2022 Kia Ceed facelift debuts in Europe

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia's hot-selling Ceed range exclusively available in the European market has just received a mid-cycle update. Available in hatchback, sports wagon estate, and shooting brake (called ProCeed) versions, the new Kia Ceed now exudes bolder and contemporary styling inside and out as well as new powertrain options.

On the exterior, the facelifted model gets a revised front bumper and a revamped Tiger Nose grille with chrome accents. The new grille is flanked by new dual projector LED headlights, and triple arrow-shaped LED DRLs. Also part of the new kit is a wide blacked-out air dam, a sloping roofline, and new alloy wheel designs. The latter comes in 6 different options with sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches,

At the back, the new Kia Ceed features a roof-mounted spoiler, new wrap-around tail lights, and new sequential turn indicators. Kia also introduced new exterior colour choices for the 2022 year model, that brings the colour palette count to 13. Four new shades are Machined Bronze, Lemon Splash, Yucca Steel Gray, and Experience Green.

The interior of the new Kia Ceed looks tidy and modern with several cosmetic and tech upgrades. These include sophisticated soothing colours, tactile materials, and a new layout that puts all occupants at ease. The variant-specific interior features are:

• 12.3-inch instrument cluster 
• 10.25-inch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
• Electronic parking brake switch
• JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system 
• Smart Key
• Heated and ventilated seats 
• One-touch seat tumble mechanism
• panoramic sunroof 
• Leather bucket seats

Kia offers the all-new Ceed in different engine options. The first is a turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol mill that generates a maximum power of 120 hp. The same motor is also available in a 100-hp bi-fuel version. Another one is a 1.6-liter diesel good for making 136 hp, which also has a mild-hybrid configuration.

For wagon body style, there is also a plug-in hybrid mill on offer. That’s a combination of a 1.6-litre GDI motor and a 44.5-kilowatt electric motor, which pumps out a total output of 141 hp and 265 Nm. The PHEV is mated to an 8.9-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. The available transmission options are six-speed, dual-clutch automatic, and seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

While Kia has not yet disclosed the prices for the new Ceed and new ProCeed, it confirms that the new models will hit the Old Continent in the fourth quarter of the year.

Also read: Kia’s ultra-luxury Carnival gets an in-built foot massager