Kia Unveils New T-GDI Engine And DCT, Makes Debut On New cee'd GT Line

Kia has recently introduced its all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI Kappa engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that will make its way into the new cee’d GT Line, slated to make their world debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month. The new turbo petrol direct injection engine is among the first of Kia's upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe.

The new engine and transmission announcement is a reflection of an earlier reveal by partner company Hyundai, who also unveiled its 1.0-litre T-GDI engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Kia Kappa T-GDI 1.0

Developed at the Korean company’s R&D centre at Namyang, the power unit is developed to produce lower carbon dioxide emissions than the brand’s current 1.6-litre GDI engine. The new engine produces 120 PS and from 1,500 to the 4,100 rpm range, 172 Nm torque is available, with maximum power arriving at 6,000 rpm.

The 1.0-litre engine is paired to a single-scroll turbocharger with an electric waste-gate motor to efficiently scavenge air to re-use for combustion or improve waste air flow. Additionally, the engine is fitted with an integrated exhaust manifold, lowering the exhaust gas temperature slightly. A dual-thermostat split cooling system allows the engine block and cylinder heads to be cooled independent of one another as well.

Kia 7 DCT

Along with the new Kia Kappa T-GDI 1.0 engine, the company also announced its all-new DCT that will make its practical application on the newly announced cee’d GT Line’s 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. The new transmission is capable of handling torque outputs up to 300 Nm, more than Kia’s existing six-speed torque converter automatic.

Similarly developed at Namyang, the transmission is also capable of handling the engine’s revised output of 133 PS (previously 128 PS) and 285 Nm (previously 265 Nm). Kia also announced that the new DCT will be made available on range of other Kia models after the cee’d GT Line goes on sale across Europe in Q4 2015.

Kia cee’d GT Line

Exclusive to the European market, the new cee’d GT Line provides the sporty looks of the high performance cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT but remains as versatile and practical as a conventional cee’d model. Three body types are available – a five-door, three-door and Sportswagon.

Borrowing design cues from the more hard-core cee’d GT, the cee’d GT Line adopts the LED daytime-running lights and bumper. Moving on to the rear, a wider GT bumper nestles the twin exhausts (the Sportswagon gets a rear diffuser). As standard, all GT Line models feature side sill mouldings, rear LED light units, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is largely the same as a normal cee’d but with a few changes to the upholstery most notable in the materials such as a leather steering wheel and aluminium alloy pedals along with various pieces of trim.

As mentioned earlier, the Kia cee’d GT Line will debut the brand’s new Kia Kappa T-GDI 1.0 engine along with a revised version of the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. Said diesel engine is paired to the brand’s all-new DCT as well.

The Kia cee’d GT Line will go on sale across Europe in Q4 2015.