2016
Kia Ceed SW GT-Line
Kia
unveiled a major package of advancements to the entire European-designed,
European-engineered and European-made cee'd family. The revisions, which affect
the five-door cee'd, three-door pro_cee'd, spacious cee'd Sportswagon and
sporty cee'd GT and pro_cee'd GT, introduce new powertrains bringing major
improvements in fuel consumption and emissions, modified chassis settings and
styling and trim changes. There are also significant additions to electronic
driver assistance features and connected car services.
For
buyers who want the sporty styling and trim of the GT models, but with lower
fuel, insurance and taxation costs, there is a new GT-Line trim package which
also debuted at Geneva earlier this year. GT-Line is available with all three
body styles powered by the higher-powered 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine and
with the new 1.6-litre CRDi diesel.
Kia's
advanced new 1.0-litre ecoTurbo petrol engine as well as a new 1.6-litre CRDi
diesel and seven-speed double-clutch (7-DCT) automatic gearbox. The
ecoTurboengine were revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and are eventually
destined to be used in a number of models. They are three-cylinder units
featuring direct fuel injection and turbocharging. There are two versions,
delivering 98 or 118 bhp, , while the Sportswagon is available with the
higher-powered unit. Both are 998 cc engines developed in-house at Kia's Namyang
research and development facility in Korea, and have been engineered to require
10 to 15 per cent less fuel than the 1.4-litre multi-point injection or
1.6-litre GDi units in other versions of the cee'd family, with similar
reductions in emissions. Depending on model, fuel economy is up to 57.6 mpg,
with CO2 emissions as low as 113 g/km.
All
three cee'd body styles are also available with a new 1.6-litre CRDi
turbodiesel engine. This has increased power - up from 126 to 134 bhp - with
greater torque of 280 Nm in manual versions and 300 Nm with the new 7-DCT
gearbox. CO2 emissions are down by as much as 10 g/km in manual versions and now
start at just 94 g/km. However, the greatest gains are seen when the CRDi engine
is paired with the 7-speed DCT gearbox. Compared with the previous model with a
conventional six-speed automatic transmission, emissions tumble by almost 25
per cent, from 145 g/km to 109. The 7-speed DCT gearbox was also developed
in-house at Namyang and, with a maximum torque capacity of 300 Nm, will be used
in a wide range of models within the next few years. It offers buyers the
smoothness and comfort of an automatic with the sportiness of a manual when the
driver wishes to take control of gear changes.
New
for the 2016 GT models is an electric sound generator which delivers an even
more rich and exciting engine note into the cabin. When activated via a 'GT'
button on the steering wheel, the traditional analogue speedometer changes to a
digital numerical display showing turbo and torque gauges. The steering wheel
has a new D-shaped rim and is trimmed in leather with perforated grips and red
stitching. A new illuminated aluminium engine start/stop button is fitted to
all models with the Smart Entry System, while every version has a revised air
vent system with a chrome surround to accentuate the width of the cabin, and
additional chrome on the window switches.
The
2016 cee'd family introduces a range of additional driver assistance and
connectivity features. Depending on model, the cee'd is now available with a
Speed Limit Information Function to reduce the risk of drivers falling foul of
the law. To help reduce accidents, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic
Alert add to the already comprehensive passive and active safety systems. Blind
Spot Detection gives the driver an extra pair of 'eyes' when swapping lanes,
while the Rear Cross Traffic Alert prevents the car from being reversed into
the path of another vehicle when leaving end-on parking bays. A perpendicular
parking function has been added to the Parallel Park Assist System which was
available in the previous model. It can steer the car into or out of parallel
parking spots and into perpendicular (90º) spaces.
The
2016 models feature the highest level of connectivity ever offered in the range
through the latest Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom. Via a stylish,
modern-looking 7-inch central touchscreen, drivers gain access to European
mapping, a Traffic Messaging Channel, full UK postcode entry and the choice of
fast, short or economical route-planning, while TomTom Connected services
provide additional and valuable driver information, including speed camera locations,
live traffic updates and local search and weather details. The 7-inch
touchscreen is linked to a colour reversing camera. A DAB radio with MP3
compatibility becomes standard.
The
two GT models have sports-tuned suspension and now feature larger front brake
discs, up from 16 inches in diameter to 17 inches, and stylish new 18-inch
alloy wheels with 225/40ZR18 Michelin Sport tyres. The larger front brake discs
help to shorten the stopping distance from 62mph from 36.4 metres to 35.2
metres.
GT-Line
models are distinguished by a deep front bumper flanked by ice cube-style LED
daytime running lights. These are housed in black high-gloss panels along with
the foglights and daytime running lights. There is a unique black lower grille
and a black high-gloss mesh main grille with a graphite chrome surround. This
is complemented by an equally sporty rear bumper with a deeply recessed
number-plate housing and dual exhausts, or twin tailpipes on the Sportswagon.
The number plate and rear foglights are encased in high-gloss black panels. The
rear lamps are full LED units. At the sides there are sill extensions (not
Sportswagon) and bespoke five-double-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. There is a
'GT-Line' identifier on the rear bodywork.
All
versions of the cee'd family have modified fully independent suspension to
improve comfort and handling. All-independent suspension has inherent
advantages for ride and handling compared with the simple beam rear axle used
by many cars in this class.
