Kia streamlines Picanto model lineup, boosts power in the Xceed variant, and eliminates the Ceed model
Kia Announces Major Line-Up Reshuffle, Embracing Electrification and Streamlining Portfolio
Kia Motors has unveiled a significant overhaul of its vehicle line-up, marking a strategic focus on electrification, hybrid technologies, and a streamlined portfolio. This move includes the discontinuation of some older internal combustion engine models, such as the Ceed and Ceed SW, to make way for new electric and hybrid vehicles.
New Additions and Updates
The revamped line-up includes several new models, updates, and trim name changes. Highlights include the EV6 electric SUV (with a refreshed GT performance variant), the all-new three-row electric luxury SUV, the EV9, the updated Soul, the Forte sedan and Turbocharged Forte GT, the refined Seltos subcompact SUV, the redesigned Sportage SUV, the Niro in various electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, the Carnival minivan and Carnival Hybrid, and the all-new K4 compact sedan.
Discontinued Models
Regrettably, the Ceed, Ceed SW, and Proceed have been discontinued and will not be directly replaced. The production of the Proceed ended in December 2024. The Picanto range has been slimmed down, now sold only with a 67bhp 1.0L petrol triple engine, as the 62bhp 1.0L triple and 76bhp 1.2L four engines have been dropped.
Engine and Powertrain Highlights
The Picanto features a 67bhp 1.0L petrol triple engine, while the XCeed offers a new top-range 177bhp 1.6L petrol 4-cylinder engine and a base model with a 113bhp hybridised 1.0L triple. The Forte GT boasts a turbocharged engine, and the Carnival Hybrid sports a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid with an electric motor. The K4 comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 147 hp or a GT-Line Turbo with a 190 hp 1.6L turbo and 8-speed automatic. Various hybrids and plug-in hybrids, like the Niro PHEV, offer good electric range and fuel economy, while the EV6 and EV9 models boast advanced electric ranges and performance versions.
Trim and Pricing Changes
The Picanto and XCeed trims have been renamed to Pure, GT-Line, and GT-Line S, replacing the previous 2 and 3 trims. The Picanto prices start around £16,695 and top at £20,245, while the XCeed prices start around £25,165 and top at £33,125.
This reshuffle marks Kia's commitment to electrification and hybrid technologies, extending their electric SUV lineup into luxury three-row territory with the EV9, while continuing to cater to a wide range of buyer preferences with the EV6 and new hybrids. The culling of older models also paves the way for the upcoming EV2, Kia's new entry-level EV, and the EV4, their first electric C-segment car.
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- The revamped Kia line-up, instigated by the company's focus on electrification, includes the EV6 electric SUV, which features a refreshed GT performance variant, and the all-new three-row electric luxury SUV, the EV9.
- Apart from the newer electric and hybrid models, the line-up also accommodates updates, like the refined Seltos subcompact SUV and the redesigned Sportage SUV, which caters to a wider range of buyer preferences.
- In the financial aspect, the pricing for the refreshed Picanto and XCeed ranges have been restructured, with the Picanto starting from around £16,695 and the XCeed from £25,165, reflecting Kia's commitment to affordability within the realm of electrification and hybrid technologies.
