2019 Kia Ceed GT

This is the new Kia Ceed GT - something called a warm hatch and is destined to reach Europe in an effort to upscale the entire Ceed family there. It will do so along with the new Proceed Shooting Brake. None of these cars will ever be available in the U.S., but they do show rather impressive effort focused on Kia's reimagination of its brand. Kia isn’t a super-cheap car producer anymore. It has a coupe-like sedan with 373 horsepower, a grille called Tiger Nose, and now the Ceed GT that is powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine that develops 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Yup, the very same engine you can get here in the Veloster. Actually, imagine that I am whispering to you now - the Ceed GT is really, really similar to the Veloster Turbo R-Spec. Only, it has a normal number of doors.

2019 Kia Ceed GT

Specifications

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Model: 2019 Kia Ceed GT
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Pros

Cons

2019 Kia Ceed GT Exterior

Now, let's disregard the “warm” hatch designation journalists actually give to cars like this. The proper designation should be the one Kia was aiming for in the first place - a performance hatch. In order to differentiate their own performance hatch from the lesser versions, Kia, unfortunately, reached into the bin of commonality. While nothing is out of ordinary, I have to say that the kit actually looks rather handsome on a Kia. Try to memorize it as it is probably a hint of the performance version of the Forte that will come to the U.S. in some form or another.

The changes to the Ceed GT compared with the standard Ceed include the integration of new bumpers, larger intakes, and many dark gloss pieces around and a darkened grille as well. For me, the most important change comes in the shape of wheels. The new ones, measuring 18-inches in diameter, clearly showcase the sporty character that is further enhanced with the red striping on the reimagined side skirts. At the back, the GT takes a new diffuser and nicer exhaust tips. Plus, the car sits 5 millimeters lower compared to the regular Ceed. Not that anyone would notice 5 millimeters, right!?

2019 Kia Ceed GT Interior

It seems that the cabin received far fewer changes. Plus, that steering wheel does not look half bad. Despite all of this, that central screen on the middle of the dash is a dominating piece of gear. Let's hope Kia changed the graphics for the Ceed GT, though. As I am actually talking about that display, let me tell you what you can do with it. You can control TomTom sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. All of it comes as standard equipment with the Ceed GT.

2019 Kia Ceed GT Drivetrain

As expected, the Ceed GT did not stray far from the previous generation Ceed GT. It still sports a 1.6-liter T-GDi engine. When turbocharged, it churns out 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Hope you won't feel offended by my saying that this 195 pound-feet of torque is a bit too low. Although it must be said, it is in accordance with the Ceed GT competition.

The fact that power gets sent to front 18-inch wheels shod in standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 225/40 R18 tires makes this Kia quite agile and brisk. The numbers are clear - a 62-mph run is about 7 seconds. Top speed, on the other hand, is probably above 140 mph. Yet, Kia does not want us to think about this very car in terms of a sprinter.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, said: “The all-new Ceed GT occupies a unique position in the mid-size family car segment, and doesn’t simply chase the highest top speed or fastest straight-line acceleration. It offers greater agility and grip on winding roads, maximum confidence and comfort at a cruise, and fast-revving turbocharged power perfectly matched to European tastes.”

To achieve all this Kia had to fine tune the suspension with stiffer springs, new bushings, a stiffer anti-roll bar, and a bit less intrusive ESC. These all play a role in making the Ceed GT a bit of a player. However, the integration of the new front brakes is the most important piece of the puzzle. Those 288-millimeter discs have been replaced with 320-millimeter units.

2019 Kia Ceed GT Pricing

Ok, British press expects the new Kia Ceed GT price to hover around 27,000 British pounds. That equals more than $35,000. Tell me please, would you ever give so much money for something like a Forte?

Probably not.

Well, this pricing is the bleak reality for hot hatch lovers in the U.K., Germany, France, and all the Western Europe countries really. For that kind of money, you can drive a Mustang GT instead of a Ceed GT. Let that sink in a bit.

2019 Kia Ceed GT Competition

Renault Megane GT

This may well be the closest competitor to the Kia Ceed GT. It sports a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 205 horsepower, has a dual clutch transmission option, has four doors, and is beloved all around Europe. Yet, it does feature one distinct disparity. The Renault Megane GT has a 4Control system. It is a system that controls the rear wheels - turning them in the opposite, or the same direction as the front ones (depending on the situation) and it dramatically affects the dynamic behavior. Also, I kind of think that the Megane GT is more special than the Ceed GT. Don’t ask why because I don’t have a clue. It probably has something to do with the looks.

Read our full review on the 2016 Renault Megane GT.

Peugeot 308 e-THP GT 205

Apart from the Megane GT, the Ceed GT can be comfortably stacked against the Peugeot 308 GT. Again, I am talking about a car with a 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine with 200+ horsepower. The 308 GT offers much the same performance, cabin amenities, roominess, and options as the Ceed GT. Somehow, this car is the least shouty compared to all others I'll mention here. It is subtle in some sense. Far subtler than the Kia Ceed GT.

Read our full review on the 2015 Peugeot 308 e-THP GT 205.

Seat Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184

I am mentioning this car just to show you how rich European car culture actually is. The Seat Leon FR is considered to be a “warm” hatch there. Despite having a diesel engine, it is quite a fun car. With 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph. The Europeans love the TDI so much they regularly tune this four-cylinder to deliver 200-220 horsepower. Sometimes an ECU remap alone, even as affordable as $500, will do it. Is it a competitor to the Kia Ceed GT? You bet it is.

Read our full review on the 2017 Seat Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184

Final Thoughts

Be it a hot-hatch, a warm hatch, or a performance hatch; the Kia Ceed GT is a nifty package crafted to entice European buyers. This car never planned on attacking hot-hatch royalty, but it does comfortably play tricks in its shadow. I find it appealing because it's honest and somehow true to that sporty side every compact hatchback carries with itself. It is a testament to fun, cheap cars. Only, it is not cheap.