2022 Kia Ceed debuts with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains

The third-generation Ceed has only been around for three years and yet Kia is in a hurry to give its popular compact car a nip and tuck to remain competitive in Europe’s hugely challenging C segment. The mid-cycle revisions include redesigned full-LED headlights with three daytime running light modules shaped like triangles. At the back, the GT-Line and GT versions of the hatchback have interesting taillights with 48 honeycomb modules on a smoked glass surface.

Kia’s design team has also fiddled with the corporate Tiger Nose grille and it now has new wing-like metallic accents lending the front fascia a fresh look. In the case of the plug-in hybrid model, which is only available as a wagon, the Ceed’s grille has a closed-off layout to maximize efficiency. You can also easily identify the PHEV model by its extra cap for the charger located on the front-left fender.

The cosmetic changes on the outside continue with newly designed alloy wheels available in 17- and 18-inch sizes, along with four paint colors debuting with the 2022 Ceed facelift: Lemon Splash, Yucca Steel Gray, Experience Green, and Machined Bronze. The range-topping GT trim level available for the hatchback and the swoopy Proceed also gets an assortment of red accents throughout the exterior.

There’s not much to say about the interior since it has remained largely unchanged, except for some new upholstery options and a black gear selection indicator display for the versions equipped with an automatic transmission. The Ceed in GT-Line and GT flavors also gets a redesigned shift knob while all auto-equipped configurators now have a perforated leather shift knob.

The fully digital driver’s display measures 12.3 inches and is joined on the right side by a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, now with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Rear passengers can take advantage of a USB charging port mounted on the back of the center console, while heated seats are available both front and rear.

Additional goodies worth mentioning include dual-zone automatic AC, a JBL eight-speaker audio system, plus a generous array of safety and assistance aids: lane follow assist, blind-spot with collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and a rearview monitor that changes the mirror to show footage captured by the camera mounted on the tailgate.

The electrified engine lineup begins with a mild-hybrid version of the small 1.0-liter gasoline engine. It’s a three-cylinder unit with 120 horsepower and 48V tech, available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission benefitting from a coasting function.

The larger and more powerful 1.5-liter four-cylinder also has a mild-hybrid setup and produces 160 hp and 253 Nm. Alternatively, Ceed customers can opt for a 1.6-liter diesel with 136 hp, which incorporates 48V technology as well to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

As before, the greenest powertrain is the plug-in hybrid with a gasoline-fueled 1.6-liter engine working together with a dual-clutch, six-speed auto, a lithium-polymer battery that has an 8.9-kWh capacity, and an electric motor rated at 44.5 kW. This gives the Ceed PHEV a total output of 141 hp and 265 Nm and enables the electrified wagon to cover 58 kilometers (36 miles) running solely on battery juice.

At the top of the engine lineup will be the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline unit in the Ceed GT hatchback and ProCeed GT swoopy wagon with 204 hp channeled to the wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

Production will start in August and Kia says the first deliveries will take place in Q4 2021.

Source: Kia