Kia Ceed GT: Discreetly Trimmed For Sportiness

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The Kia Ceed is now also available with a sports version. It bears the addition GT in the model name and has an output of 204 hp.

The five-door compact sedan does not come close to the capabilities of similar models such as the VW Golf GTI or the Peugeot 308 GTI. But it offers a lot of driving fun for around 30,000 euros.

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The designers of the new top model of the Ceed family avoided any form of rowdy optics. The external features of the GT are pleasingly discreet, limited to a sporty front apron with a red strip under the central air inlet. In addition, side skirts, a rear spoiler as a roof finish and a kind of diffuser between the tailpipes. In addition, this Ceed crouches a centimeter lower on the asphalt than its weaker counterparts and always rolls on specially designed 18-inch wheels.

Kia Ceed cheaper than competition from VW

The moment of truth strikes for the GT on a small race track called Parcmotor Castelloni, 40 minutes by car northwest of Barcelona. Even if hardly any of the future buyers will ever drive into one of these rare, closed-off playgrounds, the Kia-Knaller should prove its capabilities here.

And compared to other sports versions of well-known compact sedans, at least on paper, it lags behind. Because the current VW Golf GTI comes with 245 PS, the Peugeot 308 GTI even with 263 PS. The advantage of the Korean modesty in performance: With an entry price of 28,590 euros, the Kia is cheaper than the power packs with a different logo.

However, there is real sporting spirit in the interior. Molded seats with embroidered “GT” emblem, perforated pedals, flattened steering wheel or red contrasting stitching also in the paneling of the front doors. A pitch-black headliner harmonizes with the covering of the dashboard. If you also order the dual clutch transmission for 2000 euros more, you can dance through the seven gears using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Then just wake up the four-cylinder turbo at the push of a button and activate the sport mode. This ensures a powerful sound from the engine compartment, but like elsewhere, this has long been the usual acoustic fake news.

Good sound of the turbo

Because the 1.6-liter turbo would sound too good without artificial tones. In the curve dance on the 4.1 kilometer long slope that has been tamped into the mountains, you can really experience a new Ceed feeling. Thanks to the tight steering, the Kia is easy to move around the hairpin, cannot be brought into balance in quick left-right changes, thanks to a well-coordinated electronics program, and does not get the rear flutter even in long, full-throttle curves. The speed limit falls on the long straight, and the subsequent emergency braking conveys stable safety.

Logically, it's all a fun excursion that has nothing in common with the reality on our streets. But the detour to the concrete proves that the GT can be a Playmobil that contributes to joy even if the rules that apply in everyday life are observed. Of course, the stronger rivals can do it even better if you just look at the lap times. But since the stopwatch doesn't play a role in real life, a Ceed pilot with a sporty touch is still well served.

Good standard equipment

Especially since he gets a lot for his money. The standard equipment is surprisingly complete, including LED headlights, a reversing camera, an elaborate hi-fi system, or a 7-inch touchscreen monitor. Various assistance systems are always on board, and various equipment packages can always be booked for less than 1000 euros at fair prices.

All of this will contribute to the fact that every tenth Ceed buyer will now opt for the sports version, at least Kia boss Steffen Cost reckons. Even if the usefulness of such pepped up versions of otherwise civil sedans is questioned more and more, a proud GT owner can look forward to a lot of driving fun at the weekend as well as an all-round everyday car for the daily drive to the office. (SP-X)