A hatch that’s built to suc-ceed

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The biggest leap forward is in refinement and technology

A decade ago, Kia changed from a purveyor of cheap and cheerful runarounds to a maker of some very competitive cars indeed.

Since then they have steadily improved their offerings with each new model.

Take this, the third-generation Ceed. A while back, Kia poached Audi designer Peter Schreyer and his influence shows in the car’s more elegant looks – particularly the sharp, “tiger-nose” grille inspired by the Stinger super-saloon.

Most importantly, the car’s name has been sorted out – it’s no longer spelled “c’eed” – allowing car-loving grammar pedants everywhere to heave a sigh of relief. There’s no longer a three door option, with the range comprising the five-door hatch I spent a day driving and an upcoming estate model.

The new model is slightly wider than its predecessor, giving a bit more shoulder and elbow room inside and the boot is bigger too, at 395 litres. Standard equipment has been improved across the board as well.

I travelled to Slovakia, where the Ceed is built, to drive some of the first righthand drive models. On the mixed roads of the High Tatras mountains, the Ceed acquitted itself very well.

There are 1.0 and 1.4 petrol units and a 1.6-litre diesel, all paired to six-speed gearboxes.

The suspension soaks up small potholes without fuss and the wheels grip well through corners – though the Ceed lacks the involvement of the keen driver’s favourite, the Ford Focus.

The biggest leap forward is in refinement and technology. A lot of work has gone into noise-shielding the cabin and you can now chat to rear passengers without having to raise your voice.

A large touchscreen dominates a smarter interior layout. Spec levels are badged 1, 2, 3 and fully-loaded First Edition (Vital Stats are for the 1.6-diesel in 2 trim).

The Ceed cannot match the latest Ford Focus when it comes to driving dynamics. Nor is it as refined as the peerless VW Golf. But its all-round blend of talents brings it close enough to those rivals so that many buyers will not care. The new Ceed does what any updated car should do: improves on its predecessor. It’s nicer looking, better equipped, more comfortable and even a touch more sporty.

Add an industry leading seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty into the mix and you have a car that’s hard to ignore.