Test Kia Cee'd 2015, new three-cylinder mechanics and dual-clutch automatic gearbox

Kia has given its compact car, the 2015 Kia Cee'd, a mid-cycle facelift . This update includes subtle but noticeable aesthetic changes, as well as new equipment, enhanced connectivity, and a new range of Euro 6 compliant engines, most notably the new 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine available in two power outputs. It is now available at dealerships.

We traveled to Alicante to test the new 2015 Kia Cee'd, or rather its entire range, which now includes the 5-door Cee'd, the 3-door Pro Cee'd, and the Cee'd SW estate. We were able to test it with the new 136-horsepower diesel engine with a manual transmission, as well as the same engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and the new three-cylinder gasoline engine.

Aesthetic enhancements

Kia has been understated when it comes to giving its Cee'd a facelift. There aren't too many aesthetic changes at first glance, but enough to make it a more attractive car. We're talking about subtle modifications to the bumpers and lights, now featuring LED signature lighting in the taillights depending on the version.

But the most interesting addition comes with a new GT Line trim . As the name suggests, it's a trim based on the sporty GT models, a more dynamic style that will delight those who wanted a Cee'd but didn't find it quite right. This is solved with a very well-executed styling kit that adds a new front bumper with 4-point LED daytime running lights , side skirts, alloy wheels, and a rear bumper with a diffuser and two functional exhaust outlets . In the case of the estate version, the exhaust pipes are located to one side, and it features a different diffuser and LED taillights.

The result is a sportier car, very similar to the genuine GT models. In fact, the 5-door Cee'd GT isn't sold in Spain, but the GT Line's rear end is a carbon copy, so now we do have a 5-door hatchback with an aggressive look. However, it's only available with the most powerful engines . Inside, there's less to discuss at first glance, with superficial details and, depending on the version, a partially digital instrument cluster.

More equipment and connectivity

The updated 2015 Kia Cee'd also debuts new equipment to make it more technologically competitive. Depending on the trim level and options, you can equip your car with systems like traffic sign recognition . But the new multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen is one of the compact car's biggest highlights.

In addition to a new system, it also introduces new features, such as a TomTom navigation system that benefits from the same 7-year map update guarantee that Kia already offers on its cars. Connectivity is another key feature with Kia Connected Services , which provides access to local searches, weather, and real-time traffic information.

New 1.6 CRDI with 136 hp

Kia, in order to update its engine range to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, has introduced the new 1.6 CRDI engine with 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque for its Cee'd. This engine is gradually being rolled out across the manufacturer's lineup and is an upgrade over its predecessor, which produced less power at 128 horsepower. It is the most powerful diesel option, surpassing the 90 and 110 horsepower CRDI engines.

Kia claims to have worked internally on the engine block with a new high-pressure injection system and reduced internal friction. The improvement in fuel consumption is noticeable, with a homologated average of 4 l/100 km , and it's surprising that it doesn't come with a Stop/Start system. In our test, obtaining reliable results was difficult, but it doesn't seem like it would have been hard to achieve around 5,5 l/100 km in mixed driving.

Its operation is smooth and extremely linear . There's no jolt or abruptness, which, on the one hand, enhances the feeling of comfort, but on the other, doesn't showcase its true power. It moves the car well, and it's worth keeping the revs above 1.500 rpm, when it starts delivering its full torque. In terms of refinement, it's quite smooth , and there are no vibrations or annoying noises at any time.

The gearbox has long ratios to improve fuel economy, but the shifter is pleasant and precise. Kia says it has worked on parts of the chassis to improve smoothness and comfort. Thanks to a hollow stabilizer bar and other updates, the car is firmer but not less comfortable , more in line with European tastes. In fact, body roll is neither excessive nor bothersome. The steering has also been improved and is more direct, with three modes. I wouldn't mind a touch more weight in Sport mode , although the feedback provided to the hands is rather limited, as is often the case.

New dual-clutch automatic gearbox

Another new feature in the 2015 Kia Cee'd range is the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission . Finally, a transmission that rivals its European competitors has arrived, and it's entirely developed in-house. For now, it's only available with the 136-horsepower diesel engine, but we expect it to be offered in more models and with different engines in the future.

It's not the fastest dual-clutch transmission, but it seems Kia has prioritized efficiency and smoothness over speed. And they couldn't have made a better choice. It remains a quick and efficient transmission, but its smoothness is also among the best in its class. And there are several noteworthy points.

The first thing to note is the acceleration from a standstill. Dual-clutch transmissions are somewhat abrupt, something that doesn't happen with this Kia DCT. We do miss the initial movement of the car when releasing the brake in Drive or Reverse. On the other hand, the transmission's responsiveness to our commands is remarkable. At a certain speed, in a higher gear to reduce fuel consumption, a little more acceleration is enough for the transmission to downshift one or two gears. There's no need to floor the accelerator, and the shift decision always seems quite accurate . That said, there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, but no Sport mode to offer a more responsive automatic response.

New 1.0 T-GDI three-cylinder engine

Kia is switching to three-cylinder engines, starting with a 1.0 T-GDI engine offered in two power levels: 100 and 120 horsepower . Its compact car receives both versions, leaving the 1.4-liter 100-horsepower engine as an option still available in the lineup, pending sales figures for the 1.0-liter. The new engine is slightly more expensive, but its fuel consumption, emissions, and acceleration are clearly superior.

Once underway, its smooth operation is immediately apparent . The engine exhibits minimal vibration, and the sound is unobtrusive unless driven at high revs. One particularly noteworthy feature is the Stop/Start system , which is quite quick but, above all, manages to be virtually imperceptible when stopping and starting.

Under normal conditions, it doesn't suffer from excessive low-end torque, and we can cruise below 2.500 rpm without noticing a lack of power. It's when we need more responsiveness that it's advisable to push the revs above 3.000 rpm. Within that operating range, I did notice a slight turbo lag , something we solved by downshifting for faster acceleration.

We tested this engine in its 120-horsepower configuration, and on a route that included both city driving and a fair amount of highway driving, the average fuel consumption was around 5,7 l/100 km. Again, this figure isn't entirely reliable in this type of presentation, but it promises low fuel consumption, while the performance response is frankly positive.

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