The Kia Cee’d II 1.6 CRDi 16V (128 hp) Automatic, produced between 2012 and 2015, represents a significant step forward for Kia in the European compact hatchback market. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Cee’d II lineup, this variant aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and convenience through its automatic transmission. It was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing comfort and ease of driving over outright sportiness, competing with established rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. The Cee’d II itself was built on the JD platform (internally known as 1HX0/A3), sharing components with the Hyundai i30.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Cee’d |
| Generation | Cee’d II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CRDi 16V (128 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 145 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 198.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 128 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1900 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4FB |
| Engine displacement | 1582 cm3 (96.54 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.2 mm (3.04 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1310-1434 kg (2888.06 – 3161.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1940 kg (4276.97 lbs.) |
| Max load | 506-630 kg (1115.54 – 1388.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1318 l (46.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4310 mm (169.69 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm (80.51 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Front overhang | 900 mm (35.43 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 760 mm (29.92 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 280-300 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 262-284 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cee’d II 1.6 CRDi Automatic is the D4FB engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a second-generation common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The D4FB features a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and an intercooler, enhancing both power and torque across a broad RPM range. The 16-valve DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) cylinder head contributes to efficient gas exchange. The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 17.3:1 is typical for diesel engines, maximizing thermal efficiency. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and enhancing the car’s usability in urban environments. This transmission wasn’t Kia’s own design, but sourced from an established supplier, offering a balance between cost and functionality.
Driving Characteristics
The 128 hp output and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque provide adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.1 seconds, and the top speed is 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The automatic transmission, while convenient, does slightly diminish performance compared to the six-speed manual version. Gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy and smooth cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. The engine delivers its peak torque at a relatively low 1900 rpm, providing good responsiveness for everyday driving situations. However, drivers seeking a more engaging experience might find the automatic transmission somewhat hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers. The overall driving experience is comfortable and refined, prioritizing ease of use over sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CRDi Automatic trim typically included air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, a radio with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels as standard equipment. Higher trim levels, such as the ‘3’ or ‘4’ variants, added features like automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for leather upgrades on higher-spec models. Safety features included ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, though not particularly luxurious.
Chassis & Braking
The Cee’d II utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sharp handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Cee’d II 1.6 CRDi Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable family hatchback. Its fuel economy of around 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) was a significant selling point. Compared to the more powerful 1.6 GDI petrol version, the diesel offered superior fuel efficiency, but at the cost of some performance. Against the higher-output diesel variants (like the 1.7 CRDi), the 1.6 CRDi provided a more accessible price point, appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Reliability was generally good, though some owners reported minor issues with the automatic transmission over time.
Legacy
The Kia Cee’d II 1.6 CRDi Automatic has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The D4FB engine, while not without its potential issues (such as diesel particulate filter clogging), is generally considered robust when properly maintained. The automatic transmission, while not the most sophisticated, has held up reasonably well over time. Today, these vehicles represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient compact hatchback. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low, making it a practical choice for everyday transportation.
