KIA Ceed Station wagon, a roomy family car that feels confident on city streets and country roads - an attractive offer from a popular South Korean manufacturer. A dynamic car equipped with a relatively powerful engine maneuvers easily on the roads of a metropolis, and on the highway it can significantly save fuel. The ground clearance of the KIA Sid station wagon is 150 mm, which is a good indicator for a city car.
Typical representative
In Russia, station wagons are not yet in such demand as in European countries, where a significant part of the population prefers to combine the comfort of a sedan with the carrying capacity of a crossover. Nevertheless, Kia Sid may well count on massive interest from buyers - it is a comfortable car, the characteristics of which are not inferior to similar models from other well-known manufacturers.
The main distinguishing feature of the station wagon is its spaciousness and high carrying capacity. The KIA Ceed has 528 liters of luggage space, which can be easily increased by folding the rear row seats. In terms of such characteristics as ground clearance, this model is not inferior to its “colleague” - the Hyundai i30 SW wagon and surpasses the Hyundai i40 Wagon, whose ground clearance is only 140 mm.
The ground clearance of 150 mm, which characterizes the KIA Sid, is it a lot or a little?
Russian roads
The condition of Russian roads, despite the serious funding of road programs, remains rather deplorable. With the exception of federal highways outside the city, it is difficult to find highways with a decent level surface. And the urban environment is far from homogeneous - in addition to flat central streets, there are entrances to courtyards and alleys, in which the coating has not been repaired for decades. In winter conditions, the situation becomes even more critical. That is why, when choosing a car, it is important to pay attention to such a parameter as ground clearance.
To determine if the KIA Ceed Station Wagon is suitable for local conditions, you need to understand what exactly is meant by the term "clearance".
What is "clearance?"
The standard wording is quite simple: the clearance of the KIA Sid station wagon means the distance between the surface on which the car stands and the lowest point of this car.
Where is the lowest point of the KIA Ceed? If you look at the car from below, you will notice many protruding parts, each of which has a chance to become the target point. Considering that usually KIA Sid moves forward, the first thing that gets in the way of an obstacle is the bumper.
Attention! When purchasing a KIA Ceed, measure the distance from the ground to the lowest point of the bumper in order to realistically imagine which obstacles will be obviously impassable for this car.
According to official information, the KIA Ceed station wagon has a ground clearance of 150 mm. The classification of indicators of cars of different types is as follows:
- hatchback, sedan, station wagon - ground clearance from 140 to 200 mm;
- crossover - clearance from 180 to 250 mm;
- SUV - ground clearance from 200 to 350 mm.
As we can see, KIA Sid has standard indicators for a station wagon, close to the minimum.
The distance between the ground and the bottom point of the bumper is not always the same manufacturer's minimum ground clearance. A special plastic protection can be installed on the KIA Sid bumper, the function of which is to notify with a loud bang of a collision with an obstacle. Replacing the KIA Sid plastic skirt is much easier and cheaper than repairing the bumper, nevertheless, many motorists remove the KIA Ceed protective skirt in order to increase the cross-country ability of the car.
Considering further the KIA Ceed station wagon, it can be noted that the gap between the ground and the lower point of the front suspension is less than previously measured. However, the area of possible contact of the KIA Sid suspension with an obstacle is so small that this factor is not taken into account.
The distance between the ground and the oil pan of the KIA Ceed station wagon is even less, and this parameter is important to know in order not to risk it on a difficult road. The standard indicators of the distance between the cover and the boat sump for different types of vehicles are:
- sedan, hatchback, station wagon - from 120 to 170 mm;
- crossover - from 170 to 210 mm;
- SUV - from 200 mm
Attention! The manufacturer KIA Ceed station wagon installs plastic protection on the oil pan. To reduce the risk of breaking the oil pan in Russian road conditions, it is advisable to replace the plastic protection with a metal one.
Drivers of the KIA Sid car are advised to be careful and careful when driving over an obstacle, since there is a risk of catching it with the lower part of the exhaust system elements.
How to increase ground clearance?
The ground clearance of the KIA Ceed can be increased by installing wheels with a disc radius larger than the standard one. However, in such a situation, the speed sensor may fail, which will affect the speedometer readings.
On the Ceed, the shock absorbers and suspension springs can also be replaced. But this will lead to a shift in the center of gravity and the car on the road will become less stable, there will be problems with maneuvering.
Thus, without an obvious need, you should not try to change the ground clearance of this station wagon.
Almost no one doubts that the Kia Sid, produced by a Korean company especially for the European consumer, is a wonderful car. Excellent appearance, increased comfort, powerful and, there is everything here to please the European and domestic car enthusiasts. But, given the quality of our roads, a potential domestic buyer is confused by the low Kia Sid ground clearance, which is 150 mm, and in fact, in the area of the lower plane of the beam - 140 mm.
That is why curbs, bumps, home-made "speed bumps" that amaze the imagination of Europeans, problems with a full load of a car can be a serious problem for its owner, and this is not to mention trips to nature. Although, of course, by the manufacturer itself, Kia Sid is positioned as a city car, the element of which is asphalt.
But what does such a low seating position of the car give, and what can its owner lose if he tries to "raise" it with the help of skilled craftsmen, who have never been lacking in our people? This is, above all, excellent handling and road stability, one of the best in its class. The dynamics of the car, balance, comfort (due to low noise) and safety (after all, it was calculated by the engineers of the Korean company). In this case, the ground clearance can decrease with loading, settling of springs and even abrasion of the wheel tread.
How can you fight this phenomenon so as not to disturb the suspension settings and at the same time increase at least a little Kia Sid ground clearance? The simplest solution is to replace the tires with a higher profile, then you will definitely increase the ground clearance, and strict monitoring of the pressure in them will help keep it at the same level. It is desirable to maintain a constant pressure of 2.2 atmospheres, although this value can vary depending on the preference of the owner and the type of tire. This can add about 18mm of ground clearance without altering the suspension settings at all, and therefore not compromising its performance. On many cars, owners balance the suspension by installing polyurethane cushions on each spring. They increase the clearance by an average of 5 mm by stabilizing and reducing swing, for example, "dive" when braking, so they help to maintain the integrity of the bottom. Why not use this technology on the Kia Sid, especially since there are such pillows on the market? Installing a special strut should make the suspension more balanced. And, of course, it is better not to overload the car, artificially reducing the ergonomics of its suspension.
These few simple steps will surely bring the characteristics of the Kia Sid closer to other brands of cars, getting pleasure from driving without thinking about the problems associated with low ground clearance.
Many novice drivers do not understand what is and why clearance is needed. In this article, we will try to figure out why the clearance is really needed, and what it should be for the South Korean car KIA Sid.
So what is ground clearance, and how do you calculate it? This is the distance from the protruding bottom part, the most central part of it, to the ground. This is what the ground clearance is in any car, including the KIA Sid. This distance allows the car not to cling to the bottom of the road. However, there is one caveat. It is quite problematic to determine the most extreme point. On the bottom of the car there are many all kinds of protruding parts and elements, among them a transmission, a muffler, and so on, so many find it difficult to determine the exact clearance distance. Among other things, the mass of the car for the most part falls on the front, since it is there that the power plant is located. If all this is taken into account, then the clearance in the South Korean model, regardless of whether it is a station wagon or a hatchback, is measured in the front end.
In passenger cars, the clearance is 130-170 mm. Urban SUVs and crossovers have a distance of 170-210 mm. In full-fledged SUVs, the ground clearance is 210-420 mm. As an exception to the rule, there is clearance and more. It is found in frame jeeps that have custom tires.
How to measure ground clearance with engine protection on KIA Sid
Many car manufacturers have recently begun installing special crankcase guards to avoid damage. This protection is often made of metal or plastic. It picks up a few millimeters from the KIA Sid's lumen.
That is why, when purchasing this model, you should clarify what clearance distance is stated in the documentation, and what is the real ground clearance. In some cases, due to protection, the clearance is reduced by 30-40 mm. Be sure to be interested in even such trifles when buying a car, since you must evaluate how much distance is safe for the car to pass.
LED Car Bottom Overhangs
Some of the drivers, driving through snow-covered areas, curbs and so on, can sometimes hear a grinding sound. This means that the plastic bumper has hit an obstacle. The bumper can split from such contact. And the rather low overhang of the car in front is to blame for this. A low seating position is often found in sports and tuned cars, and this significantly increases the chance of encountering a serious "obstacle" on its way.
What is the ideal ground clearance for KIA Sid
Drivers from European countries are used to driving comfortably. For this, they have ideal flat roads. Such an excellent coverage allows you to drive a car, the minimum ground clearance of which is 130 mm. And the danger of bumping into something on such roads is unlikely, which, unfortunately, cannot be said about domestic roads. Here you can often find pits, and even more than 150 mm deep.
Therefore, in order to move on our roads more or less comfortably, the minimum ground clearance of the car should be 160 mm.
Very often, manufacturers adapt their models specifically for Russian roads. This is achieved in various ways, by increasing the power of the car or by reinforced suspension. Also, the car is "raised". However, our local craftsmen also have something to offer. They sometimes find unique and original solutions to increase the ground clearance of your car, including the KIA Sid model.
Real ground clearance of KIA Sid model
The KIA Sid car has a clearance of only 150 mm. This is an official statement. The ground clearance has decreased due to the fact that the engine is equipped with a crankcase protection. What to do in this case? Do you really have to drive your KIA Seed "stealthily" so as not to run into an obstacle. Or is it possible to somehow solve this problem? How to increase the clearance of a KIA Ceed car in a hatchback or station wagon? You can solve this problem.
This can be done in 2 ways, and these methods can be used both individually and in combination:
- Increased clearance due to the installation of spacers;
- Increase in ground clearance due to the installation of wheel rims of a larger diameter, but within the limits permitted by the manufacturer.
But if the clearance of the KIA ceed can be increased thanks to the installation of large rims, then we need to think about what we will lose and what we get in this case. Naturally, the increased ground clearance allows you to make the car more passable, this is undoubtedly a positive point. However, we will get some difficulties, for example, when cornering at high speed.
In any case, you yourself have to choose how to make the car more passable, the main thing is that there are options for how to do it, and there is also a lot of information on the Internet on how to do everything with your own hands.
KIA Ceed 3 generations is a functional and stylish hatchback, which is distinguished by technological equipment and a high level of comfort. Even more systems and assistants are now responsible for your safety, and the charismatic appearance of the car will not leave indifferent any motorist.
Technical characteristics of KIA Sid 2018-2019
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the KIA Ceed confidently maneuvers in the megalopolis and can easily park: the length of the car is 4310 mm, the width is 1800 mm, and the height is 1447 mm. These dimensions provide the hatchback with a spacious interior and provide stability on any road.
Trunk volume - 395 liters. With the rear seats folded down, the compartment capacity will increase to 1291 liters.
The clearance of the KIA Sid 2018-2019 is 150 mm. This ground clearance provides comfortable movement in the city and light off-road.
The new models are equipped with three 1.4 or 1.6 liter petrol engines with a capacity of 100 to 140 hp. You can choose a car with a 6-speed gearbox, manual transmission-6 or 7-band robotic transmission. All vehicles are equipped with front-wheel drive.
The hatchback accelerates to 205 km / h, and it can easily pick up a speed of 100 km / h in 9.2-12.6 s, depending on the engine version.
When driving in a combined cycle, fuel consumption does not exceed 7.3 liters. The volume of the fuel tank is 53 liters. You can drive more than half a thousand kilometers without refueling!
The energy-intensive suspension is responsible for smooth overcoming of obstacles. An independent spring suspension of the MacPherson type is installed at the front, and an independent multi-link at the rear.
Basic equipment Classic
Initial modification cars are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning and Bluetooth. A six-speaker audio system will allow you to listen to your favorite songs. The security system includes airbags and curtains, as well as a number of useful systems: HAC, BAS, VSM, TPMS, ESS, ABS.
The door handles of the cars are made in the body color.
Innovation and functionality
Drive Wise brings together the many systems you need on the road. For example, SLIF independently reads road signs and warns you about the speed limit, and RCCW will let you know if there is a risk of colliding with another car when leaving a parking space. BCW monitors blind spots, which is especially important when maneuvering in the city, and SPAS will help you park in a matter of seconds.
The intelligent cruise control system is able to independently maintain the set speed and distance to the vehicle in front. If necessary, the SCC can use the braking system - in the event of force majeure, the car will stop.
There are motorists, especially beginners, who do not know what clearance is, what to do with it. It is often confused with another similar word. But this is, as they say, "from another opera." In general, why do you need it? We will try to help in this matter. Let's take a closer look, what is the clearance of the KIA Sid?
So what is ground clearance and how to measure it “correctly”? The ground clearance of a car, including that of KIA Sid, is the distance from the ground to the lower protruding part of its central part. It is also called ground clearance. This clearance does not allow the car to "belly shuffle" on the road surface. There is one trick. Determining the extreme point is difficult. There are many protruding parts on the underside of the car, making it difficult to accurately determine this distance. These are elements such as a muffler, transmission, etc. In addition, the main weight of the car falls on the front of the vehicle. This is due to the installed power unit. Considering all this, the clearance of the KIA Sid is measured in the front part.
Depending on the ground clearance, cars can be roughly divided into several categories.
- Passenger car category where the clearance is between 13 and 17 cm
- Crossovers and SUVs - here the clearance varies from 17 to 21 cm
- SUVs with a ground clearance of 21 to 42 cm
- There is also more ground clearance. But this is rather an exception to the rule than a rule. We are talking about frame jeeps "shod in non-standard shoes" (rubber).
The feature of measuring the ground clearance of the KIA Sid when the engine protection is installed
Many manufacturers now install crankcase guards to prevent damage. It can be made of plastic or metal. So it is precisely such protection that takes a few precious millimeters from the clearance of the KIA LED.
Therefore, when buying a car, you need to find out what distance the manufacturers said, and what a real gleam. Sometimes the installed protection reduces the clearance by 3-4 centimeters! You do not need to be ashamed to find out such "little things" when buying. You must understand what is the safe distance for the purchased car. This issue seems to be over. Now let's talk about the lower bumper overhang.
"Overhangs" KIA SID
Moving over obstacles, overcoming the curb, snow-covered sections of the road, we sometimes hear an unpleasant grinding sound. This is a plastic protrusion (bumper) "met an obstacle". From contact, it can simply split. This is due to the low front overhang of the car. Places of the most common "traps" are car washes, gas stations. Although in urban conditions it can be anything! Low car stance is inherent in sports car models and "tuned" cars.
Perfect ground clearance for the car
European drivers are used to driving comfortably. Excellent smooth roads contribute to this. The road surface allows you to move by cars with a minimum ground clearance of 13 cm. The danger of getting into an "unpleasant story" for the driver is negligible. The same cannot be said about the majority of the road surface in Russia and the CIS countries !!! In our native open spaces, you can often find pits with a depth of more than 15 cm. This means that cars with increased ground clearance are needed to move along our highways. The recommended minimum ground clearance for our roads is 16 cm. Manufacturers specially adapt their vehicles to our roads in various ways. Increasing not only the power of the car, but also the suspension itself. They try to "lift" the car. Our craftsmen, in turn, are also on the alert. Find solutions (sometimes original) in order to increase the clearance of the car. Including the ground clearance of the KIA Sid.
Vehicle clearance and KIA ceed
The current ground clearance of the KIA LED is only 15 cm... This is a statement by the "officials". The installed engine crankcase protector reduces it. What to do? Crawling like a snail, crushing obstacles? Or is there another, more acceptable solution to this issue? Is it possible to increase the clearance of the KIA Sid? The answer is unequivocal - you can.
This can be done in two ways:
install discs with a larger diameter (within the limits allowed by the manufacturer)
increase ground clearance due to additional spacers
These methods can be used both separately and in combination.
However, having increased the ground clearance of the KIA ceed by changing the size of the rims, let's think for a moment what we gain and what we lose. It is clear that the increase in the vehicle's clearance, in terms of cross-country ability, is a positive moment. But at the same time, we will face difficulties when passing sharp turns at high speed. Changes in vehicle handling when driving at high speed are also possible. As for the second option for increasing the ground clearance on the KIA Sid car, we will tell you in more detail about this in another article. Let's consider how you can carry out such work yourself. What is the order of such work.
