If we except the original ProCeed version, a unique shooting brake in the general compact category, the Kia Ceed has all the makings of a very, even too, wise sedan. A sober design meant to appeal to as many people as possible, sensible road handling, mechanics which are just as simple (the current generation has never offered more than the 204 hp of the defunct GT variant), an interior presentation without extravagance… If there were a whole bunch of good reasons to opt for this Korean girl, crush probably wasn’t one of them.
The next generation, which is expected to be revealed in early 2025, has clearly been tasked with erasing most of these criticisms. Do not see this as the official path of Kia Europe, the only subsidiary of the manufacturer to distribute the Ceed, but as the conclusions that we can draw from our first meeting with the K4. Because under this barbaric name hides the new compact sedan from Kia North America, a very, very close cousin of “our” next Ceed.
Not just a physique
The first thing that strikes you when discovering the K4 is the originality of its design. Certainly, with the recent restyled versions of the Picanto, Sorento and Sportage, Kia clearly let us understand that the original lines would no longer be reserved for electric vehicles. But the designers have pushed the envelope very far here. PTo extrapolate the future Ceed from this K4, we must however imagine that the three-body profile will obviously give way to a hatchback cut, as is the case with almost all of the compacts sold in Europe. But the plunging profile, the front and rear lights with an original design and the specific quarter window should signify the next Ceed. We could fall in love with the lines of the Ceed… but also hate it for the same reasons.
On the other hand, the interior atmosphere is less divisive. Those familiar with the brand’s recent creations will thus find themselves on familiar ground. Like many of its competitors, Kia is, in fact, a fan of the dual screen attached. A provision inaugurated, remember, by Mercedes on its 2016 E-Class. Facing the driver, we find a 12.3″ diagonal panel which contains the information essential to driving. Naturally customizable, it has revised and more modern graphics than those to which Kia had accustomed us until now.
On its right is another 12.3″ touch screen, this one allowing you to control all the entertainment functions or make certain adjustments, such as disconnecting the driving aids. Faithful to its precepts, the brand has however retained some physical controls, notably for the air conditioning settings. Note that information concerning air conditioning (temperature, air flow, etc.) is displayed between the instrument cluster and the infotainment device. An unusual and impractical location since most drivers will not have this information in their direct line of sight.
Almost exclusively intended for the North American market, the K4 has given in to the madness of grandeur which affects almost all aspects of this region of the world. With its length of 4.70 m, it no longer has much, in our European eyes, of a compact sedan. But if we take into account that the next Ceed will remain a hatchback-type two-box sedan, we can reasonably think that it will lose around twenty centimeters. At approximately 4.50 m long, it would nonetheless remain one of the most imposing representatives of its category.
On the other hand, “our” Kia should retain the XXL wheelbase of its American cousin. It displays, in fact, a dimension of 2.72 m on this item, or 5 to 10 cm more than the main European compacts. This explains why the bench seat is so welcoming for adults. However, it will be necessary to deal, at the rear but also at the front, with a “legs extended” position, the seat base being located particularly low. This will not suit everyone, especially the person who will sit behind the wheel.
Even if it does not allow us to accurately predict the data which will concern the next Ceed, the trunk volume turns out to be quite disappointing on the K4. Kia announces, in fact, 413 l. For comparison, the only three-body compact European sedans, namely the Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes A-Class Sedan, promise 425 l and 395 l respectively. Logically, the Ceed 2025 should do a little less well.
On the other hand, we can legitimately expect that the quality of finish will improve significantly compared to what we were able to observe in our test model. However, for a model sold in the United States as an entry level, the K4 turns out to be very neat, particularly with regard to the furniture assemblies. However, certain materials, such as the plastics used for the storm doors, are not at the level of the compacts sold on our continent. We can therefore hope that Kia Europe will correct the situation on this point.
In the United States, the K4 is sold with two engines. Devoid of any hybridization device, even slight, there is no chance of seeing them cross the Atlantic to install themselves under the hood of the next Ceed. As for the basic unit, a 2.0 naturally aspirated 147 hp coupled to a CVT type gearbox, there are probably no regrets. On the other hand, the unit that we were able to test, a 1.6 Turbo of 190 hp married to an automatic transmission with torque converter and 8 speeds, proved worthy of interest. Supple and nervous, it gives the K4 an ounce of dynamism which corresponds perfectly to what the lines promise. As for the transmission, it is almost as responsive as a robotic double-clutch element.
If what is in the engine compartment of the K4 interests us little, on the other hand, what is under this Kia tells us a lot more about the future Ceed since these two models will share the same platform. And that’s excellent news! After putting the K4 to the test in the city, on the highway, but also on mountain roads, we can only conclude that the base is very successful. Driven like a good father, the K4 indeed revealed a most neutral behavior, and therefore perfectly reassuring. But the real surprises came when we pushed it to its limits. In this scenario, the car never proved to be tricky, responding perfectly to the driver’s commands. As for the bite of the front axle, it is one of the best surprises of this test. And while the Kia’s electric steering systems are generally a little vague, that of the K4 is very precise and ideally firm. With the same settings, the next generation of Ceed could easily come and tickle a benchmark such as the Peugeot 308. Nothing less.
Especially since, in terms of comfort, the results are also very honorable despite the presence, on our example, of 18″ rims dressed in 235/40. To make a definitive judgment on this point, we will still need to test this Kia on tarmac in poor condition, our test having taken place exclusively on axes as smooth as a billiard table.
A taste that makes you want to eat
If, until now, the Ceed – Cee’d during its first two lives – has been less than enthusiastic, the 2025 generation seems to have everything in hand to change that. This is, in any case, the conclusion that we can draw from the few hours spent in the company of its American cousin, the K4. The only real unknown concerning the European opus remains the choice of engines. Given the current range, made up of petrol and plug-in hybrid units developing from 100 to 141 hp, we can only fear the lack of an engine allowing to highlight the qualities of the chassis.
Photo credit: Cédric Morançais / Kia
