My Korean Warm Hatch
Discussion
Hi,
Been a long time since I was on the site.
At the end of last year I really wanted to stop using my 90s Celica as my daily car. She was great fun, but I was slowly killing her with a daily commute and trips for work or longer road trips were not ideal.
So I started to look at options for a used but much newer daily.
I like owning different cars and this car was to replace my last daily, a V70R that had been amazing but fiscally challenging.
My wants were
Manual gearbox
5 doors
Low key looks
Decent steering feel
Good ride Handling balance and compromise, I have a car on coil overs if I need to count change on an A road, I don't need another car that can do that trick!
Low maintenance, I sadly do not have the free time I used to have, being out racing every weekend with my Lad
Fun to drive but not OTT, I do not need mega bhp, crazy exhausts and race buckets all covered in carbon fibre
Good Warranty, After the V70R I need a car that does not drive me to counselling
Interior Buttons...This is a must have, I cannot abide the touch everything modern screen life
So after much searching and driving I found a very unlikely candidate
A car I did not know existed, that in this model does not fill the classifieds and one that so far has served me well
What Have I got
a 2020 Kia Ceed GT
201 bhp
6 speed Manual
1380kgs
A touchscreen, but with buttons
It had 8,500 miles on it, one owner
4 years off warranty left
Unmarked and with back seats and boot not used.
Done a little over 2000 miles in it now
Likes
Really fun chassis, lots of grip, turns in well and is playful, not ultra responsive, but good fun on a B road
A decent ride, runs Pilot sport 4s, but only 18" thankfully
Good seats
Its quick enough, a decent TD or baby EV is far faster in a straight line, but the midrange punch is enough for some fun and its not overpowering the fronts
Heated Steering wheel is very nice
Sound, not too loud, just a bypass for both boxes when in sport, but enough so it does not feel like you are piloting a toaster. It gives it some character.
So so
Fuel tank is tiny, despite low 40s mpg range is still barely 360 miles
Gearbox is a touch notchy
Stereo lacks any bass, This model misses out on the JBL stereo upgrade and it shows
Rev Hang, its got a very odd flywheel effect that road tests mention and its just hangs on to revs, which at first is odd. You can drive round it, but race car responsive it is not.
Is it the best Hatch, no not by a long shot, its not even a great "warm Hatch" A Fiesta ST will leave it standing for example and cripes a 130N on the same platform is a far faster and more accomplished flyer.
However its balance of daily driver on motorways and town roads and fun B roader is really good.
I have done some decent length journeys and its just so comfy
No one knows what it is too, It looks like any other Ceed, which I guess I like as it blends in, even though there are a few sportyish touches
Anyway thats my GT, or warm Hatch
Celica to follow as thats the project car and long term wallet killer!
Been a long time since I was on the site.
At the end of last year I really wanted to stop using my 90s Celica as my daily car. She was great fun, but I was slowly killing her with a daily commute and trips for work or longer road trips were not ideal.
So I started to look at options for a used but much newer daily.
I like owning different cars and this car was to replace my last daily, a V70R that had been amazing but fiscally challenging.
My wants were
Manual gearbox
5 doors
Low key looks
Decent steering feel
Good ride Handling balance and compromise, I have a car on coil overs if I need to count change on an A road, I don't need another car that can do that trick!
Low maintenance, I sadly do not have the free time I used to have, being out racing every weekend with my Lad
Fun to drive but not OTT, I do not need mega bhp, crazy exhausts and race buckets all covered in carbon fibre
Good Warranty, After the V70R I need a car that does not drive me to counselling
Interior Buttons...This is a must have, I cannot abide the touch everything modern screen life
So after much searching and driving I found a very unlikely candidate
A car I did not know existed, that in this model does not fill the classifieds and one that so far has served me well
What Have I got
a 2020 Kia Ceed GT
201 bhp
6 speed Manual
1380kgs
A touchscreen, but with buttons
It had 8,500 miles on it, one owner
4 years off warranty left
Unmarked and with back seats and boot not used.
Done a little over 2000 miles in it now
Likes
Really fun chassis, lots of grip, turns in well and is playful, not ultra responsive, but good fun on a B road
A decent ride, runs Pilot sport 4s, but only 18" thankfully
Good seats
Its quick enough, a decent TD or baby EV is far faster in a straight line, but the midrange punch is enough for some fun and its not overpowering the fronts
Heated Steering wheel is very nice
Sound, not too loud, just a bypass for both boxes when in sport, but enough so it does not feel like you are piloting a toaster. It gives it some character.
So so
Fuel tank is tiny, despite low 40s mpg range is still barely 360 miles
Gearbox is a touch notchy
Stereo lacks any bass, This model misses out on the JBL stereo upgrade and it shows
Rev Hang, its got a very odd flywheel effect that road tests mention and its just hangs on to revs, which at first is odd. You can drive round it, but race car responsive it is not.
Is it the best Hatch, no not by a long shot, its not even a great "warm Hatch" A Fiesta ST will leave it standing for example and cripes a 130N on the same platform is a far faster and more accomplished flyer.
However its balance of daily driver on motorways and town roads and fun B roader is really good.
I have done some decent length journeys and its just so comfy
No one knows what it is too, It looks like any other Ceed, which I guess I like as it blends in, even though there are a few sportyish touches
Anyway thats my GT, or warm Hatch
Celica to follow as thats the project car and long term wallet killer!
Thank you guys.
I had no idea about this car.
The only way I found it was by using the options you get when you use Autotrader.
I remember the past GT with the 4 little spot lights and the 3 door looks, very interesting car to be honest.
As you say pretty much everyone walks past it and takes no notice. So it goes very much under the radar.
I had no idea about this car.
The only way I found it was by using the options you get when you use Autotrader.
I remember the past GT with the 4 little spot lights and the 3 door looks, very interesting car to be honest.
As you say pretty much everyone walks past it and takes no notice. So it goes very much under the radar.
Thanks for all the postive Replies
Had no idea they could re map to 250, thats interesting.
It was actually pretty hard to find a local example for sale, I am guessing they were not popular new.
The fastback estate looks nice too, but sadly auto only, and much as I respect mondern Autos, i wanted a manual.
Only downside is electric handbrake, which even after a few months i find awkward.
Had no idea they could re map to 250, thats interesting.
It was actually pretty hard to find a local example for sale, I am guessing they were not popular new.
The fastback estate looks nice too, but sadly auto only, and much as I respect mondern Autos, i wanted a manual.
Only downside is electric handbrake, which even after a few months i find awkward.
Mr Tidy said:
Oh dear - that's put me off a bit. 
Yes its less than ideal. No idea why they built it with one, as there is space for a physical one instead.I would still say test drive one. I was not expecting much, maybe i let my assumptions and pre conceived thoughts colour my judgement.
Its definitely not a wow car, but as daily fun car it ticked my boxes.
On the remap, it will stay std for the warranty term at least.
Cheers for the heads up
So Now some 3000 Miles in
Few More observations
It has a small issue on start up. Its cold start idle is rough as. Which I actually like, it starts and sounds like an old grumpy car from the 80s. It soon settles down to its normal modern sound, but that first thing off cam splutter and burble is fun
Thank goodness for buttons, I now have my pre drive off routine sorted and can get going without worrying about nanny assists. It would drive me crazy doing the same via touch screen menus
Economy never drops below 33 - 34mpg even on a good thrash which is way better than I thought it would be
B roads are proving to be really enjoyable with the car nicely balanced, but the brakes are not up to the rest of the car. Twice now I have had some brake fade, so different pads are on the cards.
Having recently spent 4 hours stuck on the M42, the seats are still as good as ever and really are a bonus for me.
The front screen sensors for the wipers are awful, Its like on auto they do the exact opposite of what is need, light rain they go for it, heavy rain they take a break, relax and grab an easy chair!
New front tyres are on the cards soon, the current Pilots sports are starting to look worn and wet weather grip has got noticably worse recently.
Few More observations
It has a small issue on start up. Its cold start idle is rough as. Which I actually like, it starts and sounds like an old grumpy car from the 80s. It soon settles down to its normal modern sound, but that first thing off cam splutter and burble is fun
Thank goodness for buttons, I now have my pre drive off routine sorted and can get going without worrying about nanny assists. It would drive me crazy doing the same via touch screen menus
Economy never drops below 33 - 34mpg even on a good thrash which is way better than I thought it would be
B roads are proving to be really enjoyable with the car nicely balanced, but the brakes are not up to the rest of the car. Twice now I have had some brake fade, so different pads are on the cards.
Having recently spent 4 hours stuck on the M42, the seats are still as good as ever and really are a bonus for me.
The front screen sensors for the wipers are awful, Its like on auto they do the exact opposite of what is need, light rain they go for it, heavy rain they take a break, relax and grab an easy chair!
New front tyres are on the cards soon, the current Pilots sports are starting to look worn and wet weather grip has got noticably worse recently.
Thanks Kingdom
yes I let the Idle settle too, plus let it cool down after a run too. Total Overkill I guess but having had 80s turbo cars its a habit
Pre drive routine
Start up,
Media button on the screen, always either stream music or podcasts and use google maps
Lane assist off - Hateful
Start stop off - Annoying
Sport Mode on - std throttle response I feel is a bit slow
I do a mix of Motorways and Town on MPG, I don't mind the economy, but the small tank is a pain, plus fuel flap cover fit is awful, I think there is a recall on that which I will investigate.
Will check seats, so far they are Mint, nearly 12K in, floor mats are very tough too. Its actually a pretty hard wearing interior so far.
I definitely am sticking with the Michelins, been so impressed. thankfully at only 18" rims the rubber is not silly money
Glad its not just me on the brakes, vs my other car which has 8 pot front calipers and 330mm discs, I feel that they are a touch lacking. But I do feel a pad upgrade could be the way forward.
Yeah they are such fun cars, I had a scirocco R a few years back, that was far quicker with DSG etc. That I loved and this Kia is starting to make me really fall for its subtle charms.
I feel that they are good value mines in the 12 to 15K range and I think stands up okay to others in its class. Its by no means hardcore and maybe when I really push it or take it on track then I could feel under whelmed. We shall see, certainly I will be taking it out on a few track days.
yes I let the Idle settle too, plus let it cool down after a run too. Total Overkill I guess but having had 80s turbo cars its a habit
Pre drive routine
Start up,
Media button on the screen, always either stream music or podcasts and use google maps
Lane assist off - Hateful
Start stop off - Annoying
Sport Mode on - std throttle response I feel is a bit slow
I do a mix of Motorways and Town on MPG, I don't mind the economy, but the small tank is a pain, plus fuel flap cover fit is awful, I think there is a recall on that which I will investigate.
Will check seats, so far they are Mint, nearly 12K in, floor mats are very tough too. Its actually a pretty hard wearing interior so far.
I definitely am sticking with the Michelins, been so impressed. thankfully at only 18" rims the rubber is not silly money
Glad its not just me on the brakes, vs my other car which has 8 pot front calipers and 330mm discs, I feel that they are a touch lacking. But I do feel a pad upgrade could be the way forward.
Yeah they are such fun cars, I had a scirocco R a few years back, that was far quicker with DSG etc. That I loved and this Kia is starting to make me really fall for its subtle charms.
I feel that they are good value mines in the 12 to 15K range and I think stands up okay to others in its class. Its by no means hardcore and maybe when I really push it or take it on track then I could feel under whelmed. We shall see, certainly I will be taking it out on a few track days.
Hi Chunky,
Good to hear from you again matey. been a long time.
Few cars since we last spoke
The ST165 got broken up for parts sadly
One of her last pics with a mates ST162, sadly both cars now gone
Replaced the celica with a Puma - Had a young family so had to save money
Missed My Japanese car fix
So got a late 90s 2.0 Coupe
Then upgraded to a later model, but had two for a while!
Then went German and sold the Blue one back to the seller and took a white older coupe in part ex.
So had a white drive for a bit
Loved the VW, did some epic road trips in it, inc Isle of Man for the TT
White Toyota was a bit ropey, so got a silver one.
This is her at present
Then decided I missed rwd and ordered my first ever new car
a 440i GC with the Msport remap and exhaust plus LSD, what a beast of a car
But they had a long issue with the build, so had this for 3 months from the dealer.
was happy
Then my car was finally ready, though I missed the Alpina!
Loved the BMW, but then my lad took up Karting, so tow bar fitted to BMW!
After a while of abusing the BMW and then Covid hitting, I sold the BMW for a small profit.
and got this
Turns out V70R are actually crazy to run.
So sold the Volvo, despite loving it
Got "John" the Transit
Seen here with Betsy the trailer and the race awning.
All these car changes
Because of this.
Races Both TKM and X30 Karts
Now Silver Celica being built as more of a track car for the Lad to show me up in, the Kia is the daily and John the Mile munching work horse that goes all around the UK!
So few things happened car wise since we last caught up mate
Good to hear from you again matey. been a long time.
Few cars since we last spoke
The ST165 got broken up for parts sadly
One of her last pics with a mates ST162, sadly both cars now gone
Replaced the celica with a Puma - Had a young family so had to save money
Missed My Japanese car fix
So got a late 90s 2.0 Coupe
Then upgraded to a later model, but had two for a while!
Then went German and sold the Blue one back to the seller and took a white older coupe in part ex.
So had a white drive for a bit
Loved the VW, did some epic road trips in it, inc Isle of Man for the TT
White Toyota was a bit ropey, so got a silver one.
This is her at present
Then decided I missed rwd and ordered my first ever new car
a 440i GC with the Msport remap and exhaust plus LSD, what a beast of a car
But they had a long issue with the build, so had this for 3 months from the dealer.
was happy
Then my car was finally ready, though I missed the Alpina!
Loved the BMW, but then my lad took up Karting, so tow bar fitted to BMW!
After a while of abusing the BMW and then Covid hitting, I sold the BMW for a small profit.
and got this
Turns out V70R are actually crazy to run.
So sold the Volvo, despite loving it
Got "John" the Transit
Seen here with Betsy the trailer and the race awning.
All these car changes
Because of this.
Races Both TKM and X30 Karts
Now Silver Celica being built as more of a track car for the Lad to show me up in, the Kia is the daily and John the Mile munching work horse that goes all around the UK!
So few things happened car wise since we last caught up mate
Yep Celica needs its own topic, being built into a track car for the lad now, He is 15 so at some point we will move from Karts to cars
The V70 got the most attention ever as a car, but It just had so much bad luck.
It was a brilliant car at times and woeful at others, I miss it horribly though next one I would get a manual.
The BMW was fun, the LSD made it a bit of a hoon to chuck about, but out on track it was a bit of a disappointment. I took it round Mallory and it was just too heavy and actually too understeery. I think the standard tyres did it no favours being run flats.
My days of racing Forza long gone. Getting ripped apart by my Lad online hurt the ego too much. He does at the Sim stuff and I cannot hold a candle to it.
Still enjoy track days, did Spa in the Celica, that was fun. You still got your classics?
Plan to give the Kia a proper clean this weekend as rare two days not racing. Its not the same detailing a 2014 Pov spec Transit!
The V70 got the most attention ever as a car, but It just had so much bad luck.
It was a brilliant car at times and woeful at others, I miss it horribly though next one I would get a manual.
The BMW was fun, the LSD made it a bit of a hoon to chuck about, but out on track it was a bit of a disappointment. I took it round Mallory and it was just too heavy and actually too understeery. I think the standard tyres did it no favours being run flats.
My days of racing Forza long gone. Getting ripped apart by my Lad online hurt the ego too much. He does at the Sim stuff and I cannot hold a candle to it.
Still enjoy track days, did Spa in the Celica, that was fun. You still got your classics?
Plan to give the Kia a proper clean this weekend as rare two days not racing. Its not the same detailing a 2014 Pov spec Transit!
BEAMS 162 said:
Your ST165 was one of the very first pictures I saw when I started my Gen4 thread on CCUK back in 2009. Proper ' holy cow' moment for me,started me on a path I'm still on! And enabled me to have a good mate as well.Great car that was.I was looking at the pics/vids from the Gaydon and Billing Gen4 meets.Will probably not see the like again sadly,so many 4th Gen cars together,and so many not on the road anymore.
But we move on,though saying that,as you know i still have my Gen4 and i've just bought another ,god help me LOL.
You've had a fair mix of motors over the years,good to see the 6th Gen will still be part of the family,and of course sounds like this Korean number has been a pleasing buy.
Mate those were the days. I look back on my Gen 4 ownership with such great memories, made some last friendships, yourself included too.But we move on,though saying that,as you know i still have my Gen4 and i've just bought another ,god help me LOL.
You've had a fair mix of motors over the years,good to see the 6th Gen will still be part of the family,and of course sounds like this Korean number has been a pleasing buy.
I am so loving your new one too.
With my Current Gen 6, She is a labour of Love, should have been scrapped when I found all that Rot, but I refused to give up on her. Last two years I did 16K in my old 90s rot box! Not many can say they did that mileage in a mid 90s car on coilovers! In all weathers, snow and Ice were tricky!
I miss Trinity, But Man I had a blast in that car, she was one of a kind for sure.
The Kia is actually really good and is I hope going to be such low maintenance that it frees up time and funds for the Celica. It still has a lot of it's warranty left, being a 7 year deal, plus being an approved Used Dealer car I got servicing for two years thrown in too. So I just need to fuel in and put tires on it.
Celica currently in dry storage, awaiting next lot of plans, I do miss going for a blast for sure though.
Hopefully we get down to Buckmore again this year
That's a great looking car. Love that in the Yellow
I think that there is a lot of truth in the comparison to the 130N.
I have been in one recently, a mate has a cracking example.
Its a lot more "Hot hatchy" than the GT.
Poor expression really, but its louder, faster, much more focused on external body work agenda, and has very sport type seats.
Its felt from the passenger seat a much more immediate car, the power delivery from low was strong and the ride, while composed, was definitely much more biased to firm.
I think giving the GT more power would in some ways take away from its charm a little.
Its so comfy on a longer run and actually does the daily commute on awful roads without breaking teeth. I did 16,000 miles in the last two years in a car with track coilovers. The Kia feels like a rolls!
I must admit that without the manual box, I am not sure its as much fun. My friends N is Auto and I can see him frustrated a bit with that. The manual 6 speed in mine is not the best gearbox I have ever used, but when you want to step on it a bit, its a very willing partner.
However I can totally see for some the lack of appeal from older to newer model, as in some respects the newer GT is less sporty. certainly in styling I feel yours is much more the traditional hot hatch look.
Its odd, the GT, its a car which actually does a lot of good stuff, but sits in a very small niche. I see an N 130 and its gets attention, I drive past and its just a shopping hatch with a decent warranty.
I think that there is a lot of truth in the comparison to the 130N.
I have been in one recently, a mate has a cracking example.
Its a lot more "Hot hatchy" than the GT.
Poor expression really, but its louder, faster, much more focused on external body work agenda, and has very sport type seats.
Its felt from the passenger seat a much more immediate car, the power delivery from low was strong and the ride, while composed, was definitely much more biased to firm.
I think giving the GT more power would in some ways take away from its charm a little.
Its so comfy on a longer run and actually does the daily commute on awful roads without breaking teeth. I did 16,000 miles in the last two years in a car with track coilovers. The Kia feels like a rolls!
I must admit that without the manual box, I am not sure its as much fun. My friends N is Auto and I can see him frustrated a bit with that. The manual 6 speed in mine is not the best gearbox I have ever used, but when you want to step on it a bit, its a very willing partner.
However I can totally see for some the lack of appeal from older to newer model, as in some respects the newer GT is less sporty. certainly in styling I feel yours is much more the traditional hot hatch look.
Its odd, the GT, its a car which actually does a lot of good stuff, but sits in a very small niche. I see an N 130 and its gets attention, I drive past and its just a shopping hatch with a decent warranty.
They are cracking cars the Arbarths, always make you smile when see them.
Years Back the Wife had a Kia Rio, it was very bland and clearly built to a price. It did all it was asked to do, but was impossible to feel a connection too.
I look at your car now and its almost comical to think just how much progress they have made in 10 - 12 years
One issue on mine is the fuel filler door sits well proud, you have to pack the cap away in a certain way or its really awkward looking. I think that there is a recall, but it can wait to service!
Years Back the Wife had a Kia Rio, it was very bland and clearly built to a price. It did all it was asked to do, but was impossible to feel a connection too.
I look at your car now and its almost comical to think just how much progress they have made in 10 - 12 years
One issue on mine is the fuel filler door sits well proud, you have to pack the cap away in a certain way or its really awkward looking. I think that there is a recall, but it can wait to service!
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