Kia Ceed 2022 In-Depth Review - Better than the Focus?

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This improved version of Kia's third-generation Ceed has further sharpened its proposition in the Focus-class family hatchback segment, with smarter looks, extra technology and stronger standards of safety equipment. As before, value continues as a strong suit and there's an industry-leading warranty. Potentially then, there's a lot to like here.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:34 Background
03:52 Driving Experience
11:35 Design & Build
25:42 Market & Model Range
39:40 Cost of Ownership
44:17 Summary
Background
If you want to better appreciate just why Kia is one of the world's fastest growing automotive brands, you've only to look at this car, the Ceed family hatchback. The Slovakian factory that builds it only opened its doors in 2006 yet already, way over a million Ceed models have been built.
Automotive historians will look back at the original version of this car (then badged 'cee'd') as a landmark design, the first to take on the European and Japanese market leaders on their own terms in the volume Focus and Golf-dominated Family Hatchback sector. Built in the heart of Europe, it was targeted at the heart of the European motor industry, hence the unusual name, a combination of the French abbreviation for European Community (CE) and this car's project title (ED). It shamed the established players by matching their quality while massively undercutting their prices and offering an astonishingly long 7-year warranty. But times change - and so do market segments. So in 2018, Kia re-designed this MK3 'CD'-series model with a more athletic look and added more efficient engines and extra technology. Then enhanced the whole package three years on, creating the car we're going to look at here.
Driving Experience
A few things are new beneath the bonnet. For the petrol line-up, the previous 1.4 T-GDi unit is replaced by a cleaner 1.5 T-GDi engine offering a bit more power (158bhp) and paired to either 6-speed manual transmission or a '7DCT' dual-clutch auto. The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel got Kia's 48V mild hybrid tech towards the end of the pre-facelift MK3 model's production run and now Kia has paired this 134bhp unit with their latest 'iMT' manual transmission. This 'clutch-by-wire' system contributes to the MHEV system's enhanced fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual gearbox. A '7DCT' auto is again optional. As before, most sales will be of the 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol three cylinder powerplant, with its manual gearbox and 118bhp output.
Not too much has changed dynamically, but not too much needed to, Kia having benchmarked the family hatch class leaders when this MK3 Ceed was first introduced back in 2018. As before, its fully-independent suspension system is much more sophisticated than the cruder torsion beam arrangement you get on cheaper Golf and Focus models and aims to provide drivers with more agile and immediate handling responses, complemented by carefully chosen spring and damper rates and quite a fast steering rack. The ride has been developed on Europe's wide variety of road surfaces, remaining comfortable while giving drivers the confidence of tighter body control under cornering and stability at higher speeds. Some of this tuning happened in the UK to ensure the Ceed performs well on our unique roads.
Design and Build
As before, there's a choice of five-door hatchback, Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake body styles. Facelifts are usually about a bit of a nip and tuck, but this one sees a completely redesigned front end, with smarter headlamps flanking a 'tiger nose' front grille upgraded to a black gloss finish with satin chrome highlights. Even more overt are the two large side air intakes shooting through the front bumper, creating a sportier look. At the rear, the surface between the LED combi lamps has been smoothed out to accommodate the company's latest brand emblem. And a glossy black diffuser has been added to the sportier rear bumper.
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#KiaCeed #NewKiaCeed #KiaCeedReview

[@TorstenBioMedic]

I'm on my 3rd Kia, I have had other makes, but always go back to Kia. Quality, warranty and value for money in my opinion, you can't beat it.

[@tara123tara]

Now this is what I call a detailed review!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching Kiril! Glad you enjoyed the review. Make sure to subscribe to keep up-to-date with our latest reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@markiebud247]

I have both, A new Focus STLine and New ProCeed GTlineS, and the Ceed is the one I will jump in more often than the Focus. Not to say the Focus is not as good, I just personally find the Ceed a nicer place to be and more relaxed.

[@zlac]

isn't ProCeed a completely different car than normal Ceed?

[@cchristoff]

Bought the 2019 year model some time ago. Multi-link rear suspension, 7-year warranty, 4 cyl engine (1.4 T-GDI) all for the price of an equivalent 3-cyl Golf or Focus. Unless you are brainwashed VW fan there is no point buying anything else. Yes, the Ceed is boring to drive. If you want more excitement go spend 2 times more on a BMW 3-series or a Golf GTI.

[@manjot1]

I'm going from a BMW 340i 66 plate with a remap taking it to 455hp to now a Kia Ceed SW 2020 plate. I'm looking forward to the new journey. It will be cheaper with petrol, insurance, road tax, servicing and lower maintenance. My wife and I also got a Hyundai i30 and when my kid is older I will probably replace the i30 with another powerful BMW down the line

[@lenas84]

I have new proceed gt, 204hp, it is amazing car, absolutely perfect car for that money (32000 euros in croatia with full options). I will never understand why would anyone buy aything else despite proceed gt

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Sanel! Fantastic to hear about your new Kia ProCeed GT 👍

[@mikeyellow]

I absolutely love this review. It’s long but you are showing everything. I’ve purchased GT line model 2022 and I’ve had just test drive without showing me many things that you showed in your video. Great car. I went for blue flame 🔥😍

[@rossmackay3007]

I’ve ordered exactly the same last week and was told 16 weeks wait - what’s the wait for yourself if you don’t mind me asking?

[@StanislavGrabchev]

@@rossmackay3007 4 months for me left from February

[@rossmackay3007]

@@StanislavGrabchev that’s a long wait - auto gearbox by any chance?

[@rayfordham9230]

I've Had a 1.4 petrol Rio for the last 10 years ( not fast ) but I think the engine is noticeably more refined sounding than a friends 2 year old Focus and her daughter's virtually new Puma, even in the back of the Puma the engine was surprisingly noisy. I've had 1 problem with the Rio, an intermittent door opening switch inside and after a phone call to the dealer it was fixed the same day. So going by 10 years worth of KIA service I would have a CEED in a heartbeat if I could afford it, I can't help feeling you would probably be more liable to make more use of the Ford 3 year warranty than KIAs 7, personal opinion. Good review well done, very comprehensive thanks.

[@loneridar]

Best car review I've ever watched. Well done.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Very kind of you to say! For more in-depth reviews, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@wozzat50]

former st owner. I Picked up my ceed last week. Great car all round. I recommend 100%.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great choice! What made you go with the Ceed?

[@wozzat50]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply it's a nice looking small car for around the city ,with ample space inside and great fuel economy. very good price tag also and kia's 7-year warranty.

[@CiarayBoyDJ]

The problem with Kia & Hyundai's "generous" warranty: everything that will go wrong is covered to a maximum of 50k. And nothing that will go wrong is covered to 100k. So it's no better or worse than a standard 3 year, 60k, just pitched differently for people who know nothing about cars and will fall for this very clever sales pitch!

[@paalosordoni7932]

I am picking up my KIA Ceed Diesel Hatchback 1.6 CRDI 48V ISG 2 NAV 5DR on Thursday its done 19000 miles , 71 plate, i chose this over a brand new SKODA Scala 1.0 TSI 110 SE 5dr Petrol Hatchback, the price was the same but a few things swung it for me with the creed, 20,000 miles bettween services, Skoda was 10,000 , 62mpg to 52 mpg in favor of the Ceed, ( petrol is cheaper though) Skoda Scala 60,000 and three years warranty, the Ceed even though used still over 80,000 miles and 5 years warranty left, i will cover a lot of miles, hope ive made the right choice.

[@axelfriedrich4482]

I now have an Opel astra sportswagon 1.9 cdti, with lowered suspension, 6-speed sports transmission and cornering lights, a real "Butler Parker car". Unfortunately it's time to part with him, but I hope that the KIA has a little bit of him.😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@bangdangough7948]

I own a KIA Ceed SW GT-Line 1.5T since last year february. Very nice car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Nice choice! What made you go with this model?

[@bangdangough7948]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply thanks. I also own a hatchback of the previous generation, which never let me down. I think this was one important reason for the buy. And, I think, I like how they drive and feel. Thank you for the video BTW.

[@alunwall8163]

Me an my partner bought kia ceed with 1.5 turbo engine not one problem with it Nice to drive done nearly 6k in 4 months an I could drive it to the moon an back it's that good..would avoid the 1.0 engine though.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's brilliant to hear Alun, thanks for sharing! What made you choose the Ceed to begin with?

[@ladalout245]

I bought a 22 plate 1.5 GT Line recently and am very impressed with the build quality, feelsome steering, great ride quality/handling and fuel economy. However, the throttle response is awful, being prone to surging during gear changes at lowish revs and easily stalled. Lots to like about this car but alas the Leon FR it's replacing drives a lot better and the VW group TSI engine is a lot smoother and sweeter...

[@zlac]

Why would you avoid the 1.0 engine (for someone that doesn't need the extra power)?

[@jazzip2989]

this is a beautiful affordable car...I would take Kia any day and everyday over a FORD...the so call uk best drivers car...well done Kia. thanks for all the extras without burner holes in our pockets ☝️☝️☝️

[@tristanyoung1247]

kias and hyundai s are like wine, thet get better with age.

[@andrewpattie358]

I have the new proceed gt it's it's excellent 👌

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Greta to hear you're enjoying our ProCeed GT, Andrew! What made you choose this model?

[@Mg-bg7ex]

Ive driven ceeds for around 7 years as company cars and i have to say i had a focus for 6 months in that time last year the focus is miles better to drive, its much quieter and refined and the drivers seat is a million times more comfortable on long drives The driving position in the ceed is awful, i feel exhausted after spending a day in the ceed but feel totaly awake after a day in the focus 🤷 my back aches so bad in the ceed not a single ache in the focus. I did 20k miles in the focus over 6 months and miss it

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hello 👋 Thank you for sharing your honest experience with the KIA Ceed 👍

[@ericharvey9456]

So you can have any extra that takes your fancy. But is there room for a spare under the complicated internal boot floor on the estate version ? Haven't Kia heard of Britains ever expanding pothole problem ?

[@mohamedmazen983]

How much?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Mohamed, the Ceed starts from around £24,000. If you'd like to explore lease deals with our team of vehicle experts, give us a call on 01903 538835 or click here to book a call at a convenient time - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Yes much better. Stronger more reliable engine in the Kia. Ecoboost engines best avoided.

[@slugger7440]

Not got time to watch this yet but I hope there is a GT Line S trim like in the Proceed otherwise wouldn't touch it with a barge pole

[@richardcollier4882]

Anyone else notice that these videos are always geared towards the positive? Recon these are sold to media outlets that have sponsors so they can’t really say what they think 😂

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Richard, we pride ourselves on our impartial, comprehensive vehicle reviews that help viewers make their all-important purchasing decisions. We say what we think.

[@hinson0801]

The new Ceed does not come with AT in the UK... what a shame, it's 2022.

[@kevinparr4823]

As of 1/4/2022 ford no longer list new focus on their website 😂😂😂 so yes the Kia ceed IS better than a ford focus 😂

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Interested in getting the Ceed, Kevin?

[@kevinparr4823]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply nope sorry if anything my next car will be a Hyundai i20N .. just odd that there's no new focusessys for sale

[@rol1517]

Defo trading my golf for one of these . VW is so boring with their soulless non-human ID range .. killing off the legendary golf for a hideous id3 . 🤔😂 nah

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Turned off immediately by the lack of LED head lights & that manual handbrake. No self charging hybrid engines.

[@markiebud247]

If you get Proceed GTlineS , it has full digital dash, electric handbrake, full led headlights, only mild hybrid though.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Prefer manual handbrake. Feel more in control and less to go wrong

[@Brian-om2hh]

There won't be any new hybrids anyway in just a few years. Most car makers will cease producing anything that uses fossil fuel and emits pollution.... Euro 7 emissions laws will kill off any new ICE engines from 2025 onwards.....

[@rayfordham9230]

@@bondjamesbond9041 Exactly

[@rayfordham9230]

Oh Dear you are easily led.