2020 Kia Ceed Sportswagon UK Version

Since the first-generation Kia cee’d started production at Kia’s new Slovakian manufacturing facility in December 2006, more than 1.3 million units have been built. More than 660,000 of the second-generation models have been built since production began in 2012. A new naming format for the latest generation car – cee’d becomes Ceed – consolidates its reputation as a car for the Community of Europe, with European Design. As it enters its third iteration, the Ceed Sportswagon is expected to account for an even greater proportion of Kia’s European sales. You can find more visual details of the 2020 Kia Ceed Sportswagon – UK Version gallery by scrolling up.

Like its predecessors, the Ceed Sportswagon has been designed, developed and engineered in Frankfurt by Kia’s European design, product development and R&D teams. It will be manufactured at the brand’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, alongside the Sportage and Venga models.

In 2017, the C-segment accounted for 22 per cent of all European vehicle sales and is consistently one of the two largest segments by volume. The outgoing cee’d accounted for 16 per cent of Kia’s total European sales in 2017 and has regularly ranked alongside the Sportage as one of the brand’s best-selling models in Europe in recent years.

Since the introduction of the cee’d, Kia’s annual European sales have more than doubled, from 225,000 in 2006 to more than 472,000 in 2017. In the medium term, Kia is targeting annual sales of more than 500,000 vehicles. The Ceed model family will therefore continue to underpin the sustained growth of the Kia brand for years to come, remaining one of Kia’s best-selling product lines. The Ceed Sportswagon occupies a unique position in the Kia line-up, perceived by buyers as the most dynamic and sporty volume car to drive, while also being one of the most reliable, practical and recognisable.

The Ceed five-door hatchback makes up the majority of sales, while Sportswagon models have accounted for approximately 40 per cent of all Ceed sales since its launch in 2007 (compared to around 30 per cent for other C-segment vehicles with estate variants).

DESIGN AND PACKAGING

The Ceed Sportswagon has been designed at the brand’s European design centre in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, European Head of Design, and Peter Schreyer, President of Design and Chief Design Officer. Carrying over the sporty, emotional design character of the Stinger, the Ceed Sportswagon conveys a more self-confident new look – one that is both emotive and precise in its execution.

Lower, wider, and with a longer rear overhang than the car it replaces, the Ceed Sportswagon’s cab-rearward silhouette exhibits a more mature sense of athleticism. Straight lines replace the rounded-off edges of its predecessor, evolving the front of the car with a wider ‘tiger-nose’ grille and lower air intake, and precise, linear shapes framing its ‘face’. The new model features LED daytime running lights as standard, echoing the appearance of earlier cee’d GT and ‘GT-Line’ models.

In profile, the sharp, straight lines visually lengthen the bonnet. A greater sense of maturity and strength is created in its shoulder line, which now runs along a more horizontal plane. The model adopts the wide C-pillar that has become a hallmark of Kia design in recent years, enhancing its cab-rearward stance. This also gives the upper window-line a sleek new ‘half-moon’ shape. At the rear, new LED daytime running lights give the Ceed Sportswagon greater visibility – and recognition – on the road. Paired with straight lines in the bodywork and a subtle rear boot spoiler, the car presents a more stable overall appearance.

Constructed on Kia’s new ‘K2’ platform and sharing near-identical dimensions to the five-door hatchback, the Ceed Sportswagon is 20mm wider (1,800mm) and 20mm lower (1,465mm) 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 115mm (now 1,070mm). Extending the straight lines of the bodywork, and capped with a subtle tailgate spoiler, the Ceed Sportswagon joins its five-door hatchback sibling in presenting a stable, sporty aesthetic. The model boasts a significantly larger, 625-litre (VDA) boot that is not only class-leading, but better than many estate cars from the class above. In addition, there is greater shoulder room for rear passengers, more headroom in the front row, and a lower driving position. By folding the rear seats down, the generously sized cargo space can be extended to 1,694 litres (VDS). The boot lip is also substantially lower – the lower lift-over height makes it easier to load heavier items into the boot.

C-segment tourer customers’ expectations go beyond cargo capacity, so Kia’s designers have ensured versatility and usability are key strengths for the Ceed Sportswagon, making it one of the most practical cars in its class. The split-fold rear seats are fitted in a 40:20:40 configuration and can be folded remotely with a single touch from a lever just inside the tailgate. With the seats folded, the boot floor is completely flat. Every Ceed Sportswagon features an underfloor box to secure or hide smaller items, as well as a tonneau cover and a bag hook to prevent groceries and other items rolling around the load bay. Integrated roof rails are also fitted as standard to facilitate supplementary stowage.

Moving inside

Inside the cabin, the Ceed Sportswagon is more ergonomic than ever, and with higher-quality materials used throughout. The cabin architecture from the most recent Kia vehicles has been adapted for the Ceed, with the dashboard laid out horizontally for a more sculptural, seamless and slimline appearance. This design also creates greater space and a sense of openness for the front passenger, creating more room in the footwell and a clearer view ahead.

For all models, the dash is split into an upper area – for the ‘floating’ touchscreen infotainment system – and lower area, housing controls for audio and heating and ventilation. Driver-centric in its layout, the centre console is angled slightly towards the driver’s seat for ease of use on the move. The interior is finished in a higher proportion of sophisticated soft-touch materials throughout, subtly intensifying the refined and upscale ambience of the cabin. Surfaces are finished with metallic or satin chrome trim, with buyers able to choose from a range of cloth, faux-leather or genuine leather upholstery. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearstick are standard on all grades.

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2020 Kia Ceed Sportswagon – UK Version Front View 3/4

The new platform supports the Ceed Sportswagon’s more efficient packaging, with a more spacious cabin than before. The wider body creates greater shoulder room for rear passengers, while a lower seating position in the rear creates sufficient knee and leg room for passengers in the second row. Despite the lower roofline, the platform and lowered front seating position create greater front-row headroom than before (now 986mm). The lower rear bench also ensures similar levels of headroom for rear passengers.

While the Ceed Sportswagon five-door estate occupies a marginally larger on-road footprint to its predecessor, it boasts a larger 625-litre (VDA) boot – increased in size by 115-litres. The boot lip is also substantially lower than before – the lift-over height is reduced by 87mm compared to the outgoing cee’d, making it easier to load heavier items into the boot. A split-level boot floor allows owners to lower or raise the height of the boot floor, to accommodate larger cargo or create a hidden compartment beneath. By folding the 40:20:40 split rear seats down, the carrying capacity is extended to a class-leading 1,694-litres (VDS).

Grade ‘2’ and ‘2 Nav’ models feature black premium cloth seat upholstery, with grade ‘3’ versions boasting black cloth seat trim with black faux leather bolsters.

The fascia trim is either metallic effect on grade ‘2’ and ‘2 Nav’ or high-gloss black on all other versions, with satin chrome finish interior door handles for grade ‘3’ models. The headlining across the range is in light grey. All Ceed Sportswagon models feature a handy centre console armrest with storage box.

DYNAMICS

The Ceed Sportswagon has been engineered with European buyers in mind. Tested exhaustively on European roads – including the UK – Kia’s test tracks in Korea and at the infamous Nürburgring race circuit in Germany, the Kia Ceed Sportswagon will provide relaxed and safe family motoring and easy, economical long-distance motorway cruising for those who use their cars for business or travel.

The ride and handling characteristics of the new model have been tuned to elevate the car over its predecessor in terms of dynamism and driver engagement. At the same time, a focus throughout the new model’s development on eliminating noise and vibrations means the cabin of the Ceed Sportswagon is more refined than ever.

The new fully independent suspension system provides drivers with more agile and immediate handling responses, complemented by revised spring and damper rates. The ride has been developed on Europe’s wide variety of road surfaces, remaining comfortable while giving drivers the confidence of tighter body control under cornering and stability at higher speeds.

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The front springs are now 40 per cent stiffer and the torsional rigidity of the front stabiliser is reduced by 22 per cent. In addition to accommodating the lighter range of engines, these modifications enable more immediate handling responses and a flatter ride under cornering, reducing understeer and producing greater mechanical grip. The front suspension is aided by a new damper valve system to absorb smaller vibrations. Conversely, the rear spring rate has been relaxed by 10 per cent, absorbing small vibrations and giving the Ceed Sportswagon a relaxed gait at a cruise or over broken road surfaces. The adoption of a newly designed rear stabiliser, new trailing arm bushings, and optimised shock absorber bushings ensures maximum body control under cornering.

The Ceed Sportswagon features a 17 per cent more direct steering rack than its predecessor, with a 12.7:1 ratio from its electric motor-driven power steering system. Requiring just 2.44 turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock, the new model provides a more incisive response to drivers’ steering inputs.

Technology in the Ceed Sportswagon also plays a role in enhancing driver enjoyment, as well as safety. The front-wheel drive car features Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system as standard. This enables the inclusion of Torque Vectoring by Braking technology, an additional electronic driver support feature which intelligently brakes the inside wheels to reduce understeer around corners – making the Ceed Sportswagon more enjoyable and confidence-inspiring to drive.

Refinement and the suppression of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) was a principal focus during the Ceed Sportswagon’s development. Engineers analysed every element of cabin, engine and suspension insulation and ‘transfer paths’ for NVH. Compared to the outgoing cee’d, the new model features thicker, more insulating dashboard padding, new, more sound-absorbent insulation around the rear wheel arches, and a new insulation layer beneath the cabin carpet, reducing engine and road noise. Reshaped windscreen side mouldings and new, more comprehensive sealing around the doors have led to a reduction in wind noise. The Ceed Sportswagon is therefore quieter than its predecessor at every engine speed, with road noise at 37.5mph (60kph) reduced from 67.5 to 66.5dB. Wind noise is also reduced, with 63dB registering in the cabin at 68.75mph (110kph), compared to 64dB in the second-generation model.

The chassis and bodyshell also contribute to lower levels of vibration from poor road surfaces. A thicker rear crossmember and additional reinforcement beneath the rear cabin and boot floors reduce the effect of vibrations from the rear axle. New anti-vibration pads are also fitted to the upper cowl, at the base of the windshield, reducing the effect of engine vibrations on the cabin.

The Ceed Sportwagon’s 1.6-litre ‘U3’ diesel engine features a range of additional components designed to improve sound insulation and refinement. These include a timing belt cover and more insulated cylinder block cover, engine undercover, and oil pan cover.

ENGINES

To coincide with the introduction of the Ceed Sportswagon, Kia is adding all-new petrol and diesel engines to the line-up. The company’s 138bhp 1.4-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) power unit makes its debut in the Ceed and joins the 118bhp 1.0-litre T-GDi from its predecessor. A 7DCT (seven-speed auto Dual-Clutch Transmission) gearbox is available on all 1.4 T-GDi and 1.6 CRDi 114bhp models, alongside a six-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-litre T-GDi powerplant is available on ‘3’ grades.

An all-new 1.6-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine made its first appearance in the Ceed Sportswagon, before being rolled out to other models in the Kia range, including the Optima, Stonic and Sportage. Designed to go beyond the stricter limits laid down by the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard, the ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology to regulate emissions. The 114bhp 1.6-litre CRDi powerplants is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

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2020 Kia Ceed Sportswagon – UK Version Interior

The petrol engines

The trio of petrol engines are turbocharged direct-injection (T-GDi) units from Kia’s Kappa family. The 1.0-litre engine has been joined by an all-new 138bhp 1.4-litre version, replacing the 1.6 GDi unit used in the Ceed Sportwagon’s predecessor.

The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine fits in perfectly with Kia’s downsizing strategy by delivering exceptional power and torque from only three cylinders and a cubic capacity of just 998cc, thanks to turbocharging and direct injection. The T-GDi unit sprays a fine mist of fuel directly into the cylinders through a high-pressure (up to 200 bar) injection system, resulting in highly efficient combustion. Direct injection with turbocharging also helps to boost low-speed response and driveability.

The key targets were instantaneous response, high combustion efficiency and exemplary torque across a wide portion of the rev band. The 1.0-litre 12-valve T-GDi engine develops 118bhp at 6,000rpm and 172Nm of torque continuously from 1,500rpm to 4,000rpm, and features a number of innovative technical solutions. There are laser-drilled injectors with six holes laid out in a pyramid shape so that the fine mist of fuel is spread evenly throughout the cylinders. A straight air intake port ends in a sharp air intake throat, reducing air resistance at all stages of the process. This improves cylinder tumble flow for faster, more efficient combustion while suppressing engine knocking.

There is a single-scroll turbocharger paired with an electric wastegate motor. This improves turbocharger performance while scavenging clean air for the engine to re-use for combustion. At the same time, it allows the wastegate to open to improve the flow of spent exhaust gases. It is an innovative system which allows higher low-end torque, more immediate response at any throttle opening and improved fuel economy at high engine loads.

The engine is fitted with an integrated exhaust manifold in a one-piece casting, improving sealing, reducing weight and lowering exhaust gas temperatures. Lower temperatures result in cleaner emissions by allowing the catalytic converter to operate more effectively. Engine temperatures are closely regulated by a dual-thermostat split cooling system, which allows the block and cylinder heads to be cooled independently. The main thermostat controls the flow of coolant to the cylinder heads above 88ºC to reduce knocking, while the engine block thermostat shuts off coolant flow above 105ºC to reduce friction and improve efficiency.

There is continuously variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides, electronic throttle control and light, low-friction moving parts. The crankshaft is offset from the centre line to aid smoothness. As a result of these detailed engineering measures, the T-GDi engine exhibits minimal throttle lag – the delay between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering boost. The turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold.

For added durability, the cylinder block has been heat-treated and the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods have been strengthened.

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The 1.0 T-GDi engine accelerates the Ceed Sportswagon from standstill to 60mph in 10.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 118mph. CO₂ emissions are from 130g/km, depending on version, with up to 49.6mpg possible using the combined economy cycle.

An all-new ‘Kappa’ 1.4-litre T-GDi power unit replaces the earlier 1.6-litre GDi engine and produces 138bhp, four per cent more than its predecessor despite its lower displacement. The engine’s turbocharger ensures a wider torque band than the earlier 1.6-litre engine, making it more responsive in a wider range of driving conditions – while also reducing emissions. 242Nm torque is available from 1,500 to 3,200rpm, with emissions (WLTP) as low as 141g/km when fitted with manual gearbox. The seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission models emit 143g/km. Acceleration to 62mph is completed in just 8.8 seconds (9.1 seconds for DCT versions), with a top speed of 130mph for manual derivatives and 128mph on DCT versions.

Both 1.0- and 1.4-litre T-GDi engines are fitted with a gasoline particulate filter to further reduce tailpipe emissions, ensuring the Ceed Sportswagon goes beyond the requirements of the Euro 6d TEMP standard.

All-new ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine

The Ceed Sportswagon is also available with Kia’s all-new ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine. Designed to go beyond the stricter limits laid down by the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard, the 114bhp 1.6-litre CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology to regulate emissions. The 1.6-litre diesel powerplant produces 280Nm or 300Nm of torque when paired with manual or Dual-Clutch Transmissions respectively.

With a six-speed manual transmission, the 114bhp engine emits as little as 123g/km on ‘2’ and ‘2 Nav’ models. With a DCT gearbox, the engine manages just 131g/km.

The Ceed Sportswagon’s 1.6-litre ‘U3’ diesel engine features a range of components designed to improve sound insulation and refinement. These include a timing belt cover and more insulated cylinder block cover, engine undercover, and oil pan cover.

In early 2020, the Ceed family will be available with Kia’s all-new ‘EcoDynamics+’ 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, to further reduce CO₂ emissions. The ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery, while a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit extends engine ‘off time’ with a ‘Moving Stop & Start’ function. The technology makes its debut on the latest Sportage.

A plug-in hybrid version is available and offers a compelling alternative to conventional petrol and diesel models. The new powertrain combines an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, a 44.5kW electric motor, and an efficient 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder GDI (Gasoline Direct injection) engine. The powertrain’s total power and torque output is 139bhp (141ps) and 265Nm.

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2020 Kia Ceed Sportswagon – UK Version Side View

Transmissions

Apart from the 1.0-litre T-GDi and 1.6-litre T-GDi powerplants, where a six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, buyers of the Ceed Sportswagon have the option of a six-speed manual or Kia’s seven-speed auto dual-clutch (7-DCT) automatic transmission.

This transmission has been developed in-house with the aim of enhancing fuel efficiency while delivering the comfort and smoothness of a torque converter transmission in automatic mode with the sportiness of a manual when the driver chooses to take control of gear changes.

The manual gearboxes in the Ceed Sportswagon are six-speed units with a wide spread of ratios and long final drives to help bring down fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. They are light and compact with a short, slick shift.

Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG)
All versions of the Ceed Sportswagon are fitted with Kia’s Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) stop-start system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in traffic. As the name implies, this switches off the engine when the car comes to rest and the driver puts the gear stick into neutral and releases the clutch pedal, or brings the car to a stop with automatic transmission. The engine restarts instantly as soon as the clutch pedal is partially engaged again, or the driver releases the brake pedal in automatics. This feature means the car is not using fuel and no emissions are released when it is at rest.

ISG consists of crankshaft position, battery and vacuum sensors plus neutral, on-off and clutch switches that feed into an electronic control unit. This operates the ISG starter, intelligent alternator and cluster. The air conditioning units and bonnet switch also feed into the ISG ECU.

The crankshaft position sensor measures the crankshaft angle during engine run-out and monitors it while the vehicle is stopped, ensuring the starter is activated for as short a time as possible by optimising cranking and combustion. The battery sensor monitors battery condition and temperature, while the clutch and neutral switches recognise when drivers wish to continue driving and ensure the engine is started. There is a brake booster pressure sensor to make sure the engine continues to operate if brake boost falls too low.

A new heavy-duty maintenance-free Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery delivers the power necessary to run the system, and intelligent alternator management reduces drain on the battery while accelerating and recharges the battery during coasting and braking. The system has been engineered not to stop the engine during warm-up after a cold start or if the air conditioning is working hard. Drivers can also manually turn off ISG through a switch next to the gear stick.

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TECHNOLOGY

Innovation sits at the heart of the Kia Ceed Sportswagon, which will become one of the most high-tech cars in its class.

The cabin features a wide range of new technologies to enhance comfort and convenience for occupants. The ‘floating’ infotainment system is available as either an 8.0-inch touchscreen audio system or a 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, with navigation, UVO telematics and Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom®.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system available on grades ‘2 Nav’ and above features Bluetooth® multi-connection as standard, enabling occupants to connect two mobile devices at once, as well as Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. Its advanced split-screen functionality lets users control or monitor numerous vehicle features at the same time, customising the screen to display up to three applications simultaneously, among a series of available widgets. This enables the driver to have a single display (such as navigation) or combine different elements on-screen at the same time. This means the driver can follow navigation directions while passengers choose their favourite songs or check the weather forecast. An 8.0-inch audio display touchscreen system is standard on ‘2’ models, offering Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™ and infotainment functionalities. Android Auto™ is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. The Ceed’s Apple CarPlay™ system is compatible with the iPhone 5 and every iPhone released since.

UVO Connect links drivers to the world around by providing invaluable information via the in-car touchscreen and on their smartphone. Featuring Kia Live services and housed within the 10.25-inch TFT LCD widescreen, the system uses its own eSIM chip to retrieve and update live data during a drive. This includes live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking (including price, location and parking availability). The second element of the UVO Connect diagnostic data about owners’ cars and the trips they take, enables drivers to send route directions to their car before a journey, and enables them to check the location of their vehicle at any time.

A Drive Mode Select system on DCT versions will enable owners to tailor their driving experience, with Normal and Sport mode. Drivers can use Drive Mode Select to alter the level of effort required to steer the car, while each mode subtly changes the character of the engine. Normal mode maximises the potential for greater fuel efficiency and offers more relaxed steering inputs. Sport mode enhances throttle responses, enables faster acceleration – from a standstill and at speed – and adapts the steering to offer additional weight and more decisive responses to driver inputs.

On the outside, the Ceed Sportswagon is fitted with newly designed ‘ice cube’ style LED daytime running lights (DRL) as standard. Previously, these were only featured on Kia ‘GT’ and ‘GT Line’ models, embedded into the front bumper – the ‘ice cube’ DRLs are now integrated into the headlamp units on every model in the Ceed Sportswagon range.

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2020 Kia Ceed Sportswagon – UK Version Rear View 3/4

SAFETY

In addition to the car’s seven standard airbags, advanced driver assistance technologies further enhance occupant protection, using active safety systems to mitigate the risk of collisions. Standard safety technologies include High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist – City (FCA). Pedestrian and cyclist detection is available on all manual versions of the ‘3’ grades and upwards and as part of an optional Advanced Driving Assistance Pack (ADAP) on ‘2’, ‘2 Nav’ and DCT versions of ‘3’ specification.

Every Ceed Sportswagon is equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). VSM ensures stability when braking and cornering by controlling the car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if it detects a loss of traction.

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