22.5.2012 New Kia cee'd returns over 76 mpg

The all-new second generation Kia cee'd goes on sale in the UK on 1st June, which will enter the family car market with CO2 emissions from just 97 g/km.

With several enhancements and refinements to improve efficiency as well as driveability, the cee'd will be offered with a competitive on the road price of £14,395.

The new cee'd raises the benchmark for fuel-efficiency in its class, with average fuel consumption reductions of 4% and CO2 emissions down to 97g/km for the 1.6-litre diesel model. Four engines are available at launch – 1.4- and 1.6-litre diesels from Kia's U2 family and petrol engines of similar capacity from the Gamma range.

All 1.6-litre manual versions of the cee'd are equipped with ISG (Intelligent Stop & Go), Kia's engine start-stop system which is a major contributor to the efficiency improvements of the new range.

The 1.6-litre diesel with ISG has a combined cycle potential fuel economy of over 76 mpg, depending on the wheel and tyre combination. The 1.6-litre diesel develops 126 bhp and 260 Nm of torque – figures which promise outstanding driveability in the conditions faced by Europeans on a daily basis. It is available with a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox in place of the standard six-speed manual.

The 1.4-litre units also deliver a strong balance of flexible performance and low fuel consumption, even without the aid of ISG. The petrol version develops 98bhp and 137Nm of torque and is capable of more than 47 mpg, with CO2 emissions from 139 g/km. The diesel, with 89 bhp and 220 Nm, manages almost 69 mpg, with CO2emissions down to 109 g/km.

The aerodynamics have been improved so that the new cee'd cuts through the air more efficiently at speed. The co-efficient of drag (Cd) of the new cee'd is 0.30 – even a tiny improvement in Cd brings measurable benefits in fuel economy. Kia aerodynamicists spent more than 100 hours in the wind tunnel at the company's research and development centre at Namyang, in Korea, honing tiny details in body shape.

An electronic parking brake, a heated steering wheel, automatic lights and wipers, larger vents to deliver more air to the rear footwells, dual-zone automatic air conditioning – with soft and fast air-flow modes, 10-way adjustable driver's memory seat and electric lumbar support are all features new to the cee'd range.

The new cee'd is available in five trim grades – named '1', '2', '3' and '4' in the now-customary Kia UK fashion – with the option of a '4 Tech' version of cee'd '4'. All feature a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted controls, front electric windows, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a cooled glovebox, a flat-folding 60:40 split rear seat, an iPod-compatible audio system with radio and CD player, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, six airbags and speed-sensitive auto door locking.

The new cee'd will offer an affordable family car with low running costs if a more efficient model is chosen. The sub 100 gCO2/km versions will mean free VED road tax and congestion charge in London. The first models will be in Kia showrooms from June 1st.

Newspress