Kia shows its all-new Cee'd 05 | 03 | 2012
THIS IS THE new car which Kia believes will further establish its position across Europe: the second generation Cee'd. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, it's due to go on sale in five-door form in the second quarter of this year.
Shown initially in five-door hatchback and estate bodystyles — a three-door will follow — the new Kia Cee’d is longer and lower than its predecessor, with a wider track, giving the five-door hatchback variant a more sporty profile.
It's 50mm longer (4310mm), and by dropping the car's ride height — thus making it look more squat and purposeful — the new Cee'd is also 10mm lower (1470mm).
Kia unveils sporty Track'ster
Front seat occupants, thanks for the increase in the car's overall length, have 12mm more headroom and 21mm more legroom: rear passengers gain 5mm of shoulder room.
There will be a choice of five diesel and petrol engines ranging from 89bhp to 133bhp, and the new car boasts a 4% improvement in fuel consumption across the range. Kia has yet to confirm which engines will come to the UK.
Kia takes the Cee'd upmarket
What is known though is that its top of the range diesel – the 126bhp 1.6-litre variable geometry turbo unit – will be the most popular choice.
It will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and will cover the 0-62mph 'sprint' in under 11sec. It will also return 68.9mpg and emits 97g/km of CO2.
The most powerful petrol will be a 133bhp 1.6-litre which will hit 62mph from standstill in 9.9sec. It will also return 48.7mpg and emit CO2 at 119g/km.
All engines will be offered with a choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. Some 1.6 GDI variants will also be available with Kia’s new six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Kia states the new Cee'd — built at Kia’s Zilina facility in Slovakia — enjoys a smoother ride and improved handling.
Read our roadtest, watch video, of new Kia Optima
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Jim McGill