Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi 48V iMT 2020 review

Опубликованно 29.08.2020 10:57

What is it?

A ground-breaking world first, that's   what. Well, sort of: the Kia Ceed is welcoming mild-hybrid technology as part of a pre-facelift tech update due in the UK in late 2020, and the South Korean manufacturer claims this is the first time a 48V mild-hybrid system will be used alongside an electronic clutch.

The theory goes that the family hatch will eke out better fuel economy from its diesel engine without needing to sacrifice the driver involvement that comes with a manual gearbox. What's it like?

Anyone put off by the idea of an electronic clutch pedal needn’t worry: it’s almost indistinguishable from the mechanical one in the current car, with more than enough feel to find the biting point easily. The gear ratios remain identical, though, resulting in the same laboured acceleration that was a complaint on the Ceed before. Should I buy one?

The Ceed’s generic styling, long gear ratios and perceived interior quality were all reasons to opt for the more accomplished Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus before, and with no updates in these key areas, the Ceed remains a tier below those class leaders.

However, it’s still a very creditable family hatchback, with a commendable driving experience and decent kit list representing excellent value for money. Kia’s seven-year warranty will sway a lot of customers, too. Although the latest additions won’t move the Ceed up the pecking order, buyers will at least have a few more reasons to give it a chance.

Joe Holding

Technical specs Model tested: Ceed 1.6 CRDi 48V iMT Price: ?23,500 (est) Engine: 4 cyls in line, 1598cc, turbo, diesel, plus 48V starter/generator Transmission: 6-spd manual Model tested Ceed 1.6 CRDi 48V iMT Price ?23,500 (est) Engine 4 cyls in line, 1598cc, turbo, diesel, plus 48V starter/generator View all specs and rivals Transmission 6-spd manual Power 134bhp at 4000rpm Torque 207lb ft at 1500-3000rpm Driveline layout Front engine, front-wheel drive 0-62mph 10.2sec Top speed 124mph Kerb weight (DIN) 1415kg Fuel economy 57.3mpg CO2 101g/km BIK tax band 23% Rivals Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBlue Titanium X Edition BMW 116d SE Power 134bhp at 4000rpm Torque 207lb ft at 1500-3000rpm Driveline layout Front engine, front-wheel drive 0-62mph 10.2sec Top speed 124mph Kerb weight (DIN) 1415kg Fuel economy 57.3mpg CO2 101g/km BIK tax band 23% Rivals Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBlue Titanium X Edition BMW 116d SE Advertisement Share review Are you as passionate about cars as we are? Get all the best car news, reviews and opinion direct to your inbox. Subscribe to the Autocar newsletter now. Haymarket Media Group, publishers of Autocar takes your privacy seriously. You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe mechanism on any email you receive from us. We will use your information to ensure you receive messages that are relevant to you. To learn more about how we use the information you provide to us please see our Full Privacy Notice. Join the debate Comments 1

FastRenaultFan Seems like a very clever idea and it's a stylish car 28 August 2020 Unlike say a VW Golf which is for people with no imagination and who are very boring. That is why I have to laugh at this

The Ceed’s generic styling, long gear ratios and perceived interior quality were all reasons to opt for the more accomplished Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

Rely and a VW Golfs styling or lack of it what is that? It's certainly not original and it's way more generic than the Ceed. So AutoCar tell me. What is so good about a VW Golf. I think VW asked all there designers years ago as they never even seem to bother to try and design there cars these days. They just turn out the seem dull boring cars decade after decade. It's a miracle that they VW that is are still around. Only for the fact that they make good Van's they might not be.

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