If there ever was a Kia model that can compete with the Germans (as in with VW), the updated Cee'd GT Line has to be it. Today, the company announced three major changes it plans to debut in Geneva next month and they include a sporty body kit, a downsized turbo engine and a twin-clutch gearbox to match.
First of all, the Cee'd lineup of models (hatch, wagon and coupe) is now available with the GT Line body kit. In the time-honored tradition of combining cool looks with frugal engines, the kit emulates the range-topping GT version without you having to also deal with the 204 HP 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
As far as styling is concerned, the Cee'd GT Line's most distinguishable feature are the quad LED lights in the lower portion of the bumper. But you do also get 17-inch alloy wheels, beefed up body kits. Even dual exhaust tips are fitted to the car, which is total overkill for a three-cylinder engine.
We think the GT Line kit looks great, especially on the coupe model. Of course, there are differences that let people in the know see it for what it is. But Kia has done a much better job than Volkswagen because both interior and exterior changes are sold together and the no twin exhaust option has been fitted to the Golf.
Inside, the GT Line models get net grey, white & black upholstery finishes with grey stitching. The aluminum pedal set has also been installed, together with the sports steering wheel from the actual Cee'd GT.
A brand new 1-liter turbo engine has also been introduced across the Kia Cee'd range. It's a direct rival to the Ford EcoBoost system and pumps out a very respectable 120 PS and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque, which is more than all its class rivals.
Those looking to combine the GT Line body kit with a diesel engine will be pleased to know that because of that exhaust system we mentioned, output has increased from 128 PS and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) to 133 PS and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque.
Finally, there's the new 7-speed DCT or Double Clutch Transmission. We first saw it on the i30 facelift and later on the Veloster. For now, it's only available with the 133 PS diesel, where it promises to improve shift times and fuel economy when compared to the manual model. The gearbox was developed in-house and can hadle up to 300 Nm of torque. In addition drivers will notice a 5% drop in 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times.
As far as styling is concerned, the Cee'd GT Line's most distinguishable feature are the quad LED lights in the lower portion of the bumper. But you do also get 17-inch alloy wheels, beefed up body kits. Even dual exhaust tips are fitted to the car, which is total overkill for a three-cylinder engine.
We think the GT Line kit looks great, especially on the coupe model. Of course, there are differences that let people in the know see it for what it is. But Kia has done a much better job than Volkswagen because both interior and exterior changes are sold together and the no twin exhaust option has been fitted to the Golf.
Inside, the GT Line models get net grey, white & black upholstery finishes with grey stitching. The aluminum pedal set has also been installed, together with the sports steering wheel from the actual Cee'd GT.
A brand new 1-liter turbo engine has also been introduced across the Kia Cee'd range. It's a direct rival to the Ford EcoBoost system and pumps out a very respectable 120 PS and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque, which is more than all its class rivals.
Those looking to combine the GT Line body kit with a diesel engine will be pleased to know that because of that exhaust system we mentioned, output has increased from 128 PS and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) to 133 PS and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque.
Finally, there's the new 7-speed DCT or Double Clutch Transmission. We first saw it on the i30 facelift and later on the Veloster. For now, it's only available with the 133 PS diesel, where it promises to improve shift times and fuel economy when compared to the manual model. The gearbox was developed in-house and can hadle up to 300 Nm of torque. In addition drivers will notice a 5% drop in 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times.