Immersive user experience
Upgraded Ceed benefits from the latest connectivity and convenience tech
Kia has invested much time and expertise into creating an inspirational, stress-free and optimal user experience for all travelling inside the new Ceed.
In the UK, the door locking system for the Ceed GT-Line and all ProCeed variants is controlled via a Smart Key, and the engine is started or stopped at the press of a button. ProCeed GT-Line S variants allow two driver profiles to be programmed into the power-adjustable memory driver's seat, further ensuring maximum comfort and convenience. The infotainment navigation screen is paired to a JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth streaming to create seamless connectivity between people and devices. On Sportswagon and ProCeed models, available convenience features enhance interactions day-to-day. These include second-row seats which fold at the touch of a button, and a smart power tailgate which detects the presence of the smart key and opens the tailgate if the person carrying the key remains behind the vehicle.
Every aspect of passenger comfort and convenience has also been considered in the Ceed interior refresh. Depending on vehicle specification, heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats, provide soothing comfort on colder days, while dual-zone auto air conditioning keeps the cabin cool in the height of summer.
Connectivity that inspires
People view their car as an extension of their interconnected lifestyle and expect various technologies to be available at the click of a button. Connectivity in the upgraded Ceed is about more than just telematics, Kia wants the driver to feel connected to the drive, to other passengers and road users around them.
Depending on grade, the driver is immediately greeted by a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster with high-resolution graphics, a choice of calming colourways, and four themes to customise the instrument cluster, including one which changes in line with the current weather conditions and the time of day. On certain grades, sitting aside this instrument screen is a frameless 10.25-inch centrally mounted display with infotainment, navigation and telematics connectivity features.
Also included in the latest facelift across the range is software allowing users to connect remotely with their car via the Kia Connect smartphone app and use various on board features to improve interaction and understanding of the vehicle. New connectivity features for the Ceed line-up include improved functionality for Bluetooth search via voice recognition, third party calendar link with navigation, valet mode to monitor the vehicle’s location when others are driving, and last mile navigation with augmented reality.
A new ‘User Profile Transfer’ feature enables users to back up their in-vehicle Kia Connect preferences via the cloud and transfer settings from one vehicle to the next. This is designed for customers who often switch between different Kia Connect equipped cars, such as fleet drivers who use pool cars, or families with more than one Kia Connect equipped vehicle in their household.
Occupants can use Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ by connecting their smartphone to the infotainment system to project their phone's display for an improved onboard experience and shared enjoyment. To maintain connectivity on the go, rear passengers are presented with a USB charging port in the centre console.
The very latest ADAS developments
The rejuvenated Ceed range offers class-leading levels of safety, driving convenience and parking technologies thanks to its enhanced suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). They help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving, protecting occupants and other road users on every journey.
Safety features have been improved, such as the previous blind-spot warning, which is replaced by an active avoidance technology. When operating the turning signal to change lanes, if there is a risk of collision with a rear side vehicle, the new Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) will provide a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision increases, BCA actively controls the vehicle to help avoid a collision.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW+) has been updated to include leading vehicle departure alert tech, which provides a visual alert on the screen to inform the driver that the vehicle in front is driving away, such as at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.
Other ADAS features that continue to be available on the Ceed range include: Forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), which detects not only cars and pedestrians but also cyclists; Lane Keep Assist; Intelligent Speed Limit Warning; Manual Speed Limit Assist and High Beam Assist. Kia’s ‘see better and be seen’ ethos has informed the intricate new design of the daytime running LED headlamps with integrated LED fog lamps. Five-door hatch versions also gain sequential turn signals in the new rear LEDs unique to certain variants.ADAS technologies that provide convenience to the driver have also been added with the latest enhancements across the Ceed range.
Parking manoeuvres are enhanced with the addition of a Rear-View Monitor (RVM) with a switch to display the rear tailgate camera. When reversing into a parking space, RVM displays an image of the space to assist with parking. This has now been developed to provide an additional view via the 1.0 megapixel camera should there be a need to attach a trailer to the Ceed. Additionally, the RVM now has a switch that can be activated while driving to allow the driver to see, via the camera, what might be approaching from behind. After parking the vehicle, the Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system can alert users if an approaching vehicle is detected by the open door.
The warning for rear cross-traffic has also been upgraded to assistive technology. Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA) will detect if there is a risk with an oncoming vehicle to the left or right and provide a warning. After the warning, if the risk continues, RCCA automatically assists with emergency braking to prevent an incident from occurring.
Certain UK models continue to offer Lane Follow Assist (LFA) with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). LFA and SCC are designed to make motorway driving more relaxing by controlling the speed of the vehicle relative to other vehicles in front of the car.
Advanced powertrains
New powertrains combine performance with refinement and efficiency
The new Ceed range offers buyers a fully comprehensive choice of powertrain configurations, including mild-hybrid diesel engines (MHEV), with horsepower ranging from 99bhp to 201bhp. Ceed customers are also presented with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, the 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol and the 1.6-litre diesel powertrains all benefitting from Kia’s Smartstream technology.
Smartstream engine technology incorporates Kia’s Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) to optimise performance. CVVD also serves to improve fuel efficiency alongside a Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LP-EGR) system, which returns some of the hot gases produced by the engine to the combustion chamber to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy.
Launched in the UK earlier in 2021, the new 1.5-litre T-GDi engine is produced in Kia’s Slovakia plant – also home to the production of the Ceed family. This new Smartstream engine, which replaces the previous 1.4-litre T-GDi, is paired either to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) or a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) and delivers 158bhp while offering reduced emissions. 1.6-litre diesel variants of the Ceed, delivering 134bhp, are only available as a mild-hybrid, and can be paired with either a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or 7DCT.
The iMT 'clutch-by-wire' system contributes to the MHEV system's enhanced fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual gearbox.
GT models are presented with an exclusive 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with a unique sound. The petrol engine is mated to the 7DCT and delivers a huge 201bhp. The experience behind the wheel can be further tailored to suit the driver’s mood and road conditions via paddle-shift levers and three drive modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport modes. These each tailor throttle response, steering weight and transmission shift times to match the desired driving experience.
The renewed Ceed family will go into production at Kia's European manufacturing plant in Žilina, Slovakia this August and will be available across Europe by Q4.
Full UK specifications and pricing will be announced shortly before sales commence in the UK later this year.