Ever since Hyundai's i30 N hot hatch broke cover, we knew that Kia Motors was working on a hatch of their own. However, in the lead up to its reveal, we learned that it would not be an all-out hot hatch like its Hyundai relative, but more a 'warm hatch', similar to the Renault Megane GT. This is the new Kia Ceed GT and it will officially debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.
Where the i30 N uses a 2.0-litre turbo motor to produce 202kw, the Ceed GT makes do with the Hyundai Veloster's 1.6-litre T-GDi turbo petrol motor that outputs 150kw at 6,000rpm and 265nm of torque from 1,500-4,500rpm. Kia has yet to release any performance stats, but it’s expected to run from 0-100kph in around 7 seconds.
It also gets a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as an option alongside the standard 6-speed manual. Paired with the dual-clutch option is a Drive Model Select system, which allows the driver to toggle between Normal and Sport modes, each of which alters the character of the motor and transmission. And much to chagrin of petrolheads, it has an electronic sound generator to enhance the sound of the motor as well.
Its stance has also been altered, thanks to stylish multispoke 18-inch alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Spot 4 rubber, and a sport suspension comprising stiffer dampers and sport springs that sees the GT sit 5mm lower than the standard Ceed. Beefier anti-roll bars have been added, and Kia has added other enhancements to make their steering input 17% faster, resulting in sharper handling. Kia also retuned the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to allow more exuberant driving, while torque vectoring by braking is also part of the package.
Compared to the regular Ceed, the GT is easy to spot, thanks to a sporty new front bumper with larger air intakes, a dark chrome grill, some red highlights around its honeycomb pattern, and subtle GT badging. It also get more pronounced side skirts, while the rear gets a meaty diffuser and a larger roof spoiler to further emphasize its sporty credentials.
The Ceed GT features a series of changes to its cabin to separate it from non-GT models in the Ceed family line-up, with a sportier interior ambience. The GT variant is built around the same ergonomic cabin architecture as other models in the Ceed line-up. At the centre of the dashboard is Kia's 'floating' touchscreen infotainment system – up to 8-inches wide - with audio and heating and ventilation controls situated below.
A black roofliner, enveloping and cocooning occupants, replaces the grey cloth found in standard Ceed models. Every GT model features a D-shaped steering wheel bearing the 'GT' logo, as well as aluminium driver pedals. Models equipped with Kia's double-clutch transmission feature new metal alloy shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
Front passengers in the Ceed GT are held in place by Kia's new sports seats. Created exclusively for the model, these seats are said to provide larger, firmer side and thigh bolsters compared to the original cee'd GT. Seats are trimmed in black leather and suede, and finished with red stitching and a red-stitched 'GT' logo in the seat back.
The GT is a safe as a house, and features six airbags as standard, along with other safety technologies like Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and High Beam Assist. Available systems are Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Smart Parking Assist, and pedestrian recognition for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.
Kia Motors South Africa has previously said that the new Ceed would be released locally, but to date no release date has been confirmed.
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Ceed GT cost in South Africa?
The Kia Ceed GT is expected to be priced around R450,000 to R480,000 when it arrives in South Africa, positioning it between the standard Ceed and premium hot hatches like the Hyundai i30 N.
Q: Is the Kia Ceed GT worth buying over the Hyundai i30 N?
The Ceed GT offers a more refined, everyday-friendly approach compared to the hardcore i30 N, making it perfect if you want sporty performance without the boy racer image and stiff ride quality.
Q: How fast is the Kia Ceed GT compared to other hot hatches?
With 150kW and an expected 0-100kph time of around 7 seconds, the Ceed GT sits between warm hatches like the Renault Megane GT and full hot hatches, offering solid performance without being overly aggressive.
Q: What engine does the Kia Ceed GT use and is it reliable?
The Ceed GT uses the proven 1.6-litre T-GDi turbo engine from the Hyundai Veloster, producing 150kW and 265Nm, and this motor has shown good reliability in other Hyundai-Kia applications.
Q: Should I get the manual or dual-clutch transmission in the Ceed GT?
The 7-speed dual-clutch offers convenience and drive modes, but the 6-speed manual provides better driver engagement and typically costs around R30,000 less while being more reliable long-term.
Should You Buy It?
The best warm hatch under R500,000 in SA is shaping up to be the Kia Ceed GT at an expected R465,000. Yes, you should absolutely consider this if you want 90% of a hot hatch's thrills with proper everyday usability. The 150kW 1.6-litre turbo delivers genuine punch, the chassis upgrades mean it handles like it means business, and Kia's 5-year/150,000km warranty trumps most European rivals. It's the perfect middle ground between boring family transport and track-focused missiles like the i30 N, plus you get Kia's excellent build quality and dealer network. Just don't expect it to embarrass proper hot hatches at the drag strip, this is more about looking good and having fun without the compromises.
