Presentation and road test of the Kia Ceed Tourer: the estate that is ready for anything

It is no news that the MPV segment, for better or worse, is doomed to disappear. Several brands such as Kia demonstrate this, having decided to completely phase out the successful Carens in favour of the latest generation of the Ceed. A compact replacing an MPV? You may be wondering, and the truth is that it is not a far-fetched idea, since the Korean firm has developed the Tourer version of the Ceed not only to take the place of the Carens, but also to offer important advantages that we wanted to discover first-hand by getting behind the wheel.

On this occasion we travelled to the Spanish capital to put the new Kia Ceed in its Tourer bodywork to the test, which arrives ready to offer an excellent balance between interior space and agility, two concepts that have come together remarkably well. Thanks to its versatility, this is a model that presents itself not only as the perfect ally for tackling the city, but also for handling any type of terrain, something we confirmed by covering a considerable number of different surfaces in varied settings.

A design with sporty DNA inherited from the Stinger

Kia has carried out thorough design work not only in developing the new Ceed, but also the rest of the versions. This is reflected in the Tourer, a model that overall has a more relaxed exterior look than the Proceed or the Ceed yet manages to keep intact that undeniable sporty character it inherits directly from the Stinger.

At first glance we find a front end dominated by a slim grille of very crisp, sharp lines that seek to convey the latest design language of the Korean firm. A sharp front splitter performs this task to perfection, not only aiming to deliver better aerodynamic work but also continuing to expand that clear sporty character.

Two newly shaped headlights help give a more modern, fresh appearance, two traits that also carry through to the rear. At the back we can see a more restrained, subdued design, a result of wider rear lights complemented by a slim diffuser and two trim pieces that simulate exhaust outlets, a practice that does not quite convince us.

Interior: where quality and technology go hand in hand

Getting into the new Kia Ceed Tourer is a genuinely comforting experience, since we find not only an elegant design but also materials that are far removed from those found in vehicles of similar size. At the same time, this feeling is wrapped in the latest technology, which is applied to the Korean estate with subtlety and without grand gestures.

A three-spoke steering wheel with a firm, thick feel serves as the main control of the new Kia Ceed Tourer, already signalling interior quality that far surpasses that of previous generations. Its multifunction buttons are complemented by an instrument cluster that, although it presents all essential vehicle information, still shows somewhat dated analogue instrumentation in our eyes.

Nevertheless, the technological prowess resurfaces with the central screen available in 5, 7 or 8 inches depending on the trim. It houses the most advanced systems, such as navigation, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its touch operation is agile and fluid and, as a positive point, beneath it we find a row of physical buttons that let us control various functions.

Kia has managed to offer a sober, elegant cabin, a combination that we already saw reflected in the Stinger. Thanks to this pairing, we find an interior that does not seek to stand out through an extravagant design, but through simplicity and good materials, two characteristics wrapped in the latest technology even though the presentation of this is not built around the newest novelties on the market.

Its strong point: interior space

As we have already mentioned, the MPV segment is disappearing at a fast pace. Kia has also embraced this trend, which, as we predicted, aims to replace the Carens with the new Ceed Tourer. It is true that the Korean compact’s estate version does not offer a third row of seats, but the lack of it is offset by an impressive boot capacity and more than sufficient interior space.

At first glance we find a vehicle that measures 4.60 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide. Without doubt these are not excessive dimensions, and aesthetically it is a car that invites us to tackle any kind of terrain, since its size allows us to face motorway driving with confidence and, at the same time, to navigate city streets without fear.

The second row of seats is a generous space in which to spend several hours, since Kia offers a Ceed Tourer with ample legroom, and also headroom. People up to 1.85 metres tall can travel comfortably there and, as a downside, the centre seat is somewhat cramped and should be reserved for younger passengers.

But if we had to highlight one strong point of the new Korean compact estate, it is undoubtedly its boot. The new Ceed Tourer positions itself as the vehicle with the largest cargo space in its segment, with a declared total capacity of 625 litres, which is also benefited by a completely flat and usable boot opening. Another main advantage is the presence of two metal rails on the boot floor, which allow us to fit a barrier to create divisions and prevent our luggage from shifting.

Engine range for the new Kia Ceed Tourer

Kia has made sure to offer a wide range of engines to power its new Ceed across all available bodystyles. To be more specific, the Ceed Tourer can be powered by two diesel and two petrol engines, managed and configured to meet each and every need of its potential customers.

The engines with the CRDI designation, a name referring to the diesel variants, are offered in two power levels. At entry level we find the engine that presents itself as a 1.6-litre unit capable of producing 115 CV, a figure that rises to 136 CV in the most powerful diesel version.

Meanwhile, the petrol engine line-up also consists of two options. The entry-level engine is a three-cylinder 1.0 GDI turbo producing 120 CV, a figure increased to 140 CV and attributed to the four-cylinder 1.4-litre turbo that we tested paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Behind the wheel of the new Kia Ceed Tourer: smoothness and refinement above all

Without doubt, one of the aspects that most stands out about the new Kia Ceed Tourer equipped with the 1.4 petrol engine

is its smoothness and ride quality. The engine stands out for offering an almost tangible silence both on the move and at idle, which consequently increases comfort. But this sensation is not solely down to noise levels, it is also due to the calm, balanced behaviour of the new Ceed Tourer.

Let us remember that we are dealing with a four-cylinder turbo engine capable of producing 140 CV and 242 Nm of torque, figures delivered at 6,000 and 1,500 rpm respectively. Without doubt, the powertrain delivers a very full feel and at no point will we miss more power, since its output and torque are available across a very wide and usable rev range.

Overall this is an engine that prioritises smoothness and comfort over sporty behaviour. The 1.4-litre unit delivers its power in a linear, progressive way, allowing us to enjoy relaxed, unhurried driving; but beware, we should not be fooled, as the Ceed Tourer is capable of giving us that spark needed to get out of tricky situations.

This character is enhanced by its dynamic behaviour which, despite its status as a family car, comes to the fore on twisty bends. Its steering is precise and has an appropriate weight, which surprises us in a good way given current market trends. On the flip side, the suspension has a somewhat soft setting, which leads to some body roll, although it is never very pronounced.

Its manual gearbox has somewhat long travel but is easy to engage, which continues to contribute to that smooth, calm behaviour. Overall we find a very versatile and capable vehicle that is a very strong option for families with children looking for a spacious, comfortable car ready to handle any kind of circumstance.

Conclusion

Kia has managed to fill the gap left by the Carens with the new Ceed Tourer, a variant designed to meet

all of our needs and demands. This attitude is complemented by a design that is equally elegant and sporty, a feeling generated by the undeniable Stinger DNA present in the new Korean estate.

The cabin is governed by good materials that seek to compete directly with the Germans. At the same time, a wide technological arsenal makes an appearance in the new Ceed Tourer and, although we were convinced by its sober design, we missed more modern components found in its main rivals, such as a digital instrument cluster.

A generous range of both diesel and petrol engines will cater to all of its potential customers, especially those looking for a comfortable and smooth vehicle. With a starting price of 14,900 euros with discounts, a storage capacity of over 600 litres and more than adequate dynamic behaviour, this is a very versatile Kia Ceed Tourer that stands out as a very strong option.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackKIA Ceed10 versions · from 25,815 €