Kia has added diesel variants of the c’eed and pro_c’eed VR-7 special edition to their UK lineup.
This special edition was originally launched with just a 1.4L gasoline engine, but a 1.6L CRDi turbodiesel is now available, developing 89 bhp and 173 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the low power output results in a sleep-inducing 0-60 time of 13.5 seconds, and if you have enough patience, you might just reach the 107 mph top speed. However, it will return 65.7 imperial mpg (54.7 US mpg), and reviews suggest that the c’eed has good handling.
The VR-7 is based on the base model, but adds Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels and body-colour, electric and heated door mirrors. A 6-speaker CD stereo is also thrown in, as well as “one-touch” electric front windows and leather steering wheel, handbrake lever and shift knob.
The pro_c’eed VR-7 diesel will set you back £13,220 on-the-road (Around $20,850 USD), while in its four-door c’eed variant, it will cost £200 more, or $315 extra in US currency.
Press Release
End of year boost to Kia model line up
- VR-7 cee’d and pro_cee’d special editions now available with 1.6 CRDi engine
- Up to £815 saving over the current entry level diesel 5-door model
- New top-of-the-range Sorento KX-3 Sat-Nav version
Kia has boosted the diesel line-up of its cee’d model range by introducing a new VR-7 special edition of the cee’d and pro_cee’d. A new top-of-the-range version of Sorento has also been launched.
cee’d and pro_cee’d VR-7 special edition
Initially launched as a 1.4-litre petrol version in September, the VR-7 special edition is now available with Kia’s economical 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel engine in both the cee’d and pro_cee’d family hatchbacks.
The VR-7 special edition adds a host of extra equipment, as well as offering a cost saving of up to £815, over the entry-level ‘1′ trim 5-door model it is based upon. Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and reverse parking sensors add extra convenience whilst 16-inch alloy wheels and body-coded, heated and electrically operated door mirrors enhance the exterior looks. Inside, a 6-speaker CD/stereo, leather finish to the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever and ‘one-touch’ electric front windows complete the list of additional equipment.
Powered by Kia’s 1.6 CRDi engine, and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the VR-7 versions deliver 89bhp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 173lb/ft from just 1,750rpm. The 0-60mph dash takes 13.5 seconds and a comfortable motorway cruise is ensured by a 107mph top speed. CO2 emissions of 113g/km (VED band ‘C’) and a combined cycle economy of 65.7mpg ensure low running costs.
The cee’d was the first vehicle from any Korean manufacturer to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested back in 2007 and the VR-7 has a comprehensive array of safety features. A Vehicle Stability Management System – Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake-Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Hill-start Assist System (HAC) – serves to actively help prevent incidents.
The VR-7 1.6 CRDi pro_cee’d is priced at just £13,220 OTR and the VR-7 1.6 CRDi cee’d at £13,420 OTR (both prices include VAT at the new 20% rate). As with every new Kia, an industry-leading seven year warranty comes as standard. Ordering opens today across the UK Kia dealer network.
New top-of-the-range ‘Sat-Nav’ versions of the Sorento SUV
Building on the successful ‘KX-3′ top-of-the-range trim level, the new Sorento ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav’ adds an integrated satellite navigation system, an uprated Hi-Fi and a colour reversing camera system to the specification of Kia’s flagship SUV.
The ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav’ is available in All Wheel Drive with a 2.2 CRDi engine and a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Featuring a 6.5″ colour touch-screen, the fully-integrated satellite navigation system offers European mapping, motorway junction views, lane guidance, speed limit warnings, multi-route planning (Fast, Short, Eco) and tour planners. There is also easy access to a ‘Parking Location’ function.
The audio performance has been substantially upgraded with the addition of an external amplifier and a subwoofer to the standard 6-speaker set-up. The touch screen unit is used to control the audio system as well as the Bluetooth functionality – the contact directories of up to eight mobile phones can be controlled from the screen.
The final piece of extra equipment on this new version is an advanced reversing camera which offers a colour view of any obstacles to the rear of the car when reverse gear is selected. The image is displayed on the 6.5″ touch screen display. A similar system is also available on the new Sportage crossover and certain versions of the Soul urban-crossover.
Available to order now, the Sorento ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav’ Manual and ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav’ Automatic versions are both rated insurance group 30 and priced at £31,155 OTR and £32,635 OTR respectively (including VAT at the new 20% rate).
Source: Kia