The 2018 New Kia CEED

Published Date: 21st Feb 2018

Kia have recently released pictures and details of the new upcoming new CEED hatchback ready for a full debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

The new 2018 Kia Ceed parked up on the roadside in a city, side view

Now in in it’s third generation the CEED has now officially dropped the apostrophe, so the previous Cee’d will now be recognised as the Ceed.

The New Kia is designed, developed, engineered and built in Europe and plans to strengthen the Korean company’s position within the European C-segment (Ford Focus sized hatchback to you and me) with new efficient engines, new technology, new design and engaging drive.

Since the very first Kia Ceed was built in Kia’s newly built Slovakian manufacturing facility in December 2006, more than 1.28 million units have been built. This new 3rd generation is looking outsell the second gen model that managed 640,000 units from 2012, further expanding the European market share for Kia.

The new 2018 Kia Ceed driving through a city, rear view

Just going off the monthly top ten registrations for the UK, the new family hatchback will have it’s work cut out against giant competition from Ford with the Focus and Volkswagen with the Golf. They aim to overcome this with the famous 7 year/100,000 mile warranty.

New Engines for the New Kia Ceed

Starting with engine choice, you have two petrol’s and one diesel all shared from Kia’s sister brand Hyundai and their recently refreshed i30. The petrols kick off with an updated version of the 1.0 litre T-GDi unit that produces 118bhp and a 1.4 litre T-GDi engine with 138bhp replacing the outgoing naturally aspirated 1.6 litre petrol.

With the one diesel engine comes two different power outputs from the same 1.6 litre CRDi, 113 bhp and 134bhp. This new diesel engine has been designed to exceed the latest emissions regulations with SCR, Selective Catalytic Reduction technology to significantly reduce emissions. This new engine technology produces less carbon dioxide and NOx gases than any other Kia diesel engine. Based on their own testing they fully expect the car to fall well under the 110g/km of C02 on the new real world driving emissions testing.

Manual 6 speed gearbox is available on every engine, when it comes to seven speed dual clutch automatic you’ll have to choose between the diesel or the bigger 1.4 petrol.

Plans to add a 48volt mild hybrid are also in the works for next year as Ford are also planning a hybrid version of their new Focus model for next year. They’re also considering full electric and plug-in hybrid but it will claim interior space back due to larger batteries needed.

Kia have followed in the path of most of other manufacturers by adding a larger touchscreen to the top half of the centre dash area making it easier to glance at navigation while keeping one eye on the road. Depending on spec the infotainment system comes in 5,7 and 8 inch screens with Apple car play and Android Auto supported.

The New infortainment screen in the centre top of the dash on the 2018 new Kia Ceed

Standard features include Bluetooth smartphone integration, automatic lights and keyless entry. While you can add a premium sound system from JBL audio, wireless phone charging and heated windscreen.

New Technology comes in the form of Lane Following Assist, described by Kia as a level 2 autonomous system. This new Kia technology can take control of the new car’s throttle, steering and brakes in traffic and even suggest lane changes to maintain progress through heavy traffic.

The same system also works as an adaptive cruise control during normal motorway driving. Other safety features include Blind spot warning, pedestrian recognition and forward collision avoidance.

The new 2018 Kia Ceed driving through a city, front view

Expect to see the new Kia Ceed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the precise date for UK release has yet to be released but with production starting around May/June the new Ceed looks set to go head to head in Autumn with the new Focus due later in the year.