Kia Ceed GT Line gets new engine and transmission

The new Kia Ceed GT Line will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is the first car in Kia’s range to feature the firm's new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Both the new engine and transmission will be used on future Kia models, and GT Line trim will be available in Europe by the end of 2015.

The new trim can be specified on the Ceed, Proceed and Ceed Sportswagon, and features 'ice-cube' LED daytime running lights and deeper bumpers around the grill.

All versions have the GT model’s side sill mouldings, rear LED light units and new 17in alloys. Ceed hatchback and Proceed models have the wider bumper from the GT as well as twin exhausts, while the Sportswagon gets dual exhausts and a rear diffuser.

Inside, the piano black and leather steering and aluminium alloy pedals that come in the GT have been carried across to the new GT Line, and the interior also includes a new grey, white and black upholstery with grey stitching.

The dashboard has a new aluminium engine start-stop button as well as chrome trim around the air vents and electric window switches.

The all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder engine produces 118bhp and 52lb ft torque and will deliver lower CO2 emissions than the current 1.6-litre GDI engines in other Ceed models.

The diesel variant has also been upgraded for the new GT Line - its power is up from 126bhp to 131bhp and torque rises to 210lb ft. Kia says CO2 emissions will be lower although official figures are yet to be announced.

The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be available on GT Line models with the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine and, like the new 1.0-litre engine, the DCT will be used on future Kia models.

The DCT can handle torque outputs of up to 221lb ft, which is higher than Kia’s current six-speed automatic gearbox, and the new box will also be more efficient.

The new engine and DCT have both been designed and engineered in Kia’s production facility in Slovakia.