Kia Ceed

Could this be India’s first premium hot hatch?

- Abhay Verma

Type 1,582cc in-line 4-cylinder diesel, VGT

Max power 136PS@4,000rpm

Max torque 300Nm @1,500-2,750rpm

Kerb weight 1,415kg

Wheelbase 2,650mm

LxWxH(mm) 4,310x1,800x1,447

Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, front-wheel drive

Suspension Macpherson struts (f), multi-link (r)

Price 14 to 16 lakh (expected)

OD rating 4.5

(+) Design, top notch build quality (-) Will be expensive

Hatchbacks in India have traditionally been looked upon as cars that are compact and are also the preferred choice for first-time buyers. In fact, a lot of times they are also considered to be a compromise as compared to sedans, but the Kia Ceed begs to differ. It is a large, spacious and premium feeling car that isn’t just oozing with style but also promises to create a new sub-segment of sorts in India. Should Kia choose to launch it here, that is. We do know the Ceed is being considered for India, but there’s no confirmation just yet. We got a chance to get behind its wheel in Germany briefly – an opportunity I didn’t want to miss, especially since the drive involved a blast on derestricted stretches of the autobahn near Frankfurt.