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2016 Kia Cee’d GT spied

The updated Kia model is set to see the introduction of a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, something that Kia Australia has suggested could prove vital to the success of the manual-only Pro_cee'd GT.


The facelifted 2016 Kia Cee'd GT has been spotted during cold weather testing in Europe - and that could mean things will heat up for the locally offered Kia Pro_cee'd GT, particularly in terms of its sales.

While nothing is confirmed at this stage, the new model is likely to pair that gearbox to the existing 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and while its not clear if the performance will increase from the current car's 150kW and 265Nm, there's no doubting that more buyers will be drawn to a self-shifter than the DIY version.

Just 381 units of the Pro_cee'd were snapped up in 2014 (and 35 in January this year) - about one-tenth of the Hyundai Veloster, which comes in manual and automatic forms. An updated version of the Veloster will go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of the year.

There is a chance that the Cee'd GT five-door will receive the new transmission and the Pro_cee'd might miss out. That begs the question as to whether Kia is considering introducing a warm hatch to sit above the Cerato range, and Kia Australia general manager of media and corporate communications, Kevin Hepworth, is intrigued by the notion.

"It's not a discussion that has been had," Hepworth told CarAdvice, suggesting it may cut the grass of the already-struggling Cerato small car. However, he did indicate that strategy may be a novel way to give the brand two performance options in the sub-$40K price range.

In terms of what to expect from the facelift, there'll likely be revised front and rear bumpers, as well as new-look light assemblies at the nose and tail - though the signature quad LED daytime running lights are set to remain. The car's interior is also set to see a few changes.

Click the Photos tab above for more images of the 2016 Kia Cee'd GT.

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