Kia Revamps Its Lineup: Slimming Down the Picanto and Phasing Out the Ceed
Kia has made significant changes to its vehicle lineup, including reducing the Picanto range and introducing a more powerful Xceed model while discontinuing the Ceed. Discover what these changes mean for future models and buyers.
Kia Revamps Its Lineup: Slimming Down the Picanto and Phasing Out the Ceed
Kia Motors has announced a major overhaul of its vehicle lineup, involving the streamlining of the Picanto range and the introduction of a more powerful variant of the Xceed. Unfortunately, this reshuffle also means the discontinuation of the popular Ceed and Ceed SW models.
Key Changes in the Picanto Range
The Picanto, Kia’s second best-selling model after the Sportage, will now only be available with a single engine option: a 67bhp 1.0-litre petrol three-cylinder engine. This change comes at the expense of the previous 62bhp and 76bhp variants, which have both been removed from the lineup.
Enhanced Power for the Xceed
In a bid to boost performance, the Xceed now features a new top-tier model equipped with a powerful 177bhp 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder engine. Furthermore, the base model has upgraded from a 158bhp 1.5-litre petrol four to a hybridized 113bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. This provides new buyers with a variety of options, as both models come with either manual or automatic transmission (with the exception of the new 1.6-litre petrol variant).
Updated Trims and Pricing
The trims for both models have been rebranded, with the new designations being Pure, GT-Line, and GT-Line S replacing the previous 2 and 3 levels. Pricing begins at £16,695 for the Picanto and £25,165 for the Xceed, with top-of-the-line options priced at £20,245 and £33,125 respectively.
Discontinuation of the Ceed and Ceed SW
The Ceed and Ceed SW have been completely phased out. Both models were manufactured at Kia's plant in Zilina, Slovakia, and alongside the Proceed, which ceased production in December, they will not have direct replacements, according to Kia spokespersons.
Future Vehicle Introductions
Looking ahead, reports suggest that a new model, the K4, will fill the gap left by the Ceed trio when it arrives in Europe later this year. While details remain scarce, the K4 is expected to rival the Volkswagen Golf and will be produced in Mexico.
Kia is also preparing for the launch of the EV4, its first electric vehicle in the C-segment, with deliveries anticipated to begin soon. Additionally, the entry-level EV2 model is set to begin production at the same plant in early 2026. This new addition will share its platform with an upcoming Hyundai vehicle, expected to be named Ioniq 2.
A Brief History of the Ceed
Originally launched in 2006, the Ceed was a cornerstone of Kia’s offerings in Europe, averaging around 80,000 sales annually. The introduction of the Ceed SW estate and the three-door Proceed variant further solidified its presence in the market. However, with changing consumer preferences and a push towards electrification, Kia's strategy has evolved to focus on newer models that align with future trends.
Stay tuned for updates as Kia continues to reshape its lineup and introduce exciting new models for consumers.