This is the first of Kia's upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe, and will be available with a choice of two power outputs. In its basic state, the new engine produces 100 ps and 172 Nm torque, while the higher powered 1.0-litre T-GDI produces 120 ps and the same 172 Nm torque.
The maximum engine torque is available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, making it an incredibly flexible engine under all driving conditions. Pending homologation later this year, both 100 ps and 120 ps are expected to deliver the lowest CO2 emissions of any gasoline-engined cee'd to date.
The diesel cee'd continues to be a popular choice for European buyers, and the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine has also been upgraded for its application in the new model. A new high-pressure injection system and continuously-controlled variable oil pump reduce friction losses in the engine, with the lower powered 110 ps version available across both the standard cee'd and new GT Line range. CO2 emissions fall to 102 g/km, or just 94 g/km when fitted with Kia ISG (Idle Stop/Go).
Available with both the enhanced cee'd range and the new GT Line variant, the higher powered 1.6 CRDi engine now produces 136 ps (up from 128 ps), and 285 Nm torque (improved from 265 Nm). With the small increase in performance, the engine's full torque is now available from just 1,500 (down from 1,900, when equipped with a manual transmission), resulting in more effortless acceleration under all conditions.
The Kia cee'd will continue to be offered with the 128 ps 1.6-litre GDI and 100 ps 1.4-litre MPI (multi-point injection) gasoline engines, as well as the popular 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine, all of which now also meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.
All-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission
The upgraded cee'd features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand's all-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), available exclusively on models equipped with the higher powered 136 ps 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. Kia's new DCT is capable of handling the higher torque outputs of the modified engine fitted to the upgraded cee'd, with a higher capacity than the six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission it replaces.
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