The Kia Cee’d becomes the Kia Ceed

To coincide with the launch of its all-new C-segment hatchback, Kia has wisely dropped the superfluous apostrophe from the car’s inherited name. So the third-generation model – which will be officially unveiled at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show – is called Ceed rather than Cee’d.

The styling is “mature and athletic” according to Kia. ‘Unremarkable and inoffensive’ could equally describe the rather plain design.

Kia Ceed Hatchback (2018) Front Side

Inside, the cabin is claimed to be more ergonomic than before, plus soft-touch materials are used extensively to create a better ambience. A particularly noticeable element is the ‘floating’ infotainment touchscreen that dominates the slimmed-down dashboard.

As expected, there’s a selection of petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 98 bhp (73 kW / 100 PS) to 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS). While all are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, a couple of them can be ordered with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead.

Given the Ceed’s likely audience, the presence of Drive Mode Select is perhaps surprising. This device offers a choice of ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ settings that adjust the throttle response and steering feel.

Other available technologies include Smart Parking Assist, a heated windscreen, wireless phone charging, heated seats front and rear, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

However, the most intriguing innovation is undoubtedly Lane Following Assist. A ‘level two’ autonomous driving ability allows the system to control steering, acceleration and braking inputs to stay within road markings and maintain a safe following distance. Additionally, Lane Following Assist can identify when other traffic lanes are making quicker progress and then decide whether or not to move into them.

Like its predecessors, the latest Ceed is going to be manufactured in Slovakia. Deliveries in left-hand-drive European markets are due to begin in June, but on-sale dates for the UK and Ireland have yet to be confirmed.

Kia Ceed Hatchback (2018) DashboardKia Ceed Hatchback (2018) Side

Kia Ceed Hatchback (2018) Rear SideKia Ceed Hatchback (2018) Interior

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