The Korean carmaker has revealed the 2018 Kia Ceed ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The new model is based on Kia’s K2 platform and it is more roomy and agile than the outgoing version. Moreover, the hatchback model provides a better driving experience due to improved suspension.
Power and Performance
The petrol version of the 2018 Kia Ceed has two engine options. The standard version will have a 1-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 120 bhp power. The sportier version will have a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 140 bhp. There will also be a version with a 1.6-liter diesel engine. All the engine types will be coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system.
The 2018 Kia Ceed can be driven in 2 modes, namely ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’. Either of the modes can be selected by using the ‘Drive Mode Select’ system. Maximum fuel efficiency can be obtained in the ‘Normal’ mode and a quicker throttle response can be obtained in the ‘Sport’ mode.
The hatchback’s impressive suspension system will be its key selling feature. The car has been tested on extreme off-road conditions and it has excelled under the rough conditions. The Ceed’s ‘heavy-duty’ factor will definitely work in its favor because normal hatchbacks are not designed for off-road conditions.
Features
The customers of 2018 Kia Ceed can either opt for a 5-inch or they can prefer a 7-inch infotainment display. There is also an option of an 8-inch touchscreen that has apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features like automatic lights, Bluetooth smartphone integration, and keyless entry are available in new Kia Ceed. Customers can also opt for premium offerings like JBL Premium sound system, heated windscreen, and wireless phone charger.
The upgraded Kia Ceed also comes with some autonomous safety features like ‘Lane Following Assist’ that takes control of the car’s driving during heavy traffic congestion. Some other key safety features are adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, parking assist function and pedestrian recognition technology.
Competition
The pricing details of the upcoming 2018 Kia Ceed aren’t available yet. Moreover, Kia isn’t launching the model in Dubai where heavyweights like Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf are dominating the market.
The Kia Ceed was always considered as a reasonably priced alternative to other popular hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Vauxhaul Astra. However, Kia is unwilling to bow down to competition as the carmaker has high expectations from the upgraded Kia Ceed. Do you think that the 2018 Kia Ceed possesses the power to challenge the status quo? Will it attract buyers in the Dubai hatchback market? Please let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comment box below.
