The Kia Ceed GT is unveiled ahead of the Paris Motor Show with a design that captivates

At Kia they remain determined to build vehicles capable of captivating every type of buyer, with character and a design more in the European style which, together with a reasonable price and great features, can make the big European names in the premium segment tremble; to see proof of this, one only needs to look at the all-new Stinger. Now Kia wants to do the same in the compact segment, where the battle is also fierce, and its calling card for this company will be the Ceed GT.

GT versions within the sporty compacts are nothing new for the Korean brand; their journey in this segment began back in 2013 with the creation of the pro_cee’d GT, but with the new Ceed GT Kia applies the latest evolutions in both its exterior and interior design, conveying a sporty image combined with the use of higher-quality materials and a sporty feel thanks to the engine that will sit under its bonnet.

Aesthetically, you will know it is not a standard Ceed at just a single glance: its specific front bumper features large air intakes that give an early hint of its intentions, as well as the design of its new LED light group with the new integrated daytime running light design, all accompanied by a mix of colours that match the body colour, such as the gloss-black mouldings or the chrome used for the characteristic tiger-nose grille of the Kia.

On the side, the chrome will also highlight certain details such as the window surrounds, together with the gloss black and red used on the side skirts, or the red brake calipers visible through the 18-inch alloy wheels with a specific design. Before moving to the rear, you will notice that its height is reduced to 135 mm, having been lowered by 5 mm compared with the “standard” Ceed. At the back there is also a specific bumper, which combines perfectly with the gloss-black rear diffuser and the discreet spoiler on the roof.

Upon entering the interior, you will see that the Kia Ceed GT aims to evoke sportiness from every angle, and to do so it uses distinguishing elements compared with the other versions. Thus, the soft, smooth-touch materials are combined with other elements made of aluminium, such as the steering-wheel paddles, certain inserts or the pedals; black now floods the entire roofline, and the sports seats upholstered in leather and suede, with red stitching and the embroidered GT badge, have been specifically designed for this model.

But the GT initials are not only associated with a sporty atmosphere and plenty of horsepower; they also denote cars that offer a good level of comfort for everyday use. Occupants of the new Kia Ceed GT will enjoy ample space in which to travel comfortably, as well as a generous boot which, with its 395 litres and two-level design, can accommodate items of every size. Furthermore, the seats can be folded down from levers located in the boot in a 60:40 configuration, increasing this capacity further.

Occupants can also control the infotainment system through the 7-inch touchscreen fitted as standard, which can be upgraded to 8 inches and includes Connected Services, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As standard, the Kia Ceed GT also includes Automatic High Beam Assist, Automatic Lights, Bluetooth, Keyless Entry, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Forward Collision Warning with Collision-Avoidance Assist. All of this can be complemented with many technologies and gadgets that enhance our driving experience and safety.

For the mechanical side, Kia has reserved for the Ceed GT the new 1,600 cc T-GDI engine, which delivers a power output of 204 CV and a torque figure of 265 Nm, paired as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, although optionally a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available, which also adds the Drive Mode Select system with Normal and Sport driving modes to modify the response of the engine, steering and gearbox. Consumption and emissions figures will have to wait a little while to be revealed, as Kia is still carrying out tests to meet the latest regulations for homologation.

On the road, Kia promises great everyday comfort but also a Ceed GT that can provide hours of fun on twisty roads. To this end, new settings have been applied to the independent suspension, also fitting stiffer springs that make it firmer, and softer anti-roll bars that improve traction and grip. The Electronic Stability Control has also been improved to allow greater freedom, with the stability management system and torque vectoring under braking also fitted as standard. Braking is now entrusted to 320 mm diameter discs with a thickness of 28 mm, which allow it to stop with complete confidence.

The Kia Ceed GT can be seen in just a few days at the Paris Motor Show, while sales will begin exclusively in Europe during the first quarter of 2019.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackKIA Ceed10 versions · from 25,815 €