Kia Cee'd Sportswagon

Not so long ago I reviewed a Kia Cee’d and was left feeling short changed. There were some underlying merits but the execution left something to be desired. Admittedly this was the previous generation Cee’d and I’m pleased to have now been given the opportunity to try the latest incarnation of Kia’s midsize proposition.

This new model, released in 2012, looks more mature and better finished with all the usual trinkets and glitzy DRLs of any other new car. I would struggle to call it good looking but it is relatively inoffensive in a similar manner to the i30. Only the high front end and acutely angled windscreen really look awkward and unpleasant but I suspect this is done to aid aerodynamics and pedestrian safety. The window line rises along the shoulder; leading to a dark interior; where it then meets the tail lights as they sweep into the unhappy tailgate. It is hard to say much more than that about the Cee’d. Have a look at the pictures and take it in as I suspect it’ll be the only time you’ll ever knowingly pay attention to one such is the bland and non-descript design.

High shoulders; small glass

It was inside the old model that I encountered the biggest problems. Kia have worked hard to tackle these problems and have set their sights directly on the competition; particularly the VW Golf. Having affectively copy and pasted the dash design from the Golf the Kia is an initially pleasant cockpit. Closer inspection reveals a few cracks in the facade though. For example, the stereo, whilst providing ample wattage, isn’t touch screen and feels old before it’s time. The small display screen set in the top of the dashboard looks outdated too with an old fashioned digital display. Kia also still haven’t quite mastered the art of using large areas of plastic in an interior without giving the air of cut corners and low quality control. The dials themselves are easy to read and well laid out whilst the steering wheel features controls for the trip computer, cruise control and voice activated Bluetooth. Whereas the low budget interior of the previous generation Cee’d was an unpleasant place from where to pilot the vehicle this new interior is wholly satisfactory and up to the job. The trouble is that it would feel more at home in a 2007 car, rather than a 2012 model. Not a huge issue but enough to put it on the back foot before even moving off when compared to the competition.

Golf-esque dash layout

Dials

On the move the electric steering has the option to vary the ratios but again; I found it made little tangible difference. The steering wheel itself is comfortable to hold and the buttons are easy to operate. The fully independent suspension grips well and offers good levels of feedback. Consequently there is the potential for an entertaining steer unfortunately let down by the power plant.  The 1.6CRDI engine produces 126bhp but is coarse and lethargic in delivery. 0-60 takes a sluggish 11.7 seconds but provided you remain within the mid-range boost, with maximum torque of 260nm is available from 1,900-2,750rpm, the Kia is sufficiently paced before topping out at 115mph. This particular example was equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Gear changes are some way behind the best twin-clutch ‘box and I found using the manual paddles behind the steering wheel worked best once off the main motorway network. Even so, timing your request to change is a fine art in order to ensure the engine remains on the boil such is the frustratingly slow response from the gearbox. That said, the resultant drive was quite entertaining; albeit not in the conventional sense. Balancing the power (or lack of), torque and a stubborn gearbox to make the most of the willing chassis ensure there is always something to keep you occupied whilst at the helm.

Weak link

As tested this base spec Cee’d comes in at £20,400; which is cheap. The nearest rival I could find was the more powerful Ford Focus 1.6TDCi Powershift at £24,000, or the smaller Seat Ibiza ST FR 1.6TDi DSG which comes in at £14,750 but makes do with only 105bhp. Combined with the 7 year warranty the Cee’d is a compelling package.

Unhappy rear

If price is your first priority this is where to start your search for your new car. Even if price isn’t your key priority, I’d still strongly recommend you consider the Kia as you don’t sacrifice as much as you’d think to reach the appealing price tag. 

Kia - more than you'd think