There was a time, a few years ago, when Kia was regarded as a ‘budget’ brand. Its products were perfectly acceptable but they lacked quality and relied on low prices to shift stock. There is no way that anybody can criticise the brand today. Apart from looking good, Kia has earned a reputation for unbreakable reliability, excellent build quality, the use of first-class materials and longevity underscored by a seven years, 100,000-miles warranty.
Kia is no longer just a South Korean carmaker; it is a world-player. In fact, with its design centred on Germany and manufacturing at Zilina, Slovakia, for Ceed, Sportage and Venga models, Kia is as European as Nissan is British. Since production commenced in Slovakia, over 1.3m Ceeds have been made. Between the two cars (Ceed and Sportage), Kia has continued to make market in-roads, due largely to an array of customer-pleasing features and an overall desirability that maintains a high level of demand.
Exercising an atmosphere of subtle but constant change has ensured that a ‘family’ look is retained, even though both Ceed and Sportage models are quite different to their antecedents. Constructed on Kia’s new ‘K2’ platform, the Ceed is 20mm wider (1,800mm) and 23mm lower (1,447mm) than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase remains the same at 2,650mm, with the front overhang shortened by 20mm (to 880mm), and rear overhang extended by 20mm (now 780mm). The new platform supports the Ceed’s more efficient packaging. The model boasts a larger, 395-litre boot, as well as greater shoulder room for rear passengers, more headroom in the front row, and a lower driving position.
The changes made to Sportage have less visual impact. A drag co-efficient of 0.33 Cd remains unchanged, following the updates to the SUV’s exterior design. While its length increases up 5mm, dimensions and profile remain largely the same (4,485mm long, 1,855mm wide, 1,635mm tall, with a 2,670mm wheelbase). The ‘GT-Line’ model is 10mm longer, at 4,495mm, due to its unique bumper design. Its cabin layout is mostly unchanged, although a series of minor upgrades brings it up to date. The upgraded model is equipped with a new steering wheel and a revised instrument cluster, while ‘GT-Line’ models are available with new black leather seat trim, with red accents. The design of the ventilation and air conditioning controls at the centre of the dashboard has also been revised, with new bezels around the dials adding further clarity to the dashboard layout.
While some carmakers are turning their backs on diesel, Kia is not and has now linked a 48V mild-hybrid system to the punchy and popular 2.0-litre unit used in the Sportage. A more efficient 1.6-litre diesel replaces the former 1.7-litre unit for both cars, as Kia aims for even greater fuel and emissions efficiency gains. Most noticeable in the Ceed is a greater focus on cockpit detailing, some of which has been inspired by the outstanding Stinger model. List prices have been increased but only slightly and Forces Cars Direct will ensure that value is maintained with its usual discounts.
