KIA’S KEY TO SUCCESS
HAVING planted the seeds of its British and European success more than a decade ago, Korea’s Kia looks set to capitalise further with its new third generation Ceed hatchback. Ahead of first UK deliveries next month, I’ve just been driving it in glorious Slovakia from the company’s smart 12-year-old factory set in the pretty Zilina valley.
This five-door family hatchback looks the business and won’t disgrace your driveway. Prices are reasonable. It drives well. It’s lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase than the car it replaces, plus more interior space.
You’re spoilt for choice on new and improved engines contributing towards 11 trim and engine combinations at launch. And it’s been engineered especially for the UK’s increasingly potholed roads.
There’s a lower, sportier driving position; a larger 395-litre boot, which has plenty of bag space. and it’s a decently priced alternative to pricier rivals such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf. And for more load-lugging, an estate model is about to follow.
All variants offer autonomous ‘lane-following assist’ for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised by the entry-level Ceed 2 with a sprightly and frugal turbocharged 1-litre T-GDi 3-cylinder 118 bhp petrol engine and nifty six-speed manual gearbox. From £18,295, it has many features that would be extras on dearer rivals. It averages 52.3 mpg — more when cruising. Pretty good up steep hills with acceleration from rest to 60mph in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 116mph.
The more rounded performance package came with the fully stocked ‘First Edition’ with a smoothly powerful turbocharged 1.4 litre T-GDi 4-cylinder 138 bhp petrol engine linked to a seven-speed automatic gearbox in sport mode.
The 1.6 litre CRDi 114 bhp diesel, from £19,545 offers 74.3 mpg (99g/km C02).