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Auto Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Ceed GT-Line is a hidden gem at £192 a month
GT-Line model Good to drive, well-equipped Only £192.45 a month Think of a traditional family hatchback and names like Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and even the soon-to-be-killed-off Ford Focus spring to mind. But don't forget the Kia Ceed, because this is a well equipped, smartly designed and good-to-drive hatch that won't disappoint. It's cheap, too. Through the Auto Express Find a Car service, Willow Leasing is offering the Ceed for a tiny £192.45 a month right now, undercutting all of those so memorable and more familiar rivals. Advertisement - Article continues below The deal requires £2,607.40 to be laid down first, and it lasts for three years with a 5,000-miles-a-year cap. Nudging this up to 8,000 is no problem, though, and will cost just £8 a month extra. At this price, you might be expecting the basic model, but in fact you'll be getting the keys to the desirable GT-Line version. This gets a racy look inside and out, big 17-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a touchscreen with a reversing camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There's only one engine choice in the Ceed, and it's a perfectly decent 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol. It's mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox, and thanks to 138bhp, gives punchy performance. The Ceed is pretty good to drive, too, with light and accurate steering, and sharp handling thanks to the GT-Line's standard-fit firmer suspension. Inside is a nice place to be with quality fixtures and fittings, plus there's good room in the back seats, and the boot, at 395 litres, is bigger than what you'll get in a Focus or a Golf. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Kia Ceed leasing offers from leading providers on our Kia Ceed hub page. Check out the Kia Ceed deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy

News.com.au
3 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Kia Sportage line-up expands but one variant and trim hits the mark
Kia has introduced Australia's most loved mid-size SUV in four powertrains, four trim levels, 12 variants, and nine colours from Clear White to a slick new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. With options ranging from a $37,990 (plus on-road-costs) front-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol to a GT-Line AWD hybrid ($60,000 plus-on-road costs). There's no shortage of choice, with the line-up including a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (AWD only) or a 1.6-litre hybrid, in either front or all-wheel drive, and across four trim levels (S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line). The auto giant has also kept the diesel, which means its one of the only brands offering it among its direct competitors, following the exit of the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. MORE: EOFY 2025 ultimate motoring guide for car sales The exterior has had some tasteful updates including new front and rear bumpers, restyled LED headlights and a revised LED tail-light signature. Every variant now gets a two-spoke steering wheel which feels a little chunky for someone with small hands but looks great. Plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is now included from SX+ upwards. The GT-Line now features a curved 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient mood lighting and heated rear seats. While the GT-Line grabs headlines, it's a little pricey, asking for over $60,000 in hybrid AWD form, that's $13,000 more than the base petrol S. That's why the SX+ hits the mark, priced at $47,080 (plus on-road costs) for the turbo petrol AWD, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging and smart key and hands-free power tailgate. While the diesel still appeals to many buyers and the base petrol remains the most affordable entry point ($37,990), new emission regulations mean the petrol may be on its way out, which makes the Hybrid the sweet spot. The Hybrid is now offered in SX and GT-Line trims and for the first time you can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. I tested the hybrid and was genuinely impressed by how well it handles everyday driving. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.74kW electric motor delivers a combined 173kW and 367Nm, the most powerful configuration in the Sportage line-up. Around town, it's calm and composed, with the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting at low speeds. Acceleration is smooth and surprisingly punchy when you ask for it. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and feels refined. The hybrid claims 4.9L/100km combined for FWD and 5.3L/100km for AWD, real world figures weren't far off. Boot space is generous with 586 litres (seats up) and 1827L with seats down, perfect for families. There's also a full size spare wheel in petrol and diesel models. Safety is consistent across the board with all trims offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB with junction assist, lane following assist 2, and blind spot collision avoidance. Verdict The Kia Sportage offers plenty of choice for Aussie families, whether you want petrol, diesel or hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel, basic or luxurious, there's something for every buyer. Just be ready to do your homework. If you want something under $50k, efficient with plenty of technology and comfort, I'd opt for the hybrid FWD (1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor), trim level SX for approximately $46,450 plus on road-costs, certainly seems like the sweet spot.


Auto Blog
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Shopping for a 2025 Kia K4? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
A proper replacement in Kia's lineup Replacing the Forte in Kia showrooms, the K4 sedan debuts with far more style and design elan than the Forte, as high style was never its, um, forte. The new K4 eclipses its predecessor with a very roomy 99 cubic-foot cabin and a healthy 15 cubic feet of cargo space. Having taken a page from Mazda, the K4 can be trimmed to feel more opulent than its market slot. Our recent test car featured faux leather trim and heated and ventilated seats, extravagances that are totally unexpected in this class. Dual 12.3-inch screens, one for instrumentation, one for infotainment, along with a five-inch display fill the large horizontal glass that rests atop the instrument panel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. 0:04 / 0:09 Tesla sales in Europe drop yet again Watch More 2025 Kia K4 — Source: Kia Most models come with a 147 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission feeding the front wheels. GT-Line Turbo models get a 190 hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a multi-link rear suspension. The EPA rates the 2025 Kia K4 at 33 or 34 mpg, depending on trim, with turbo models rated at 29 mpg. The Kia K4 may boast interesting design, a long list of features, and a roomy cabin, but it belies its driving characteristics, which are totally lackluster. If driving character doesn't matter, you'll find this to be a top candidate, but for those for whom such things matter, you may want to consider one of its rivals. 2025 Kia K4 — Source: Kia Honda Civic 2025 Honda Civic Sedan — Source: Honda With its timeless good looks, notable fuel economy, and engaging driving experience, the Civic is available as a sedan or hatchback, powered by a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission, which returns 31-32 mpg, depending on the trim. While both the sedan and hatchback offer 99 cubic feet of passenger space, the sedan offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provides a generous 24.5 cubic feet of luggage space. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda Civic Sedan Sport Touring Hybrid — Source: Honda The base Civic feels sprightly around town, although it's fairly slow off the line, a feeling not helped by its transmission. Its athleticism and good steering feel remain intact, making it a satisfying vehicle to drive. If you have the budget, opt for the Civic Hybrid, which generates 200 horsepower, an EPA-rated 49 mpg, and more muscle. Mazda3 Mazda3 — Source: Kyle Edward More than its rivals, the Mazda3 conveys a sense of extravagance for a mainstream economy car. Available as a sedan or hatchback, this is among the smaller vehicles offered here, with a mere 93 cubic feet of passenger volume and a 13 cubic-foot trunk on the sedan. The hatchback is better in this regard, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space. A 9-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard, although it's annoyingly controlled by a console-mounted rotary knob. Mazda3 — Source: Mazda Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. A turbocharged 250-horsepower version of the same engine is available, but it comes solely with the automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional, but it extracts a 2-3 mpg penalty in fuel economy, which runs 29-31 mpg depending on the model. The Mazda Mazda3 proves to be every bit the athlete that the Honda is, delivering a beautiful balance of handling and ride quality despite lacking an independent rear suspension. But its cabin feels more upscale than others here. Nissan Sentra 2024 Nissan Sentra It's hard to argue with the Nissan Sentra's prime attribute: value. Like some others here, the powertrain is nothing to write home about. It's a comfortable, compact sedan, offering up 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 14 cubic feet of trunk space. While its 149-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission with front-wheel drive don't provide much in the way of driving fun, it does return an EPA-rated 34 mpg. 2024 Nissan Sentra Its cabin is fitted with 7- or 8-inch infotainment displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upper trim levels offering upscale touches such as a sunroof and dual-zone climate control. It can feel indulgent when nicely equipped, though, which helps make up for the lackluster driving experience. Toyota Prius 2025 Toyota Prius Limited — Source: Toyota Now that every Toyota has a hybrid model, company designers created a sporty, aerodynamic Prius that provides a driving experience to match its great new looks. It still returns an EPA-rated 52 mpg while furnishing 194 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine and electric motors. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available, with a two-horsepower bump in power. 2025 Toyota Prius Limited — Source: Toyota There's 91.2 cubic feet of passenger space, and a generous 20.3 cubic feet of luggage space, along with six USB-C ports, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices. A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and navigation are optional. The Prius is no longer engineered solely for high mileage, and acceleration proves better than you might expect. Steering is nicely weighted and satisfyingly quick, returning some road feel. Push the Prius and it feels planted, with minimal body lean in corners. It's actually fun to drive, something you could never say before. Subaru Impreza 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Inexpensive four-wheel drive can be hard to come by, but not at Subaru, where the Impreza offers what few automakers do. This practical little hatchback provides 99 cubic feet of passenger space and 20 cubic feet of cargo room, making it one of the roomier offerings here. Base models get a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while others get a 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an auxiliary input jack, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port. 2024 Subaru Impreza — Source: Subaru Under the hood, you'll find a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Pricier models get a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat four with the same gearbox. The EPA rates the Impreza at 30 mpg with the former and 29 mpg with the latter. The base model is definitely the one to choose, as the larger engine doesn't make a huge difference in performance, and the Impreza's calling is its cheap, practical nature. Volkswagen Jetta 2025 Volkswagen Jetta — Source: Volkswagen While it's one of the older models here, the Volkswagen Jetta is worth considering. It offers 94 cubic feet of passenger space and 14 cubic feet of cargo room, with a cabin that is fitted with niceties you'll appreciate, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, wireless charger, and heated mirrors. An 8-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, although top models get a 10.3-inch unit. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Power comes from a 158-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not as sharp a handler as the Mazda or Honda, the Volkswagen Jetta proves to be generally pleasing to drive, with decent power and a somewhat more Teutonic sensibility. Final thoughts 2025 Kia K4 — Source: Gabriel Ionica Even though we find the 2025 Kia K4's feature list worthwhile, its main tradeoff is a remarkably unremarkable driving experience. While that's true of compact economy cars in general, both the Honda Civic and Mazda3 remain exceptions, and both offer a choice of hatchback or notchback body styles. If your budget allows you to spend a little more, go for a Civic Hybrid or the surprisingly fun Toyota Prius. If frequent inclement weather is a concern, the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 are good solutions. The Nissan Sentra offers a good value and better driving experience than the Kia, while the Volkswagen Jetta is just a solid, all-around good value. About the Author Larry Printz View Profile

News.com.au
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Kia K4 review finds there is still ‘family value' in Cerato replacement
There are big tyre prints to fill for the Kia K4. It's the replacement for the compact Cerato, which has traditionally been one of the biggest sellers for the Korean brand Down Under. The Cerato was popular for good reason. It was one of the best value products on the market – so good that there is one in our garage. Larger than before, bordering on Toyota Camry size, for now the K4 is just available as a sedan with a hatch derivative to come. No frills models can be in your driveway for $32,990 drive-away, although the best value comes once you step further up the specifications tree. Our family tested the range-topping GT-Line, which comes with all the fruit and a turbocharged petrol engine for $46,990 on the road. What do you get? Certainly the most aggressive looking of the K4 bunch, the GT-Line has a low-slung stance sitting on low profile 18-inch alloys, along with exclusive front and rear bumpers and a black grille. Inside, there are heated and cooled front seats trimmed in faux leather with a GT stamp below the headrests, alloy pedals, eight-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo, sunroof and the now quintessential Kia dash featuring twin digital 12.3-inch displays (one for the driver and the other for infotainment) linked by a 5-inch aircon readout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range along with USB-C ports front and back, while the GT-Line also picks up a wireless phone charging pad. Like the big EV9, the K4 has over the air tech updates, so the latest satnav maps, interfaces and software enhancements can be done without visiting a dealer. White is the only no-cost colour option, with grey, red, blue, pastel green, black and a pearl white adding $600. Turbo models require servicing annually or every 10,000km, whereby naturally aspirated models lengthen to 15, price servicing is available with the total cost of $3842 for seven maintenance visits – that's an average of about $550 and about $15 more expensive per service than the non-turbo models. Overall servicing costs are typically more expensive with Kia than some rivals, with the Toyota Camry hybrid costing on average $343 for seven services. But Kia does have a long list of inclusions, so it's worth checking the fine print. Kia's seven-year warranty was one of the pivotal reasons its cars became popular in Australia. Other brands like Nissan and Mitsubishi have now pushed to 10 years (with some servicing caveats), but five remains the most popular minimum. How was the drive? European quality resonates from the K4 ride. Like all Kias, the K4 underwent Australian testing and analysis. Suspension changes are then made at the factory to better suit local conditions. The GT-Line has a fancier multi-link suspension set-up at the rear compared to the other K4s and while the overall performance felt firm on occasions, it was surprisingly nimble in the bends and remained composed during quick changes in direction. Despite having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the bonnet, the GT-Line isn't raucous or setting new performance benchmarks. There is a nice exhaust tune, but it's more a grand tourer with a focus on comfort and efficiency – our test saw average fuel consumption of 7.7L/100km, which is one litre more than the official figure from Kia. The eight-speed automatic gearbox replaces the seven-speed found in the Cerato GT, which shifts well and doesn't have the hesitation of the old dual-clutch box. Would you buy one? Kel: Our Cerato Sport+ has been a brilliant car, I love it for the ease of operation and features for the price tag. Technology takes a hefty step forward in the K4 and I felt like the ride quality was comparable to the European big guns. But the sedan probably isn't my style, so I'd wait for the hatch or opt for the Sportage SUV. Grant: Prices have risen with the K4, which does dilute the bang-for-buck factor. To obtain the Cerato equivalent we'd be looking at an extra investment of about $7000. All facets have moved forward, especially the ride improvements which paves the way for a go-fast version. Collectively the tech advances, seven-year warranty and the strong specification list keep the K4 in Australia's best value list.


NDTV
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus Get Discounts Up To Rs 2.70 Lakh In June'25
Volkswagen India is offering discounts on select variants of its popular models, including the Virtus sedan and the Taigun SUV, to promote sales and clear inventory. In this article, we will take a look at these limited-time period offers by Volkswagen. These discount details are received through our dealer-level sources, and it may vary from city to city and across dealerships. Volkswagen Virtus: June 2025 Discount Volkswagen offers great discounts on the Virtus Sports variant. The GT Line 1.0L TSI AT offers up to Rs 1.15 Lakh off, while the Virtus GT Plus Sport 1.5L TSI DSG provides discounts of up to Rs 1.20 Lakh, with a scrappage benefit of Rs 20,000. For the Chrome variant, Virtus Highline 1.0L TSI AT offers up to Rs 2.15 Lakh in benefits, plus a Rs 20,000 scrappage benefit. The Virtus Topline 1.0L TSI MT provides benefits up to Rs 2.20 Lakh with the same scrappage offer. The Virtus GT Plus Chrome 1.5L TSI DSG has benefits of up to Rs 1.55 Lakh. Volkswagen Taigun: June 2025 Discount The Taigun Sports variant offers customers a discount of Rs 1.15 Lakh on the GT Line 1.0L TSI AT and up to Rs 1.85 Lakh on the GT Plus Sport 1.5L TSI DSG, along with a scrappage benefit of up to Rs 20,000. For the Taigun Chrome, buyers can enjoy discounts of up to Rs 1.40 Lakh on the Highline 1.0L TSI AT, Rs 2.20 Lakh on the Topline 1.0L TSI AT, and Rs 2.70 Lakh on the GT Plus Chrome 1.5L TSI DSG variant, plus the same scrappage benefit of up to Rs 20,000. This is a great chance for buyers wanting to buy a new car. With these discounts, customers can enjoy high-quality features at lower prices. Since the offers won't last long, interested buyers should visit their closest Volkswagen dealership soon. Volkswagen's current discount offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to purchase a new car. With savings on the Virtus and Taigun models, customers can enjoy a more affordable price. These offers are available for a limited time, so interested buyers should visit their nearest Volkswagen dealership soon.