The Cee’d 1.6 T-GDi GT is the car with which Kia are looking to establish their reputation for producing a hot hatch that combines practically with speed including a generous helping of standard equipment along the way.
With it’s 1591cc, turbocharged, Gamma direct injection Petrol engine, the Cee’d GT produces 201bhp and 195 Ib/ft torque at 6000rpm and 1500-4500rpm respectively. Figures which allow the Kia to achieve 0-60mph in 7.3s and a top speed of 143mph.
‘Real life’ motoring performance is enhanced with peak torque being available from 1500rpm rather than the 1750rpm of the preceding model which gives the GT superb all round acceleration figures of 37-60mph in fourth gear of 5.4s and from 50-75mph in fifth gear of 7.3s and all whilst delivering a claimed combined mpg of 38.2. Powerful and economical, a difficult trick to pull off.
With sports tuned suspension, all round disc brakes enlarged from 16″ to 17″ at the front and steering that allows you to place the GT exactly where you want it, this is truly a GT car to enjoy. The suspension performance allows the Kia to isolate you from the imperfections of the surface, providing a surprising level of comfort and find grip wherever it may be, meaning that you can feel exactly what the front wheels are doing at any one moment, especially useful as the GT launches itself through the next enticing set of bends.
Looks-wise, the Kia is definitely a success. Keeping the practical features securely in place such as easy access and an excellent boot, the Cee’d features body coloured bumpers, handles and mirrors, de-rigour privacy glass and distinctive signature LED rear tail lights and yet it’s the additional features that the GT offers that really help this particular Kia step up and spar with its rivals.
Kia’s exterior pack comprises of striking red brake calipers, black lower grill with red trim, dual exhausts, graphite chrome grill surround, black high gloss mesh, side sill mouldings and those stunning and unique ‘ice cube’ LED daytime running lights combine to present an aggressive and distinctive look that you can’t help but stop and stare.
A cabin that provides all the usual technology is welcome, including DAB radio, Sat Nav, Bluetooth® with voice recognition and music streaming, USB & AUX ports, reversing sensors and trip computer and the car’s external styling tweaks are also repeated inside with sporting Recaro® front seats, a leather trimmed D-shaped sports steering wheel and stainless steel pedals. It’s a great place to spend time in.
Overall, this is a deeply impressive car and one that really works alongside the underlying ‘real life’ motoring vibe of www.motormartin.com. It is comfortable, practical, well specified and more than powerful enough to provide excitement on the daily commute and trips further afield. And yet there’s that GT button that once pressed, gives this GT character and aggression aplenty and turns the car into a visceral experience worthy of that GT badge on the front grill.
Like it? I loved it and so will you.
Where will you go?