Kia cee’d – 1.6 T-GDi GT
What is it?
The first overtly sporting version of the Kia cee’d hatchback, directly conceived for and restricted to European markets.
What’s hot?
- 201 horses and 0-60 in 7.4 seconds make this head and shoulders faster than the other cee’ds.
- Multi-link rear suspension shows that the conversion to sportiness has been done properly under the skin.
- Twin-scroll turbo-charger.
- Trim detail is sufficiently different to distinguish this model from the others in the range – and it’s smart.
- 18 inch wheels look the business.
- Recaro part suede, part leather seats are a true highlight.
- All the usual Kia warranties remain.
- All the usual Kia generous kit levels remain, making this a very attractive real world purchase.
What’s not?
- External styling such as the four-pack ‘ice cube’ LED daytime running lights not everyone’s cup of tea.
- Boomy engine above 4000 rpm.
- Steering is too light and disconnected.
- 18 inch wheels introduce a degree of harshness.
- Emissions of 171 g/km place the GT in band H, which means a £290 showroom tax and £210 a year thereafter.
- If you want integrated sat nav you have to shell out an extra £2500 for the Tech version, which nets you other extras as a package.