Kia’s presence at the Paris Auto Show this year
centers primarily around the new Ceed. While the automaker released most of the
Ceed’s new variants online in the ramp-up to the French motor expo, it did
however save one version for the show. And that’s the GT-Line.
Sportier-looking than the standard Ceed but not as
focused as the Ceed GT, the GT-Line is more bark than bite. Principally an
appearance package, the GT-Line is available on the new Ceed five-door hatch
and the Ceed Sportswagon estate, and serves as standard specification for the
rakish new ProCeed shooting brake.
Distinguishing GT-Line models from the standard
versions are sportier touches like a satin-chrome and gloss-back grille, new
bumpers front and rear, metallic “blades” on the fog-lamp surrounds, and wheels
unique to the trim level in either 17- or 19-inch diameters.
Inside, the GT-Line package also feature more
heavily bolstered sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, metallic shift
paddles (for dual-clutch models) and scuff plates on the door sills, and black
headliners (instead of the standard grey).
It all adds up to a look and feel more like the
full-on Ceed GT and ProCeed GT. But instead of the 1.6-liter turbo four,
GT-Line models come equipped with more economical engine options – including a
1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, a 1.4-liter four, and a 1.6-liter diesel, with
outputs ranging from 118 hp up to 138 hp. A six-speed
manual comes standard, and certain engines can be mated to a seven-speed
dual-clutch gearbox.
