The Kia Ceed III Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) DCT is a front-wheel-drive, five-door station wagon manufactured by Kia between June 2018 and September 2021. This variant occupied a mid-range position within the Ceed Sportswagon lineup, balancing fuel efficiency, practicality, and performance. Primarily marketed in Europe, it served as an alternative to established competitors like the Volkswagen Golf Estate and Ford Focus Estate, appealing to families seeking a spacious and economical vehicle. The “DCT” designation signifies the inclusion of a dual-clutch transmission, a relatively advanced feature for this segment at the time.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Cee’d |
| Generation | Ceed III Sportswagon |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) DCT |
| Start of production | June, 2018 |
| End of production | September, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.4-4.6 l/100 km (53.5 – 51.1 US mpg, 64.2 – 61.4 UK mpg, 22.7 – 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4-4.1 l/100 km (58.8 – 57.4 US mpg, 70.6 – 68.9 UK mpg, 25 – 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2-4.3 l/100 km (56 – 54.7 US mpg, 67.3 – 65.7 UK mpg, 23.8 – 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 109-111 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 98.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 232.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4FE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1377 kg (3035.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1508 kg (3324.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 131 kg (288.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 625 l (22.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1694 l (59.82 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4600 mm (181.1 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2055 mm (80.91 in.) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1559-1573 mm (61.38 – 61.93 in.) |
| Rear track | 1567-1581 mm (61.69 – 62.24 in.) |
| Front overhang | 880 mm (34.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1070 mm (42.13 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 280×23 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 272×10 mm |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kia Ceed III Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) DCT is powered by the D4FE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Kia’s diesel engine family, developed with a focus on efficiency and reduced emissions. The D4FE utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure. This system, combined with a turbocharger and intercooler, provides a balance of power and torque. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing gas flow. The 15.9:1 compression ratio is typical for a modern diesel, contributing to its efficiency. The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is a seven-speed unit, offering quicker and smoother gear changes than a traditional automatic transmission by pre-selecting the next gear.
Driving Characteristics
The 136 horsepower and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, coupled with the seven-speed DCT, resulted in a responsive driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 9.6 seconds, with a top speed of 124.27 mph. While not particularly sporty, the DCT provided brisk acceleration for everyday driving and overtaking. Compared to higher-output diesel variants or gasoline engines, this version prioritized fuel economy. The DCT’s gear ratios were tuned for efficiency, sometimes making the engine feel strained during hard acceleration. The front-wheel-drive configuration offered predictable handling, but lacked all-wheel-drive capability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) DCT trim typically included standard features like air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and safety features including ABS, ESC, and multiple airbags. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with leather upgrades available. Higher trims offered features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Specific standard equipment varied by market and optional packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Ceed III Sportswagon featured a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both axles to reduce body roll. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front and solid discs on the rear. ABS was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The suspension tuning prioritized comfort and practicality, making it well-suited for long journeys and carrying passengers or cargo.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Ceed III Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) DCT was generally well-received for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and value. It was praised for its spacious interior and cargo capacity. Compared to other diesel estate cars, the Ceed offered a competitive level of equipment and a generous warranty. Some reviewers noted the engine could be noisy and the ride quality wasn’t as refined as more expensive rivals. Fuel economy figures of 4.2-4.3 l/100 km (56-54.7 US mpg) were considered excellent for a vehicle of its size.
Legacy
The D4FE engine, while not prone to major flaws, requires regular maintenance for longevity. Common issues reported include diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, especially with frequent short trips, and occasional issues with the dual-clutch transmission. However, with proper servicing, this powertrain is generally reliable. On the used car market, the Ceed III Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) DCT represents a sensible and affordable option for buyers seeking a practical and economical estate car. Its combination of space, fuel efficiency, and reasonable running costs continues to make it a popular choice.
