘box developed by Kia.

Kia has given the new car what it describes as a sportier, more upmarket appearance. It is 50mm longer than its predecessor, but has a narrower, lower stance, with 10mm taken off each. The ride height is lower and the cabin moved forward.

Despite the sharper looks space is up too. Head and legroom is increased up front, shoulder room all round. The boot evolves by 40 litres to 380 litres, which Kia says is class leading.

Kia will offer the c’eed in five trim levels, at prices from £14,395. Equipment options will include plenty of technology, including Parallel Parking Assist and Lane Departure Warning systems.

The range will also expand quickly, with the estate SW and three-door pro_cee’d versions in showrooms before the end of the year.

Words by: Andrew Charman