By Ian Strachan.
The latest Kia Ceed makes a bit more of a statement than its predecessors, with a strong, aggressive design, particularly its striking shark-like front end. And the estate version – or Sportswagon as Kia prefers to call it – looks even better.
This Kia is a breath of fresh air. Here’s a medium-sized family estate car which still manages to look sleek and sporty. So many of its competitors are on the conservative, staid side.
From the front you have the Ceed’s attractive grille. From the side the Sportswagon has smooth, flowing lines and from the back the car is nicely sculpted while still giving impressive carrying capacity, particularly with its fold down rear seats. Whichever way you look at it, this car is a good looker.
The inside is nice too. The front seats are extremely comfortable with a good range of adjustment. There are plenty of storage spaces around the interior and all instruments are clear and accessible.
I drove the 120 bhp 1.5 T-GDi version powered by a smooth 1.5 litre diesel engine. It’s extremely quiet, even when worked hard, with good acceleration and flexibility. Mated to a pleasant seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox you also get good economy – around 48 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
Ride and handling are excellent thanks to a lightweight chassis and good suspension.
Specification on the ‘3’ trim level I tested is generous. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, electrically folding, heated door mirrors, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, all-round electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, dual automatic air conditioning and roof rails.
You also get a USB fast-charger, satellite navigation with a large 10.25 inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and voice control, rear parking sensors, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist and hill start control.
On the road price for this spec is £26,345. You also get the very substantial bonus of a seven year, 100,000 mile warranty, which means the third or even fourth owner could still benefit from a manufacturer’s warranty.
I found this well-equipped Kia estate pleasing in every way.
