Kia wants to keep the cash coming in with the
all-new Ceed Sportswagon. Displayed in Geneva, it builds upon the third-gen
compact hatchback, which is also present at the Swiss motoring event, boasting
a larger footprint than its predecessor. It’s 95 mm longer, 20 mm wider, and 20 mm lower than the outgoing model, but its
wheelbase remains the same, at 2,650 mm.
Moreover, the boot capacity has been bumped by 14
percent, or 72 liters, expanding to 600 liters in
capacity, which is “larger than most D-segment (mid-size) tourers”, says Kia.
With the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats, it’s now easier to load longer items
inside, and with the seats down, the floor is completely flat.
The 2019 Kia Ceed Sportswagon can be specified with
an electric tailgate,and a fully-independent suspension that’s said to “provide
drivers with more agile and immediate handling responses”. The latter is
complemented by revised spring and damper rates, and faster steering rack.
Designed, developed, engineered, and built in
Europe, as its name states: Community of Europe with European Design, the new
compact wagon has a sleeker profile and more distinct ends, with the overall
design being more mature than its predecessor. It’s offered in a choice of 11
paint finishes, and a wide selection of wheels.
All equipment seen on the new Ceed hatchback is
available for the Sportswagon too, including the infotainment system in three
sizes with navigation system and smartphone integration, JBL premium stereo,
and a host of driving assistance features. Powering it is the same choice of
petrol and diesel engines as the hatchback, paired to six-speed manual or
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes – depending on the model.
Kia will start producing the new Ceed Sportswagon at
the Zilina plant, in Slovakia, from August, and launch it across Europe in Q4.
