2022 Kia Ceed gets sharp new look and improved tech

GT-Line S models are equipped with 18in alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, LED headlights, 10-way adjustable black leather and faux suede seats, heated rear seats, a smart tailgate, wireless phone charging and a premium eight-speaker JBL audio system. 

Capping off the Ceed range, the £30,280 Proceed GT is driven by a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine producing 201bhp, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. As well as all the equipment on the GT-Line model, the GT is fitted with 18in alloy wheels with red centre caps, a red insert on the front grille and rear diffuser, twin exhausts, red seat stitching and a digital ‘GT Performance’ instrument display.

The front has been heavily restyled, with the grille gaining a black gloss finish and satin chrome 'wings'. The headlight design has also been altered and GT-Line S and GT versions of the Proceed now carry daytime-running lights that also act as sequential indicators.

Meanwhile, the old Kia logo has been ditched in favour of the latest design, introduced earlier this year to mark a shift in the brand’s approach.

At the rear, the bumper has gained a glossy black diffuser, and GT-Line cars get a new tail-light made up of 48 honeycomb-shaped modules arranged into five rows, another example of several measures to make each trim level easier to distinguish. GT models have a variety of red accents for a sportier look.

Two new exterior colours - Orange Fusion and Machined Bronze - replace the current model’s Copper Stone option. Three new alloy wheel designs bring the total available to six: additions include 16in alloys in silver and glossy black, 17in items on GT-Line cars and 18in alloys with red accents on GT cars.

The interior options list has had a similar refresh, with four new upholstery finishes. Higher-spec cars get a 12.3in digital instrument cluster and a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen, each with high-resolution graphics.

The most significant changes have been made to the Ceed’s suite of safety systems. The blindspot warning system can now steer away from a crash if it detects that a collision is imminent, and the rear cross-traffic alert system can now step in with emergency braking if required.

The driver awareness warning has been improved with a visual cue on the Ceed’s screen, alerting drivers when the car ahead has moved off from a set of lights, and a safe-exit warning system can alert users to approaching traffic when they open the door.

The engine line-up is unchanged, with the 1.5-litre T-GDi engine having replaced the old 1.4-litre unit earlier this year. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and produces 158bhp. The 1.6-litre diesel versions of the Ceed develop 134bhp and are mild hybrid only.