Comparison of cars Opel Astra and Kia Ceed in a hatchback body

Hatchbacks, like compact city crossovers, enjoy increased popularity in the European market, and also sell very well in Russia. It is not easy for buyers when choosing such a car, since the range is huge, and almost every automaker is ready to offer its own option.

How objective can you call the comparison of these two machines, judge for yourself. The latest generation hatchbacks from Kia and Opel will be presented. The problem is that Kia is officially represented in the Russian Federation, while Opel, due to economic problems, left the Russian market back in 2015.

But the presence of gray dealers, as well as other opportunities to purchase even a brand new Opel Astra in Russia, allow us to compare these two cars and decide which of the two hatchbacks is better.

General information about models

Let's start with the Opel Astra. The fifth generation of the representative of the European class C, which is often called the golf class, is relevant. The model officially debuted in 2015 in Frankfurt. Sales started right after the show in Europe. For obvious reasons, the new Astra did not make it to Russia.

The Opel Astra K is based on the D2XX modular platform. It was also used to create the second generation Chevrolet Cruze. The design consists of high-strength steel, which made it possible to reduce the weight of the hatchback in comparison with its predecessor by 120-200 kilograms. There is an independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front, and a semi-independent beam at the back. The steering is equipped with an electric booster. The brakes are disc brakes everywhere, and in front there are also ventilated ones.

The Kia Ceed belongs to the same European C-class. This is a front-wheel drive small hatchback that Kia has created specifically for the European market. The car is newer since its official debut took place in February 2018. The generation change led to the use of a simplified name, since the car was previously referred to as Ceed. Plus, new engines have appeared in the car, the list of modern filling and current equipment has significantly expanded.

The third generation of Kia Ceed is created on the front-wheel drive platform K2, in which the motor is located transversely. It is also worth noting the use of high strength steel. On the front axle there is an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, and at the rear there is a multi-link independent structure. The rack and pinion steering is complemented by an active electric power steering. All wheels are equipped with disc brakes with ventilation system on the front axle.

For the new generation Kia Ceed, a system for selecting the auto mode is provided. The Normal and Sport variants are offered here. Thus, the character of the car is adapted to the wishes of the driver. The behavior of the motor, the response of the gearbox and the steering wheel changes.

Exterior

The new hatchback from Kia turned out to be whipped, sporty enough in appearance, elegant and modern. Here the designers used the solutions used on the Stinger liftback.

If earlier the Opel Astra was a rather conservative and restrained car, then in the new generation the car has become much brighter. The car can be safely called daring and sporty.

It is impossible to say that one of the cars is more beautiful than the other. Both cars are made with good knowledge. Designers don't get their salaries for nothing. Each hatchback has its own army of fans, and good sales statistics are a direct confirmation of this.

The fifth generation Astra, despite its size, continues to remain within the European C class. But when compared with the previous generation, then the current Astra has noticeably decreased. As a result, we are dealing with the following dimensions:

• length 4370 mm .;
• width 1809 mm .;
• height 1485 mm .;
• wheelbase 2662 mm.

Compared to its predecessor, the current generation Astra has lost 50 mm. in length and became 26 mm. below.

At the same time, the Kia Ceed also turned out to be a fairly compact car. This is expressed in the following parameters:

• length 4310 mm .;
• width 1800 mm .;
• heights 1447 mm .;
• wheelbase 2650 mm.

And although the fifth Astra has become smaller in comparison with the 4th generation, the new product of the German brand still surpasses the competitor from the South Korean manufacturer in overall dimensions.

It is too early to draw any conclusions. Despite the superiority in size, they still need to be properly disposed of. This mainly concerns the interior space and the luggage compartment.

Interior and trunks

The interior of the Kia Ceed can be described as attractive, modern and European. There are no complaints about the quality of the finish and the materials used.

The driver had at his disposal a multifunctional steering wheel with 3 spokes, a raised rim, and a sporty dashboard. The center console is both solid and laconic. It houses a display of a multimedia system ranging in size from 5 to 8 inches, ventilation deflectors, as well as a climate control unit with intuitive controls.

The five-door saloon is made of quality materials. The plastic is pleasant to the touch, inserts for metal, fabric, natural and artificial leather are used in the right proportions.

Salon Kia Ceed is designed for 5 seats, including the driver. In front are ergonomic seats with pronounced lateral support and a wide range of adjustments. At the back there is also a very solid sofa with armrests, oriented for 2 passengers. Although sitting in the middle will not create much discomfort.

When changing a generation for the Opel Astra, they used a completely new filling and the principle of interior design. At the disposal of the driver is a comfortable three-spoke steering wheel, a variety of control buttons, an analog instrument panel and a color display of the on-board computer. The center console is decorated with a touchscreen multimedia display. This made it possible to significantly reduce the number of conventional buttons. A separate block was used for climate control. But in the base, the car looks much simpler, since the steering wheel is not multifunctional, and on the center console there is an air conditioner and a conventional audio system.

The front seats are ergonomic, comfortable, with good lateral support. Heating, ventilation and a wide range of settings are available for them. There is a lot of space behind, the side seats are supplemented with heating, the sofa is comfortable and comfortable.

In terms of the interior, none of the candidates should be given preference. Everything was done too well on the Kia Ceed and Opel Astra.

Perhaps some conclusions will allow us to assess the luggage compartment in order to choose between the Opelм Astra or Kia Ceed.

The German hatchback offers 370 liters of boot space when stowed. If you lower the backrests of the second row, you get a flat floor, and the cargo capacity increases to 1210 liters.

In the South Korean five-door hatchback, the trunk has the correct shape and smooth walls. In the normal position, the space is 395 liters. And if you fold the back row, the trunk will increase to 1301 liters. A dock and tools are located under the raised floor.

Despite the superiority of the Astra in size, the Kia Ceed provides a slightly larger luggage compartment. Moreover, this did not negatively affect the back row space.

To summarize, then with a slight advantage, and especially at the expense of the trunk, the Kia Ceed wins.

Motors, boxes and their capabilities

Next, there will be a comparison between Opel Astra and Kia Ceed cars, which can hardly be called objective in relation to the Russian market. It's all about the departure of Opel from the Russian Federation. It is not known what motors would be offered to Russian consumers if the company remained in the local market.

But since cars are delivered without the participation of official dealers, each of the engines available for Astra could potentially be at your disposal.

The fifth generation Opel Astra is sold with a very wide range of engines.

1. The base is a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with a volume of only 1.0 liter, which generates 105 horsepower. Combines with a mechanical or robotic box. Each of them has 5 steps. Acceleration from zero to hundreds takes from 11.2 to 12.7 seconds. And the maximum speed here is 200 km / h. In terms of consumption, an average consumption of about 4.4 liters per 100 km is expected.
2. Next in the hierarchy is a 1.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 100 horsepower. The box is uncontested 5-speed manual. Acceleration to hundreds takes 12.3 seconds. The maximum speed here is 185 kilometers per hour, and the combined fuel consumption is about 5.4 liters per 100 km. paths.
3. Next comes the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder all-aluminum turbo engine with 125 or 150 horsepower, depending on the degree of boost. The younger version is equipped with 6MKPP, and for the 150-strong version, a choice is available between 6MKPP and 6AKPP. From 0 to 100 km / h with such engines, Astra accelerates in 9.5 and 8.3 seconds, respectively. The maximum speed can reach 205 and 215 kilometers per hour. At the same time, the consumption is only 5.1-5.5 liters per 100 km.
4. There is also a 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. Its volume is 1.6 liters. But the degrees of boost immediately 3. They give out 95, 110 and 136 horsepower. The transmissions are offered in 6-speed manual and 6-range automatic. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h takes from 12.7 to 9.6 seconds. The maximum speed can be from 185 to 205 kilometers per hour. Diesel engines consume from 4.6 to 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 km.

High power motors are also available for the Astra. But here we are talking about special trim levels, in which the engines generate about 200 horsepower with a volume of only 1.6 liters.

As for the Kia Ceed, there is a specific line of engines designed for the Russian market. Moreover, all motors have 4 cylinders and run on gasoline.

The role of the junior internal combustion engine is assigned to a 1.4-liter aspirated 100 horsepower;

Next up is the 1.6-liter MPI engine with 128 horsepower;

A 1.4-liter turbodiesel engine is also offered. It produces 140 horsepower and is considered the top of the line.

All naturally aspirated engines are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. But as an option for the 128 horsepower engine, a 6-speed automatic is available. The turbo diesel engine is equipped with a 7-band robotic gearbox only.

Acceleration from zero to hundred takes from 12.6 to 9.2 seconds. The maximum speed is from 183 to 205 kilometers per hour. In the combined cycle, gasoline engines consume from 7.3 to 6.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers of distance traveled.

For the European market, a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 120 horsepower is added to the Kia Ceed engine lineup, as well as a 1.6-liter turbodiesel that generates 115 and 136 horsepower, depending on the boost.

In technical terms, if you look at the motors, gearboxes and their parameters, the Opel Astra can only slightly outperform the Kia Ceed. And here we are talking rather only about top-end engines.

Kia Ceed offers in Russia only gasoline internal combustion engines, which, by definition, cannot demonstrate the same efficiency as diesel power plants. But the petrol units of the Astra turned out to be a little more economical with similar power parameters.

If you want a hatchback with a medium power engine and good fuel economy, then there is no fundamental difference between the Astra and the Ceed. You can safely take any of these cars. And those who want to take a car with extreme internal combustion engine power should look towards the Astra. Ceed does not have such motors in its arsenal. Moreover, this is quite logical and rational, since the demand for engines with a return of about 200 horsepower is much lower than for units with a capacity of 110-140 horsepower.

Security and manageability

There are no complaints about the quality and efficiency of driving Kia Ceed and Opel Astra. The steering is well thought out, well implemented.

Cars behave well at high speed, confidently enter corners, do not create excessive roll. The response to the actions of the steering wheel is instant, nothing is late and does not slow down. The machines have a firm grip on the road surface and provide stability even when driving at high speeds.

The security parameters are also identical. The cars comply with safety standards, which are extremely stringent in Europe. In the Euro NCAP crash tests, both hatchbacks rightly received high scores.

For this component, there is a confident equal sign between competitors. Both cars received a wide range of active and passive safety systems, all kinds of electronic gadgets and assistants for the driver while driving.

Therefore, it was not possible to compare the Opel Astra and Kia Ceed with each other, having identified one unambiguous favorite, in terms of safety and controllability. They are worthy of each other. No wonder Ceed and Astra show excellent sales statistics in Europe. It is impossible to judge sales in Russia, since only a Korean car is officially sold here.

Options and prices

European sales of the latest generation of the Opel Astra hatchback began in the fall of 2015. It was originally planned that Astra would be sold in Russia from 2016, but then the company's plans changed, and the brand completely left the local market.

In Germany, the current version of the Opel Astra car costs about 20 thousand euros at least. For more advanced configurations, you will have to pay more than 23 thousand. Extreme versions cost over 25 thousand euros. It will not be difficult to calculate how much such a car will cost in terms of the Russian national currency. This is about 1.5 million rubles.

In the case of Kia Ceed cars, everything is much clearer and more transparent than in the situation with Opel Astra cars.

There are 6 complete sets for the Russian market. For the basic version, you will have to pay at least 950 thousand rubles. It will be a 100 horsepower engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. From the equipment, the car owner will receive:

• 6 airbags;
• air conditioning;
• ABS;
• light sensor;
• power windows for all windows;
• heated mirrors;
• GLONASS;
• audio system for 6 speakers;
• steel rims 15 inches, etc.

The Comfort trim level, which comes second in the equipment hierarchy, already offers a 128-horsepower engine and a manual transmission. It costs from 980 thousand rubles, and for the machine you will have to pay another 40 thousand rubles.

The top version of the Kia Ceed costs at least 1.5 million rubles. The set of equipment will be fantastic:

• LED optics everywhere;
• electric sunroof;
• blind spot tracking system;
• reverse parking assistant;
• adaptive cruise control;
• traffic sign recognition system;
• automatic braking;
• dual-zone climate control;
• multimedia center with touch screen;
• Rear View Camera;
• front and rear parking sensors;
• audio system from JBL, etc.

Yes, the Opel Astra also boasts a solid range of equipment. But with approximately the same level of equipment, Astra will cost about 2 million rubles, while the same can be obtained in Ceed for 1.5 million.

Despite the absence of official Opel dealers in Russia, we can still say with confidence that the German Astra hatchback is more expensive than its South Korean competitor.

Summing up

If you want to buy a car through an authorized dealer, then the choice between the considered hatchbacks loses its relevance. Here, there is no alternative, you can take only the Kia Ceed.

Abstracting from the Russian market, it is worth noting that the Opel Astra has a stunning appearance, good interior decoration, excellent ergonomics, excellent technical characteristics and a whole scattering of other advantages.

At the same time, the Kia Ceed offers almost everything the same. Yes, in some places the South Korean hatchback is inferior to the competitor, but it also has its advantages over the Astra.The only peculiarity is that the Kia Ceed is cheaper, and you can buy it in Russia through an authorized dealer. This alleviates a number of additional problems caused by Opel's departure.