It’s a question that bears repeating: Remember when Kia was known solely as a purveyor of cheap and downright embarrassing entry-level cars? Those days are clearly now well and truly in the past. The Korean automaker has transformed itself into a design-oriented company that continues to impress the automotive world with every new launch. But are we starting to take this bold, new Kia for granted? We just may be, because while the brand’s Geneva debuts were solid work, they didn’t exactly knock us off our chairs.
2016 Kia Cee’d GT Line
The good-looking and capable Cee’d, which comes as a five-door hatch or a station wagon, as well as a three-door coupe called the Pro_cee’d, is now available with ultra-efficient new engines and a “GT Line” appearance package that mimics the look of the 201-hp GT. The important news here, however, is in the powertrain department: Following competitors like the Ford Focus and the BMW 1-series, the Cee’d is now available with a downsized, turbocharged three-cylinder engine. With just 1.0 liter of displacement, it cranks out a healthy 120 horsepower. Kia also launched an upgraded 1.6-liter diesel rated at 133 horsepower, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic it shares with Hyundai.
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2016 Kia Picanto
Meanwhile, the entry-level Picanto, which is smaller than the Rio, gets a sporty, somewhat misleading facelift. An updated grille and an optional aero kit pronounce dynamic aspirations that are not fulfilled by the naturally aspirated three-banger whirring behind that tiny snout. Inside, there are a few more chrome strips and several more or less tasteful color packages. All in all, this Picanto would need a lot more spice to whet our appetite.
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