The Kia Cee'd (with an apostrophe) was the car that put the Korean automaker where it belonged in Europe . With it, everyone understood that they weren't novices and that their goal was to become a worthy rival to, among others, Volkswagen. And time has not only proven them wrong, but the current Ceed (without the apostrophe) has become a genuine and clear sales success . However, the electrification of the automotive sector is putting an end to its existence…
Indeed, Kia is electrifying its lineup . And its future plans could clash with some of the models currently in its catalog. The reason lies not only in the need to update its powertrains with electric versions, but also in offering new names associated with them. And this is why the current Ceed's days could be numbered in favor of a new Kia EV3 . But do you want to know how that would happen…?
This hypothetical Kia EV3 would be in the same commercial segment as the Ceed and could hit the market in 2025...
If you cast your mind back a bit, you'll remember that the EV6 replaced the Stinger as Kia's flagship model . The brand's new electric vehicle has positioned itself very close to the Bavarian premium brands, and its executives haven't wanted to miss the opportunity to gain ground. Well, according to several sources, a Kia EV3 is on the way as soon as the brand's plans indicate it's ready. Not with that name, but as part of a broader offensive…
As you know, Kia plans to launch up to 15 new electric vehicles by 2027. Their strategy includes targeting segments such as compact cars, sedans, station wagons, and SUVs. It is believed that three of these will be destined for global markets as passenger vehicles . Furthermore, other sources, such as Automotive News, have reportedly discovered that one of these three will be a compact car that will be assembled in Europe.
Therefore, if this hypothetical Kia EV3 is a compact car, what would happen to the current Ceed? Here we enter murky territory, to say the least, because neither the brand nor any regional representative has indicated that the Ceed's days are numbered. However, it's no secret that the South Korean automaker and Hyundai are planning a rival to the ID.3, Cupra Born, and MG4 . Furthermore, all of this is expected to happen by 2025, in just two years.
What would the technique of this hypothetical EV3 be like…?
Given that Kia might be working on the EV3 to replace the Ceed, you might wonder what technology would power it. Well, for now, sources don't agree, as Kia's engineers, along with those from Hyundai, are working on a new modular platform for their future electric vehicles. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the EV3 would be based on the current E-GMP platform or the new eM platform that is under development.
The technical specifications of this latest version are still unknown, but they should be similar to those of the E-GMP. This means that the hypothetical EV3 could be equipped with one or two electric motors per axle, powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The power output of its possible versions is irrelevant, as a well-designed electric motor can offer high performance. What is certain is that its production will likely be cheaper.
In any case, if these sources are correct, the current Ceed has two or three years left on the market . And who knows, perhaps the now legendary name that propelled the South Korean company to the top in Europe will say goodbye with it…
Source – Drive
