The Ceed family, for 2021 has undergone targeted interventions at the styling level and beyond, for a more sporty and contemporary image and presence on the road, complemented by dynamic and muscular design details that will make it recognizable at first glance.
The five-door hatchback, station wagon and Shooting Brake versions now feature a completely redesigned front end, sporty updates to the rear, specially shaped wheels, new body colors and a revised, more contemporary interior. The refreshed Ceed family will go on sale early in the fourth quarter of 2021. In line with customer needs and the general desire for increasingly efficient mobility, the new Kia Ceed range will also be available with newly developed powertrains and transmissions.
The Ceed, it should be remembered, is one of the most complete C-segment cars on the market and the historic presence of this family in Kia’s product offering reflects the model’s exceptional appeal and reputation. Long recognized for its key role in the Korean brand’s success in Europe, the Ceed family was Kia’s first car designed and built in the Old Continent specifically to appeal to the tastes of its discerning drivers. With a 28% share in Kia’s European market, Ceed is a car offered in several body variants that has won the market’s trust on par with the successful rivals that have dominated this segment for decades.
A sporty and contemporary design
Rejuvenated body features instill a sense of vitality
The updated exterior immediately reflects contemporaneity and dynamism. The completely redesigned front view features Kia’s new logo, with modern graphics reflecting the “movement that insipires” ethos. In revising the front design, particular attention was paid to making each trim (base, PHEV, GT-line and GT) immediately recognizable thanks to highly distinctive styling elements.
The iconic tiger nose, which makes Ceed a recognizable Kia at first glance, has been updated with a gloss black and satin chrome finish on the wing-shaped top and bottom, respectively, for a sleek, modern look. PHEV models can be recognized by the closed grille with a contrasting color finish. On either side are two large air intakes that enhance the front bumper and contribute to a very sporty look. The wing-inspired theme is repeated in other elements of the front redesign, such as the satin chrome trim on the lower air intake grille and the large side trim that extends into the front wheel arch. At the rear, to highlight Kia’s elegant branding, the surface of the LED combination lights has been smoothed so they better match and integrate with the new logo. The PHEV version features a new emblem more in line with the brand’s recent repositioning. A new gloss black diffuser is added to the sporty rear bumper, which also echoes the satin chrome finish seen at the front of the car.
New headlights with full LED technology and daytime running lights have been introduced on all Ceed models to emphasize styling presence on the road as well as to raise safety standards. Three arrow-shaped modules surround the integrated LED fog light with high/low beam modules. These daytime running lights (DLR) also function as turn signals. The GT-Line and GT five-door variants feature newly developed LED combination lamps consisting of 48 honeycomb-shaped modules surrounded by a red frame. The multifunctional modules are positioned in five rows, covered with smoked glass. The LEDs on some rows light up in progressive sequence when the driver activates the turn signals.
The side view reveals eye-catching new alloy wheels across all variants in the range. Four striking designs are now available, two of which are offered for the first time with this latest update: 17-inch alloy wheels are in gloss black and available exclusively on GT-Line versions; 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile sport tires have red accents for the GT trim.
The GT trim is highly recognizable thanks to specific details, above all the vibrant red inserts in the front, side and rear. The tiger nose on this top-of-the-line model consists of a two-stroke injection molding to achieve the distinctive black finish paired with a glossy red with dark chrome upper and lower details. The front bumper on the GT version has an air intake with a gloss black grille and specially developed “GT red” edging on each end. The sporty rear diffuser framed by GT red trim emphasizes the dual round exhausts. Exclusive 18-inch burnished-finish alloy wheels with highly distinctive red details are available for the GT trim.
The color range includes 13 body colors. Four of these are new, namely Machined Bronze, Lemon Splash, Yucca Steel Grey and Experience Green.
A modern, premium, state-of-the-art cabin
Opening the door of the renewed Ceed, the driver is immediately greeted by materials that are both elegant to the eye and to the touch; the colors are refined and relaxing; the layout designed to put all occupants at ease. The generously sized panoramic sunroof contributes to an idyllic connection with the surrounding nature and instills serenity.
Seats are available in five upholstery styles, three of which are new. Choices include black suede wrap-around seats with contrast stitching in gray on GT-Line and red on GT models. GT-line and GT trims benefit from a newly designed shift knob for a modern look, while automatic transmission versions offer additional luxury detail with a perforated leather shift knob for an enhanced tactile experience. All automatic transmission versions feature a gloss black gear selection indicator display.
The interior of the new Ceed combines modern styling in look and feel and offers premium features and cutting-edge technology. A large screen in the 12.3-inch instrument cluster is paired with a 10.25-inch screen on the center console to enhance driver interaction with the vehicle. Every detail of the interior has been designed with intuitive use in mind, such as the electronic parking brake actuation button and other features, based on the principle: “easy to locate, easy to use” that underlies the entire interior design redesign.
All these product features will be present in the versions intended for the Italian market. Versions, equipment and price lists will be illustrated in detail at the time of the commercial launch.
An immersive experience
The refreshed Ceed benefits from the latest connectivity and efficiency technologies
Kia has invested a great deal of time and expertise in crafting a stimulating, stress-free and highly efficient user experience for everyone who travels and experiences the new Ceed.
Opening and closing the new Ceed is controlled via a Smart Key and the engine starts or shuts off at the touch of a button. Two driver profiles can be programmed for the electrically adjustable memory seat position to provide maximum comfort and convenience. The infotainment navigation screen is paired with an eight-speaker JBL Premium audio system with Bluetooth streaming for seamless connectivity. On Sportswagon and ProCeed models, additional comfort-related features enhance everyday interactions, such as unlocking to flip the second-row seats at the touch of a button or the smart power tailgate, which senses the presence of the key, even when the person carrying it in their pocket is behind the car.
The front seats have a heating function, the rear seats offer relaxing comfort on colder days thanks to the heating option, and the high-tech bi-zone automatic air conditioning keeps the cabin cool and at a stable temperature in all areas in the middle of summer.
Connectivity that inspires
People see 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 new Ceed has been updated and is not just about telematics, Kia wants the driver to feel connected to driving, to other passengers and to all road users.
The driver can count on a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster with even more refined graphics, a choice of soothing colors and four themes to customize the instrument cluster, including one that changes based on weather conditions and time of day. Next to this screen is a 10.25-inch frameless, centrally mounted display with infotainment, navigation and telematics connectivity capabilities.
Also included in the latest redesign across the range is software that allows users to remotely connect with their car, via Kia Connect smartphone app, so they can use various on-board features to enhance their interaction with the vehicle. New connectivity features for the Ceed range include Bluetooth search enhancements via voice recognition, third-party calendar connection with navigation, valet mode to monitor the vehicle’s location when others have it in use and last mile navigation with augmented reality. The Ceed Sportswagon plug-in hybrid EV model, in addition, offers the ability to start or stop battery charging remotely.
A new “User Profile Transfer” feature allows users to back up their in-vehicle Kia Connect preferences via the cloud and transfer settings from one vehicle to another. This feature is designed to meet the needs of customers who frequently switch between different Kia Connect-equipped cars, such as fleet drivers but also family members with more than one Kia Connect-equipped vehicle.
Occupants of the new Ceed range can use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay by wirelessly connecting their smartphone to the eight-inch audio screen to project the phone’s display for sharing. To maintain connectivity and charge their smartphones, rear passengers can take advantage of a USB charging port in the center console.
The latest generation of ADAS for maximum safety
The refreshed Ceed range offers class-leading levels of safety, driving convenience and parking technologies with its enhanced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features. ADAS systems that help reduce many of the inherent risks and stresses of driving, protecting occupants and other road users on every journey.
Safety-related features have been significantly improved. The blind-spot warning has been replaced with more advanced active prevention technology. When operating the turn signal to change lanes, for example, if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle, the new Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) will provide a warning. Following the warning, if there is a real risk of collision, BCA will actively intervene to avoid the collision.
The Driver Attention Warning (DAW+) has been updated and now includes a departure warning feature for the vehicle in front with an on-screen visual reminder to inform the driver that they are pulling away, such as at stoplights or in slow-moving traffic, so they are always kept informed.
Other ADAS features that continue to be available on the Ceed lineup include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which detects not only cars and pedestrians, but also bicyclists; Lane Keeping Assist; Intelligent Speed Limit Warning; Manual Speed Limiter; and High Beam Assist. Kia’s goal to “see better and be seen” inspired the design of the new LED daytime running lights with integrated LED fog lamps. Five-door versions also feature sequential turn signals in the new rear LEDs only, however, in specific trim variants.
Lane Follow Assist (LFA) can now be activated independently of Smart Cruise Control (SCC), which allows Kia to offer LFA on manual transmission versions as well. On previous models, depressing the brake pedal would deactivate the SCC and, as a result, LFA would also be deactivated. With this new reconfiguration, LFA can be used more often and in various driving situations where cruise control may not be needed.
Parking maneuvers are also improved with the addition of a rearview monitor (RVM) with a switch to display what the tailgate camera picks up. When backing up to position the car in a particular area, the RVM displays an image of the space to aid in proper positioning. This was developed to provide an additional view via the 1.0 mega-pixel camera in case a trailer needs to be attached. In addition, 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. There’s also a system to help you get out of the car: after parking the vehicle, the Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system alerts you if an approaching vehicle is detected.
The Rear Cross Traffic Warning system has also been updated. Rear Cross Traffic Collision Prevention Assistance (RCCA) detects if there is a risk with an approaching vehicle on either the left or right and provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk persists, RCCA automatically intervenes with emergency braking to prevent the collision from occurring.
A state-of-the-art engine range
Powertrains perfectly combine performance with maximum efficiency
The new Ceed range offers buyers a wide choice of configurations. There is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a mild-hybrid (MHEV), ranging in power from 120 hp to 204 hp joined by turbocharged gasoline engines from 1.0-liter to 1.5-liter in addition to the 1.6-liter diesel. All benefit from Kia’s Smartstream technology. LPG motorization based on the 1.0 turbo gasoline engine will also be available.
Source: Kia
