The all-new Kia Ceed is almost here to take on other
compact 5-door models in the European market. It will go on sale in the United Kingdom on August 1, and the
manufacturer has already announced its starting price: £ 18,295 (US$ 24,289).
Kia has yet to detail the trim levels of the new
Ceed, but the car packs a lot
of new technology. Depending on the selected flavor, it can be had with a 7- or
an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, smartphone integration
with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
The equipment list also includes a premium JBL sound
system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, electric opening
tailgate, full LED headlamps with dusk-sensing function and rain-sensing
wipers, among others.
Described as an autonomous driving technology, a
first for a Kia sold in Europe, the Lane Following Assist system operates
between 0 and 130 km/h and controls acceleration, braking and
steering, depending on the vehicles in front. Thus, the Ceed can automatically
stay in its lane on the motorway, making your daily commute more pleasant.
Other available technologies are the Forward
Collision-Avoidance system, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic
Warning, Smart Parking Assist, Vehicle Stability Management and Smart Cruise
Control with stop&go.
Customers will also have to choose between, two body
styles – hatchback and estate, four trim levels available at launch, and five
powertrains – three petrol and two diesel engines. Production will commence at
the brand’s manufacturing facility in Zilina, Slovakia, in the second quarter of
the year.
