Kia introduced the world to its new Ceed and Rio GT models at the Geneva Motor Show. The new versions received a variety of changes and additions, including the Ceed, which actually got a new name.
The Ceed was originally named cee’d when the Slovakian-built car hit the market more than a decade ago. However, the model’s name is actually Ceed, which is short for Community of Europe, with European Design.
Really more of a statement of how aligned the vehicle is in the countries where its available than anything, but the new model – and its Sportswagon variant – are in its third generation now, having sold 1.28 million units since its introduction.
In its third iteration, the new Ceed will account for an even greater proportion of Kia’s European sales – up from 15% in 2017. Part of the car’s appeal is its peppy engine and decent handling. In fact, it took a turn on Britain’s Top Gear as the vehicle used and abused in the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment.
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Now the Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon will be powered by a wide choice of powertrains including three gas engines. Kia’s popular 1.0-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, producing about 120 horsepower; a new 1.4-liter T-GDi power unit, producing 140 hp; or a 100 hp 1.4-liter MPi (multi-point injection) engine.
The new Ceed range is also available with Kia’s all-new ‘U3’ diesel engine. Designed to go beyond the stricter limits laid down by the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard, the new ‘U3’ 1.6-liter CRDi (common-rail direct injection) is unlikely to find its way to America.
A Drive Mode Select system enables owners to tailor engine and steering characteristics with Normal or Sport modes. Every engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, while 1.4-liter T-GDi and 1.6-liter CRDi engines are also available with Kia’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
The Ceed is available with Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including a new Driver Attention Warning system which combats distracted or drowsy driving by monitoring a number of inputs from the vehicle and driver. Other features include High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
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Meanwhile, the Rio GT the latest Kia model to gain entry to the “club.” Like other GT models, the Rio GT gets a gloss-black and chrome ‘tiger-nose’ grille, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, and ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamps. The exterior is finished with twin exhaust tips, LED daytime running lights, chrome window trim, a gloss black roof spoiler and sill highlights.
The Rio GT Line is powered by Kia’s lightweight 1.0-liter T-GDi engine, with either 100 or 120 horsepower, and a manual transmission. In Q3 2018, the 120ps 1.0-liter T-GDi engine will be available with a seven-speed double-clutch transmission, while 1.2- and 1.4-liter gasoline engines will also be available in GT Line specification.
The optional large 7-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) includes navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rear-view parking camera, heated steering wheel, and heated seats are also available.
The new Rio is the safest B-segment car Kia has ever made, featuring an Advanced High Strength Steel-body construction and six airbags fitted as standard (front, front side, and curtain). With a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating when fitted with optional ADAS technology, the Rio offers Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition.
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Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will also be available to buyers from this fall. The Rio GT Line is also available with Kia’s new Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system, designed to combat distracted or drowsy drivers. The new Rio GT Line will be on sale across Europe from the end of at the end of this month and early April.
