Test drive Kia Cee`d: the most powerful weapon of Kia
Test Drive

Test drive Kia Cee`d: the most powerful weapon of Kia

Test drive Kia Cee`d: the most powerful weapon of Kia

The Korean brand confidently continues its offensive - this time the invasion is aimed at the compact class. The Cee`d model is designed to take the company's strong position in this market segment, and there are chances for success, and they look more than serious ...

One thing is for sure - the prerequisites for this model to become a hit are many times greater than those of its predecessor Cerato. The clean and stylish design will take care of creating your individual face, and this time the efforts of the brand's stylists have come to fruition.

The Kia's interior, especially in the more luxurious EX version, is also dominated by an impressively stylish ambiance, quality and performance that puts it among the best in its class. As for the audio system, Kia even performed extravagantly - the standard Siemens-RDS radio station has not only a CD, but also an MP3 player.

Quality you can feel

In general, through the efforts of the Korean manufacturer Cee`d did not make the car of the highest quality in all respects, it can be seen in every detail. Perfectly crafted and perfectly matched parts and quality materials are complemented by flawlessly and ergonomically working mechanisms for all functions in the cabin.

On the seats, there can be no basis for comparison with its predecessor. Passengers enjoy excellent comfort in both the front and rear, and the driver and passenger cannot complain about the lack of adequate lateral support when cornering.

Slightly disappointing just the base petrol engine

In terms of powertrain, Kia's new model is far superior to rival models in this regard, at least on paper. The base 1,4-liter petrol engine makes 109 horsepower, which sounds impressive but in practice remains more of a promise than a reality. The engine, equipped with variable valve timing CVVT, actually responds quickly and spontaneously to the throttle, and its power is pleasantly harmonious, and its sound is also always overshadowed. It is only when top speed is reached that the high revs evoke the idea of ​​sixth gear. And yet correct, almost 110 hp. The dynamics are not so different, the cost is also higher than expected.

However, the situation is radically different with the 1,6-liter turbodiesel version, equipped with a Common-Rail system for direct fuel injection into the cylinders. This unit delightfully demonstrates how quickly the Koreans developed a compact diesel engine that not only matched the best European models in its class, but even surpassed most of them. Its operation with the idea is even quieter than its two petrol counterparts, there are practically no vibrations, and in the range from 2000 to 3500 rpm it deserves to be called excellent. At the same time, the average consumption of the diesel version hardly exceeds 6,5 percent even with a truly extreme driving style, and with a more relaxed ride, it drops to 5,5 liters per 100 km without any problems - remarkable figures, given the presence of 115 hp. and 250 Nm.

Road handling is one of the best in its class

Suspension adjustment was surprisingly harmonious - the fact is that small bumps are overcome by one idea more roughly than we would like, but overall ride comfort is very good, cornering stability is excellent, and the car remains easy to drive. control even in border mode, not least thanks to the timely intervention of the ESP system.

In conclusion, (possibly along with the Sorento off-road model, which became an instant market hit), the Cee`d is the most successful model that the Kia brand has put into production so far. The car performs well as a representative of its category in almost all respects. Cee`d definitely has nothing to be ashamed of by its competitors in the segment, all the more so - according to a number of indicators, this is actually one of the best achievements in the compact class!

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Ahim Hartmann

Evaluation

Kia Ceed 1.4 CVVT

Kia Cee`d performs surprisingly well in almost all possible indicators - a solid, comfortable and safe car at an affordable price, with no significant drawbacks. In a word - never before have the chances of a Korean manufacturer to take one of the leading positions in the compact class been so great ...

technical details

Kia Ceed 1.4 CVVT
Working volume-
Power80 kW (109 hp)
Maximum

torque

-
Acceleration

0-100 km / h

11,4 with
Braking distances

at a speed of 100 km / h

38 m
full speed187 km / h
Average consumption

fuel in the test

7,2 l / 100 km
Base Price25 000 levov

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