Mekeke' Blogs Awuk e: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Elegant Evening Dresses And Prom

Evening Wedding Dresses For You.2

How To Choose A Unique And Elegant Wedding Favor

Planning the wedding often get's left mostly to the bride, and that's okay because as a woman you've probably spent a lifetime envisioning this day - the dress, the ceremony, the reception, and of course that perfect unique and elegant wedding favor.

You might even have a folder that has unique wedding favor ideas in it. Now remember that some of those neat ideas that you clipped years ago today might not seem quite so elegant now, but you can always take one idea and combine it or change it to make your own personalized wedding favor.

The wedding favor is the small gift that you present to each of your guests. It's the souvenir of your wedding, which your guests get to take home. The wedding favor choices available range from treasured to tacky, and your choice all depends on your budget and your creativity. You can create a personalized wedding favor for each of your guests, or consider a unique wedding favor that's perhaps themed to your wedding.

Themed Favors are a great choice, especially if your wedding has a specific theme. For example, a beach wedding does well with an wedding favor such as a flip-flop keychain, or perhaps, more elegantly, a beach themed gift box with a personalized wedding favor inside. The more elegant wedding favor in the gift box could be a delicate dried starfish, some shells, or any other item that was beach orientated. Beach is used as the example because there are so many beach weddings occurring. However, it doesn't matter what your theme; you can easily make a personalized wedding favor for each of your guest.

Pirate weddings on the high seas, Las Vegas party weddings, or the new black and white wedding are just a few other examples of themed wedding that are going on that can easily have a unique wedding favor.

How elaborate your choose to make your themed wedding favors is up to you. How many favors you need and budget both will influence just how much you are going to spend on each favor. If you are creative, it's very easy to create a personalized wedding favor for each of your guests.

An article on favors wouldn't be complete without at least talking a little bit about inappropriate favors. Some brides and grooms mean well when their idea of an elegant wedding favor includes some romantic poem or a love song. We advise you to keep the romance for each other, and give your guests something they would like as a keepsake of your day.

You go to great lengths to choose your gown, your cake, your decorations, and even your guests. Why not use the same amount of energy to find a unique wedding favor that each of your guests will enjoy.

It's a beautiful and elegant day. Your look beautiful and elegant in your gown, your reception area is tasteful and elegant, so it just makes sense that each guest receive an elegant wedding favor that's traditional.

You can go simple with delicious handpicked candies that are monogrammed, or M&M's in the wedding colors with your name and wedding date on them. You can step it up a little with monogrammed scented candles.

Scented candles are a great way for your friends and family to remember the day. Small candles with a scent remembering your theme could be perfect. Think of a fresh ocean smell for your beach theme wedding.

If you really want your guests to be able to keep there personalized wedding favor for years to come do not use perishables. Instead, consider candles, picture frames, trinkets, flasks, and other interesting items. Pewter is popular because it makes an elegant wedding favor choice, and it is very affordable.

Your wedding day is very special and you want it to remain memorable for all that attend. One way to help keep those memories fresh is with an elegant wedding favor. What will you choose?

By Andrew Stratton

Simple And Elegant Wedding Dress.2

Simple and Elegant Wedding Dress

Elegant Wedding Dresses and Accessories

Most women dream of having an elegant wedding dress for their special day from the time that they are young girls. When it comes time to begin shopping for a dress, however, they may feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of wedding dresses and accessories to choose from. How can you be sure that your dress and accessories are the epitome of elegance?

Finding the perfect wedding dress and the right accessories will depend largely on your individual taste. But by understanding the different styles and options that are available, it will be much easier for you to find elegant wedding dresses and accessories that live up to your childhood dreams.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

There are a number of different dress silhouettes to choose from. A-line dresses provide a classic silhouette that is timeless and elegant, with a flared skirt and a narrow top. Ball gown style wedding dresses feature a fitted bodice and a large, full skirt that brings to mind fairytales and old-world romance. Empire waists cinch close below the bust to allow for a longer skirt, while dropped waists cinch closer to the hips in to create a longer torso silhouette.

When choosing a silhouette, consider your body shape and be sure to try on as many different styles as possible. Generally, pear-shaped women may want to look for dresses with higher skirts, like the empire waist style. Again, since every woman's body is different, it's important to try on a wide variety of silhouettes until you find one that showcases your best features.

Wedding Dress Necklines

In addition to the various wedding dress silhouettes, brides-to-be can also choose from a wide selection of elegant necklines. Off-the-shoulder dresses elegantly showcase the neck and shoulders with a tasteful strap or straps to hold the dress in place, while strapless wedding dresses use a more supportive corset material.

Wedding dresses with full necklines can range from a choker-style to an elegant v-neck design. Depending on the bride's taste, the neckline can be modest and conservative, or bold and alluring. Keep in mind that lace or scalloping can be added to deep, plunging necklines for a bit more coverage.

Wedding Tiaras, Veils and Other Hair Accessories

After finding the perfect wedding dress, many women choose some form of hair accessory to complete their wedding day look. One of the most common and traditional ways to do this is with a wedding veil, though the full, traditional veil is not as popular as it once was.

When accenting an especially elegant wedding dress, some women choose to wear a tiara that complements the design of the dress instead of a veil. And others wear a stylish hat that matches the color and general design of their wedding dress. It's important to remember that the hair accessory and the dress should not compete with each other. Think of the dress as the star, and the hair accessory as a supporting character.

Wedding Earrings and Necklaces

Earrings and necklaces can also provide the perfect finishing touches to a wedding dress. Bridal earring and necklace sets can range from simple pieces that color-coordinate with the wedding gown to more elaborate diamond or gemstone sets that bring an entirely new level of elegance to the bride's overall appearance. While the earrings and necklace often come in a matching set, some women choose to wear only one, or to mix and match jewelry styles to express their unique taste.

Earrings can be small and simple, or large and extravagant. And necklaces can range from simple chains or chokers to large pendants. Again, keep in mind that your jewelry should not overpower your gown. Earrings and necklaces should work together to complement your wedding dress.

Other Wedding Accessories

There are a number of other accessories that can accentuate an elegant wedding dress. Designer
shoes that are created with specific wedding dress style in mind are an excellent option for many brides.

Gloves are another elegant accessory that are popular among many brides. They can range in length from short lace gloves that cover only the hands, to full-length satin gloves that cover most of the arm. Broaches, belts, or sashes can also add small touches of elegance to your wedding day look.

Brides-to-be who are looking for elegant wedding dresses and accessories have so many options. Remember that elegance is in the eye of the beholder. The best way to find an elegant dress and complementary accessories is to keep an open mind and to try lots of different styles and looks. From dress silhouettes and necklines, to hair accessories and shoes, there are lots of ways to make a unique and elegant statement on your wedding day.

by Victoria Snead

Bali is one of the few cultures with origins in one of the great ancient cultures which is still alive.

26.01.2010-30.01.2010

kuta, bali

i love bali.

seriously... :)

The Best Wedding Locations in Australia

Every bride and groom wants to get married in a unique and romantic location. Whilst overseas locations can be very exotic they can also be extremely costly and difficult for most guests to attend. Australia has many ideal locations for weddings, whether you fancy a wedding on the beach or in a tropical rainforests why not choose one of the many romantic locations on offer. Here are some suggestions for weddings in Australia.

The North of Queensland is renowned for some of it magical rainforests complete with beautiful waterfalls. So whether its Cairns or Port Douglas you could choose to have your wedding nestled in the rainforest or on the amazing white sandy beaches of the North. Imagine a sunset wedding on the beach in Port Douglas followed by a wedding reception in a marquee. Or for something a little more formal have your reception in one of the many five star resorts Port Douglas has to offer. For your honeymoon you need travel no further as the North of Queensland has all the elements of a romantic honeymoon destination, with the Daintree forest on the one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. Your choices of activities are limitless. And if you just want to relax, have a cocktail by the pool.

Why not have a wedding in the Australian outback? What better location than the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock). Imagine Ayers rocks as your backdrop and the magical colours of sunset or sunrise. The photo opportunities would be endless. And every bride would look spectacular with the morning or afternoon sun glistening off her perfect skin. Following the ceremony have a beautiful reception in one of many 5 star resorts nearby.

Getting married in a Botanical garden is another great idea for your wedding location. Australia has many botanical gardens which are perfect to host a wedding. Whether you choose to get married lakeside, or in a butterfly enclosure, by a water sculpture or secluded private garden, there are many choices to suit all tastes. The reception can also be held outdoors on one of many of the landscape gardens or if the weather does not permit then choose from many function rooms the gardens have on offer.

The Zoo is another great location to have your wedding ceremony and reception. Australia has some fantastic Zoos which have spectacular function rooms or beautiful manicured lawns for both an outdoor or indoor ceremony and reception. Not only can your guests soak up the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife but also bask in the tranquil garden setting. Imagine the amazing photo opportunities available in this location with the wildlife and animals as your backdrop.

Theme Parks are another unique place to host a wedding ceremony and reception. The Gold Coast has some of the best theme parks in Australia with Movie world, Dream world and SeaWorld as potential venues. Hire out a section of the park or the entire venue for a truly extraordinary experience.

Monkey Mia in Western Australia is a beautiful location to have a unique wedding ceremony. With the Sandy beaches, palm trees and landscaped garden, you could have a ceremony of your dreams. After your wedding have a reception on the manicured lawns watching the magnificent sunsets. For a more formal affair have the wedding reception celebration in your 5 star resort. You and your guests will be entertained with the numerous activities, such as swimming with the dolphins or exploring Shark Bay on one of many tours. At Monkey Mia you will always have something unique to do.

Australia has one of the most diverse and interesting locations in the world to host a wedding followed by a romantic honeymoon. Not only are we beginning to explore all the attractions Australia has to offer but so are international travelers who are choosing to celebrate their weddings and honeymoons in Australia. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent beaches in the world it is the natural destination for a romantic wedding and honeymoon.

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT (Spec and Picture)

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced the Honda HSV-010 GT, which will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series.

Honda HSV-010 GT Technical Specifications :
    - Dimensions
          * Length: 4675 mm
          * Width: 2000 mm
          * Vehicle weight: 1100+ kg
    - Engine
          * Engine name: HR10EG
          * Configuration: Liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated, longitudinal V8
          * V angle: 90°
          * Valve train: Gear-driven DOHC - 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder
          * Displacement: 3397 cm3
          * Bore x stroke: 93.0 x 62.5 mm
          * Maximum output: 500 PS (370 KW)
          * Maximum torque: 392 Nm
          * Throttle control system: Mechanical
          * Fuel supply system: Programmed fuel injection system (Honda PGM-FI)
          * Fuel: Lead-free premium gasoline
          * Lubrication: Dry sump
    - Powertrain
          * Transmission mechanism: Constant mesh
          * Transmission shifting method: Steering paddle shifter
          * Steering system mechanism: Rack and pinion system with electric power steering (EPS)

    - Tires
          * front: 330/40R18
          * rear: 330/45R17
    - Brake type and mechanism: Hydraulic ventilated disc system
    - Suspension system: Double wishbone
    - Stabilizer: Torsion bar

Bad Romance Outfits

Robots

I'm mad too!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

2010 Kia Ceed SW picture and review

2010 Kia Ceed SW Picture Review Aero Dynamic Body Design

Created especially for European consumers, the original Kia cee’d marked a major turning point in Kia’s history. It was the start of a new era, the first-ever Kia designed and produced in Europe. Manufactured in an all-new factory, it introduced a qualitative revolution for the brand as the highest standards of engineering and European-style aesthetics were applied to every aspect of its design.

Unquestionably, the Kia cee’d family, which grew to encompass wagon and coupe (Kia pro_cee’d) body styles, has proved to be the brand’s strongest-ever contender for top C-segment honours. It offered consumers an unprecedented choice of engines, body styles, exterior colours, interior trims and options. It was backed by an industry-leading, 7-Year Kia Warranty – the best warranty ever offered by any car manufacturer, on any vehicle marketed in Europe.

2010 Kia Ceed SW Picture Review Spefication

2010 Kia Ceed SW Picture Review Dashboard

2010 Kia Ceed SW Picture Review Interior Spefication

2010 Kia Ceed SW Picture Review Engine

2010 Kia Ceed SW Picture Review

Now, with more than 230,000 examples sold across Western Europe, it is time for Kia to launch the ‘new-look’ cee’d. The brand’s top-selling model in Europe has been thoroughly re-engineered and restyled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to feature the latest version of the company’s signature grille – an evolving expression of the brand’s design DNA – and to adopt a more distinctive road presence.

Comprehensively updated, the new Kia cee’d range delivers a host of customer benefits, with numerous exterior and interior design refinements and upgraded standard equipment. Kia is confident that these significant enhancements will enable new Kia cee’d to capture an even higher share of the C-segment market in Europe next year.

Technical innovations being introduced with new Kia cee’d enhance the driving experience while also significantly reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions to a low of 110 g/km (estimated) and by an average of 5% across the Kia cee’d line-up.

Fuel-stretching ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology is now available on both gasoline and diesel engines for the first time, a hill-holder function for the ESC is introduced and brighter projection-style headlamps are fitted. The suspension has been fine-tuned for a more comfortable ride, without any loss of agility and the steering response has been sharpened.

The existing range of five engines, which includes 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre CVVT gasoline engines and 1.6 and 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines, is carried over. But the 1.6-litre diesel is an all-new, super-efficient engine from the ‘U2′ family and is matched to a new six-speed manual transmission. In some countries lower-power versions of the diesel and gasoline engines will be available to suit local taxation regulations.

Kia’s new Kia cee’d range will reach Kia dealer showrooms all across Europe during September 2009. The range offers three body styles, five engines, three trim/equipment levels (LX, EX and TX), will be available in a choice of 12 distinctive exterior finishes – including five new colours.

Restyled with Kia’s evolving DNA for a stronger presence

The ‘new look’ Kia cee’d has been thoroughly restyled in order to keep the brand’s best-selling model in Europe ‘fresh’ and maintain its strong appeal to consumers.

Working under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, Kia’s European design team have made a number of changes to the exterior of the five-door hatchback and wagon models, to give both cars a more distinctive road presence while incorporating the company’s evolving design DNA and retaining the original Kia cee’d family styling connection.

Briefed to enhance the original models’ ’sporty and strong’ appearance, the cee’d team at Kia’s Frankfurt-based Design Centre Europe, headed by Chief Designer, Gregory Guillaume, set out to make the new model’s ‘face’ appear more striking and impactful, while refreshing the whole car. Ultimately, the only new metal panels are a new bonnet and new front wings on models where the repeat turn indicators are moved to the door mirrors.

New look Kia cee’d adopts the company’s signature grille, also featured (with small variations), on the all-new Sorento SUV and all-new Venga MPV being unveiled at the Frankfurt Show.

On new Kia cee’d, the grille stretches the full width between the front headlights, which combined with the new trapezoidal lower air intake and completely redesigned lower front bumper, makes the car seem wider, lower and more purposeful. Completing the changes at the front end are redesigned, projection-type head lamps and square fog lamps which give a more high-tech and luxurious feel.

The grille’s finish varies with different trim/equipment levels as a way of visually differentiating between models. Most models feature an all-chrome edge to the grille, while models with the Sport Pack will have a Piano Black high-gloss edge with a contrasting chrome strip to the grille’s inner edge.

Overall length of new Kia cee’d is increased by 25 mm on the hatchback and 20 mm on the wagon. The new front bumper and grille (common to both models), extends the nose by 20 mm, while at the rear the hatchback features an all-new bumper which adds 5 mm to the rear overhang. The hatchback’s bumper also features new shape lower reflectors and this body style has new LED-look rear lamp clusters with a subtly revised shape. The profile of the cluster’s top and side is unchanged, but the lower edge is raised (compared to the original cee’d) and consequently, the bumper is slightly deeper. On the wagon, the shape of the rear clusters is unchanged, but the lamps incorporate the new LED-look.

The profile of new Kia cee’d appears sleeker, thanks to the extended nose, new, lower mounted door mirrors, a range of new-style 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sport Pack models of the hatchback are fitted with the Piano Black high-gloss front grille, plus a deeper central front air intake (also in Piano Black), black headlamp bezels and, at the rear on the hatchback, a black ‘venturi-style’ panel set into the bumper.

As with the original model, the final appearance of European-designed new Kia cee’d was fine-tuned in Kia’s world-class full-size aero-acoustic wind tunnel at the Namyang R&D Centre in Korea . The new model’s aerodynamic drag figure is Cd 0.33 (bettering the VW Golf and Ford Focus) while its lift coefficient figure (Cl 0.01) is a class-best result that enhances vehicle stability at high speeds.

For new Kia cee’d, five new exterior colours will be offered – four metallics: Phoenix Silver, Sirius Silver, Infra Red and Byte Blue, plus one solid colour, Clyde Blue.

The seven most popular colours from the original cee’d palette will be carried over so that new Kia cee’d can also be ordered in: Cassa White, Machine Silver, Dakar Yellow, Oil Blue, Pewter Beige, Piston Gray and Black Pearl.

Upgraded kit and materials for a fresher cabin ambience

Interior style, execution, quality, fit and finish of the original Kia cee’d were specifically designed and developed to impress and satisfy European consumers’ needs and tastes. For the new Kia cee’d, Kia has carried over all the key attributes while giving the cabin a fresh ambience by upgrading those zones with which the driver regular inter-acts and improving the environment for all occupants.

Facing the new Kia cee’d driver is a new-style four-spoke steering wheel, which is becoming a Kia trademark feature, that can be adjusted for height and reach. It features sporty thumb-grips, alloy-finish lower spokes and remote control switches on both left and right spokes. When fitted with Bluetooth and a Trip Computer those remote controls are mounted on the lower spokes.

Another element of Kia’s developing design DNA – the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster – can be viewed through the new wheel. The cluster is available in both Standard and optional Super Vision forms (depending on model), featuring all-red illumination and clear, precise graphics.

The ‘Super Vision’ cluster incorporates a new ‘message centre’ digital information display at the bottom of the centre instrument. This display gives information about average and instant fuel consumption, current fuel level, range-to-empty, average speed, elapsed journey time, engine temperature and low-pressure tyre warnings, as well as door and tailgate ‘open’ alerts.

Inside new Kia cee’d, the standard interior colour scheme for the dashboard and cabin trim of all cars is Ebony Black, while a ‘Classic Grey’ option retains Ebony Black for the top half of the cabin and trims the lower half in grey.

The new Centre Stack is flanked by vertical panels featuring four air vents and these panels can be specified in a choice of Classic Silver, Caramel Bronze and high-gloss Piano Black finishes. These finishes are also applied to the gear lever surround trim and the door garnish strips.

A wide choice of seat upholstery is also available. Standard interior colour scheme on LX is Black with silver cloth inserts, with the option on EX models of contrasting Bronze or Blue cloth inserts. TX versions feature Chevron cloth with the option of the ‘Classic Grey’ lower dashboard and cabin trim.

Optional Full Leather trim and a Sport Pack – with Carbon tyre-pattern cloth seat trim, contrasting grey stitching, alloy pedals and footrest, plus a unique gear-knob – are available on both EX and TX derivatives.

The radio/CD player is all-new and similar to the system destined for the Kia Venga with a circular central ‘master’ control. The centre-top, red-on-black display panel has much better readability thanks to its Dot Matrix and is able to present information about the audio system, tyre pressures, door locks, external temperature, time, day and date. The centre-bottom heating and ventilation selectors now control the standard (depending on model), or optional new dual-zone air-conditioning.

For new Kia cee’d, the gear lever is fitted with a re-styled knob, a button-type reverse selector (instead of having to lift a collar), and a 23 mm deeper skirt to minimize the gap between skirt and gear knob. The floor console around the gear lever is also re-designed, with ‘flying buttress’ style side sections linking to the centre stack. It houses an oddments tray (with USB and AUX iPod®* connections), gear selector and hand-brake lever, twin cup-holders and large-capacity storage box topped by a padded armrest.

In front of the passenger, the dashboard houses a 6.5-litre glove box which has 18% more capacity than the original model.

New convenience features available include ‘one-touch, triple-signal’ turn indicators – ideal for lane changing on motorways – and a speed-limiter function which enables the driver to pre-set a maximum speed at which the throttle is reduced and a warning buzzer sounds.

Following Kia’s tradition of delivering generous kit, top quality and great value, the new Kia cee’d LX model comes with standard equipment that includes: front, side and curtain airbags, central locking, electric front windows, tinted glass, rear wash/wipe, RDS radio/CD player with four speakers, steering wheel mounted audio controls, glovebox and luggage area lamps, body colour outside door handles and 15-inch steel wheels with low rolling resistance 195/65 section Michelin tyres.

Standard equipment on EX models adds: front fog lamps, keyless entry, driver and front passenger seat height adjustment, driver’s seat lumbar support, two tweeter speakers, ‘active’ head restraints, manual air-conditioning, front centre console, rear cup-holders, body coloured door mirrors – electrically adjustable and heated.

The range-topping TX models also come equipped with: 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 tyres, ESC with hill-start assist, dual-zone air-conditioning, part-leather seats, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake, Piano Black high-gloss interior trim, turn repeater lights incorporated in the door mirrors, rear centre armrest and luggage-retaining net.

As well as the three equipment levels, customer will be offered a wide range of options – depending on individual markets. Main options include: cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free communications, 6.5-inch full-map satellite navigation with touch screen, auto light controls, auto wiper controls, leather trim, water-rejecting Hydro-phobic door glass, parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

All cee’d models are fitted with a 60/40 split rear seat cushion and backrest. To increase luggage space, the cushions tip forwards and the backrests fold complete flat, aligning neatly with the trunk floor. Slots to store the detachable rear head restraints when the seats are folded are provided in the underside of the cushions.

Improving on a ‘best-in-class’ NVH performance

In the lead-up to launching the original cee’d, Kia Motors made an unprecedented commitment to improving its all-new C-segment model’s refinement and durability. The company was determined that cee’d would constitute a ‘qualitative revolution’ for the brand.

Kia’s cee’d engineering teams at the company’s R&D Centre in Russelsheim were tasked with creating a new C-segment challenger that matched or beat competitor vehicles for minimising noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

They achieved their original goal and now the same teams have made painstaking, small detailed changes throughout the new Kia cee’d to reduce cabin noise even further – by between 0.5 dB and 1.0 dB, depending on model.

The bodyshell for new Kia cee’d is carried over from the original and makes an excellent foundation on which to build a low NVH vehicle. Torsional (twisting) stiffness is 42 Hz and flexural (bending) rigidity is also high. The resulting strong structure delivers numerous benefits in terms of controlling NVH, enhancing occupant crash protection, and providing a firm base for the fully independent suspension.

A significant reduction in the transmission of road noise is achieved by the use of a front sub-frame to support the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, and a rear sub-frame for mounting the rear suspension – delivering many positive effects on NVH and isolating the cabin from vibration sources.

Aerodynamically, new Kia cee’d is a smooth, slippery and efficient car with a Cd of just 0.33 – minimizing airflow disruption over the car, and consequently achieving low levels of wind noise. The perception of low wind noise from within the cabin is aided by the fitting of multi-layer rubber seals around the doors and tailgate and one-piece weather strips around all windows.

Revised suspension settings and bushes, plus a new Michelin tyre structure, means that new Kia cee’d is better able to absorb vibrations and shocks from imperfections in the road surface.

Kia engineers focused their NVH-reduction push on minimising vibrations, both at source and by extra dampening, over a wide range of frequencies. Each panel of the cee’d bodyshell was scrutinised to identify areas which could be modified for new Kia cee’d to reduce noise generation at source. Hollow sections of the shell, especially in the A, B and C-pillars, were injected with sound-proofing foam, while isolation pads, made in new advanced materials, were placed in key locations.

Models fitted with the all-new 1.6-litre ‘U2′ diesel engine and new six-speed manual gearbox, also benefit from the improved refinement offered by this powertrain.

All-new U2 1.6 diesel joins five-strong engine line-up

Although Kia’s new Kia cee’d will be offered with the same engine choice as the original model – three gasoline and two diesel engines, ranging in power output from 90 to 143 ps – all the powertrains deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 output. This is the result, partly of more refined engine tuning and partly because most models are fitted with low-viscosity engine and transmissions lubricants and new Michelin low rolling resistance tyres. Across the new Kia cee’d range, the average of reduction is 5%.

The popular 1.6-litre diesel is replaced by a new engine from Kia’s new ‘U2′ family, designed and engineered at Kia’s R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany and manufactured in Slovakia , especially for use in this important Kia newcomer.

Making its debut in new Kia cee’d, the U2 1.6-litre diesel has the latest generation common rail diesel injection system and is fitted with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). It is cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than its forebears, while still ensuring a responsive and lively performance.

U2 1.6L has been developed to deliver best-in-class power and torque outputs over the entire rev range to ensure optimum driveability. Crucially, more than 90 per cent of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, for strong and smooth acceleration almost from idle.

Maximum power is 115 ps (84.5 kW) at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm (26.0 kg.m) across a wide rev band, from 1,900 to 2,750 rpm.

U2 uses high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system (up to five injections per cycle), electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a variable geometry turbocharger, and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to ensure it meets Euro 4 emissions regulations – depending on market.

NVH is well controlled and U2 engine noise has been reduced by 1.1% (to 92 dB at 4,000 rpm). Thanks to the fitment of a chain-driven timing system, owners will benefit from extended (to 30,000 km or one year) service intervals.

Fitted in new Kia cee’d, the U2 with the new six-speed manual gearbox emits just 110 g/km (hatchback with ISG) and 119 g/km (wagon with ISG) of CO2. This represents an 8% improvement over the previous 1.6-litre ‘U1′ engine, and brings both cee’d models below the crucial 120g/km threshold applicable for taxation purposes across European countries, meaning many owners will be able to enjoy paying reduced or no vehicle taxation, and free parking or other benefits, in some markets.

Alongside the U2, buyers will be able to choose between four ‘carry-over’ engines – a 2.0-litre 140 ps diesel and three gasoline engines, a 1.4-litre (90 ps), a 1.6-litre (126 ps), and a 2.0-litre (143 ps), each fitted with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to ensure greater engine efficiency in all operating conditions. Lower power versions of these engines are available in some markets to meet local taxation requirements.

ISG (Idle Stop & Go) available for three engines

In addition to using the latest technologies to enhance the efficiencies of each engine, Kia is offering its fuel-stretching ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system – which automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving – as an option on 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline engines, plus the 1.6 U2 diesel engine.

Working in conjunction with other technologies, ISG helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, enabling certain cee’d models to cut their CO2 emissions to just 110 g/km (hatchback). Other innovative technologies fitted to new Kia cee’d include an Eco Driving Guide (gear-shift up/down indicator) to encourage an economical driving style and a power-saving alternator management system.

New six-speed manual delivers customer benefits

Kia’s new Kia cee’d is available with a choice of either five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. Manual transmission is fitted as standard on all models, with the automatic available as an extra cost option on some engines.

An all-new six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard on all cee’d models powered by the new U2 diesel engine. Made in Europe, the new transmission is lighter, has taller gearing, uses low-viscosity oil and provides a marked improvement in gear change ‘feel’ for a more rewarding driving experience.

Both the five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions incorporate several innovations, including triple axis gear train and multiple-cone synchroniser (on first and second gears), for faster, smoother gear shifts. Rather than having to lift a spring-loaded safety collar before selecting reverse gear, drivers now depress a button on the leading edge of the gear lever.

Although manual transmission will be the standard equipment on new Kia cee’d, two gasoline models (1.6 and 2.0) and one diesel (1.6) will be available with automatic transmission as an extra-cost option.

The automatic for new Kia cee’d is a four-speed gearbox, featuring an electronic controller, which monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and road speed, ensuring safe gear changes with excellent shift quality, and also adapts the transmission’s characteristics to suit an individual’s driving style.

Fine-tuning an already competitive Ride & Handling package

When they developed the original Kia cee’d, Kia’s European chassis engineers based in Germany were determined to ensure that the newcomer was among the ’segment-best’ for ride and handling – targeting the Ford Focus and VW Golf as the models to match or beat.

Now, with new Kia cee’d those engineers have taken the opportunity to fine tune the C-segment Kia’s already competitive ride and handling package with minor modifications to the suspension and running gear that deliver valuable customer benefits for real-world, everyday motoring.

While retaining the same subframe-mounted MacPherson Strut (front) and Kia’s subframe-mounted ‘in-wheel multi-link’ (rear) fully independent suspension layouts, engineers were briefed to improve riding comfort and steering response, without altering the car’s overall handling balance.

After extensive testing, revised suspension settings were devised for new Kia cee’d including softer front and rear springs and dampers, reduced friction in the front strut springs, modified anti-roll bars and suspension bushes, plus new bump stops.

Kia’s precise MDPS ‘electric’ power steering

To save fuel and deliver responsive handling in everyday driving, new Kia cee’d retains Kia’s Motor Driven Power Steering system (MDPS). This electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering has relatively high gearing, requiring just 2.69 turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock. This system gives a fuel saving of 3% compared to conventional hydraulic assistance.

Although the steering hardware is carried over, the steering effort is reduced. A new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) programme is introduced with improved electronic communications between the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and the MDPS steering controller. The VSM reduces the amount of assistance if the driver is applying too much steering effort – and increases assistance if the driver is applying too little effort.

Powerful braking for rapid stopping

The Kia cee’d has a power-assisted all-disc braking system which delivers excellent stopping power that is highly competitive in the C-segment. The large diameter 280 mm ventilated front discs and solid 262 mm rear discs, are backed-up by four-channel, four-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which is standard fit for all cee’d models.

Available as part of the ESC package, the emergency Brake Assist System (BAS), senses when a driver is making an emergency stop and applies maximum braking effort. It is standard equipment (with ESC) on new Kia cee’d TX models and optional on others. The standard braking system delivers powerful, secure and stable braking performance with consistent pedal feel.

Multiple choices for wheels – all with Michelin tyres

Maintaining a policy adopted early in the original car’s evolution, Kia continued to develop the new Kia cee’d chassis and running gear using Michelin tyres exclusively, so that its engineers could tune the new model’s characteristics precisely for a specific type of tyre size, compound and construction.

The close collaboration between Kia and Michelin also allowed technicians to optimise the cee’d tyres to minimise rolling resistance and maximise fuel economy – without compromising road holding, handling, ride and refinement.

The standard wheels for LX and EX new Kia cee’d models are 15-inch diameter 5.5J wide steel wheels with 5-spoke full-cover plastic trims. LX models are equipped with 185/65 R15 tyres, while EX models feature fatter 195/65 section tryes. Range-topping cee’d TX models have 16-inch, 6.0J alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tyres – as standard.

In most European countries, new Kia cee’d models will be offered with a wide choice of optional wheels and tyres, including a 16-inch steel wheel with 10-spoke plastic trims, three designs of 16-inch and two of 17-inch alloys – including new ‘D Type’ 17-inch 5-spoke wheels finished in Hyper Silver and supplied as part of the factory-fitted optional Sports Pack.

The 16-inch diameter wheels will be fitted with 205/55 tyres, while the 17-inch wheels will have 225/45 tyres. All cee’d models come with a steel space-saver spare wheel – located in the trunk floor well.

ESC with new Hill-Start Assist available for every new Kia cee’d

Kia’s engineers have worked hard to ensure that new Kia cee’d is one of the safest cars in the C-segment and has the highest levels of active and passive safety, to fully satisfy the ever increasing consumer expectations about this aspect of car design. The original Kia cee’d achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2007 and Kia anticipates that the new Kia cee’d will perform equally well in the tougher tests now being applied to new cars.

New Kia cee’d has many stress-reducing features to help maintain driver alertness, plus its active safety features, such as stable handling, precise steering, and powerful braking, result in drivers of this Kia being fully equipped to avoid potential accident situations and cope with everyday motoring hazards.

As before, every new Kia cee’d has a powerful all-disc braking system featuring ABS anti-lock with EBD electronic brake force distribution. The ESC system, which now incorporates a Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) programme to prevent roll-back, is standard on TX models and available as an option on all others. ESC comes with a Traction Control System (TCS) and BAS. The system is fully automatic and operates at all times, in all weathers, reducing under-steer or over-steer and returning the car to the course intended by the driver.

Three options boost safety performance even further. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will trigger an instrument cluster display indicating which tyre is punctured or has low pressure.

Kia’s Park Assist System (a rear parking aid), has four sensors and enhances safety during low-speed manoeuvres. The system gives the driver an audible alert when reversing towards an obstruction. The intensity of the warning increases as the car gets closer to the person, animal or object.

Unique to the Kia cee’d family, innovative ‘Hydro-phobic’ glass is an option for all door glass. Coated with a water repellent film, the hydro-phobic glass enhances safety by encouraging rain to flow away quickly, leaving the driver with greatly improved visibility.

Safeguarding occupants to maximise protection

If an accident is unavoidable, new Kia cee’d is engineered to safeguard the occupants with a robust bodyshell and a range of passive safety measures to offer its occupants maximum possible protection. All five seats have manually adjustable head restraints and three-point seatbelts as standard. Integrated ‘active’ head restraints are standard on both front seats in EX and TX models. During a rear impact, these head restraints move forwards to reduce whiplash injuries to the neck or back. The system is available on LX models as an optional extra.

Every new Kia cee’d hatchback and wagon is equipped with six airbags – dual front airbags, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, protecting the occupants in both seat rows – as standard.

All safety systems work together to provide full passenger protection, so simultaneously with an airbag inflation, a signal is relayed to the other airbags and to the seatbelt pre-tensioners, activating them if appropriate. The passenger side front airbag features an on-off switch so it can be deactivated if children occupy that seat.

The rear side doors of cee’d are fitted with child safety locks and two ISOFIX anchor points are fitted in the back row seats for the attachment of child safety seats.

Security and peace of mind

In the modern world, vehicle security is an important aspect of personal safety and new Kia cee’d is comprehensively equipped to resist thieves. Central locking with all-door override is standard on all models, with speed-sensing automatic locking. Keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm and dash-top security lamp are standard on EX and TX models.

Every cee’d engine is fitted with an advanced electronic immobiliser that was developed in tandem with the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in the UK, and targets a top-level anti-theft protection rating. Every model has a battery saver which switches off any interior or exterior lights that have been left on after the engine has been turned-off, preventing draining of the battery.