Spyshots: 2016 Kia Cee'd Facelift First Photos

Our spy photographers stationed in Northern Sweden have managed to snap the verst photos of the Cee'd facelift, likely to debut at the end of this year or in early 2016. Currently, the Korean hatchback is undergoing winter testing in some of the harshest conditions mother nature can throw at it.

So what's different?

Cosmetically, the updates will target the front grille, headlights and lower front bumper. The idea seems to be to give the Cee'd more sporty character as standard, not just as a hot hatch model (called Pro_Cee'd GT).

For now, we only have photos of the 5-door body style, but the new Kia design direction is likely to influence the Pro_Cee'd coupe and the station wagon models as well.

Enhanced engine range: first turbo

Just like the new Hyundai i30, Kia will have to give its hatchback Euro 6 compliant engines. These have already been developed and will have outputs ranging from 100 to 186 PS. Buyers will be tempted by the two diesel engines, both 1.6-liter units with outputs of 110 or 136 PS.

The 1.4-liter Gamma base engine will be replaced by a newly developed Kappa unit. The block has been made lighter by 14 kilograms and thanks to better thermal management, fuel efficiency will be up by almost 10%.

We have no official confirmation of this yet, but a downsized turbo is likely to be offered, competing with the 1-liter EcoBoost versions of the Ford Focus. Kia's engine is also a 1-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that should deliver around 110 to 120 horsepower.

7-speed twin-clutch gearbox coming to Kia Cee'd range

Many of the engines available are likely to be fitted with a new 7-speed DCT or double clutch transmission, developed by the Koreans. It will be available with both diesels, allowing for a torque boost from 280 to 300 Newton meters. This option replaces the previous compact, conventional six-speed torque-converter automatic and it will deliver greater fuel efficiency while at the same time increasing acceleration, just like the DSG on a VW Golf.