Kia introduced the 2022 Ceed, which received a mid-cycle upgrade that included a variety of stylistic tweaks. The most noticeable of these changes is the revised front grille, which has strong metallic elements and a closed-off appearance on the plug-in hybrid version. It's flanked by new headlights that ditch the pre-facelift Ceed's four-point LED arrangement in favor of three arrow-shaped components that double as daytime running lights. The Kia Ceed will also get restyled taillights with 48 honeycomb-shaped pieces coated in smoked glass. When the turn signals are activated, the LEDs in the rear clusters light up in a sequential pattern.
Kia has also made minor changes to the bumpers, particularly the front one, which now has a glossy black trim on the side that serves as a visual extension of the false air intakes. New 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel styles, as well as four new body colors: Experience Green, Yucca Steel Grey, Machined Bronze, and Lemon Splash, round out the updates. The changes are less visible on the interior, where the same 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is joined by a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Five upholstery options will be offered, three of which will be new with the facelifted version, as well as a newly designed shift knob for the GT-Line and GT models.
The refreshed Ceed includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a USB charging outlet in the center console for rear passengers. There are heated front and back seats, as well as dual-zone automatic temperature control and an eight-speaker JBL sound system.
A turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 120 horsepower is included in the engine range. It features a 7-speed DCT transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system. The same three-cylinder engine is available in a 100-hp bi-fuel variant that accepts LPG, as well as a 1.6-liter diesel with a 136-hp output and a mild-hybrid arrangement.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is only available with the wagon, combines a 1.6-liter GDI engine with a 44.5-kilowatt electric motor, an 8.9-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The PHEV estate has a combined output of 141 horsepower and 265 Newton-meters of torque. It has a range of 58 kilometers in EV mode.
Those looking for more power will have to go for the 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 160 horsepower or the slightly bigger 1.6-liter engine designated for GT models, which produces 204 hp and is only available with the seven-speed DCT.
Kia will begin manufacturing of the 2022 Ceed facelift in August at its facility in Zilina, Slovakia, and customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.