Best Small Family Cars of 2013

Kia Ceed

Best small family car £16,000-£18,000

If you're looking to maximise your value for money, it's very hard to ignore the Kia Ceed.

Our chosen version gives you a 126bhp diesel engine for the same sort of money that most rival manufacturers charge for a petrol car. So, as well as strong, smooth performance, it has claimed fuel economy of more than 76mpg. The engine's CO2 output is correspondingly low, which means super-cheap tax bills for company car drivers.

The Ceed also gives you lots of luxury kit for your cash, even though the version we've chosen is the most basic available. Importantly, it also has all the essential boxes ticked when it comes to safety.

Just as tempting is Kia's unique seven-year warranty, which could well save you money in the long run and also gives you confidence that your car will stand the test of time.

Granted, the Kia isn't as agile or as entertaining as some rival hatchbacks, but it's a comfortable car in which to cover vast mileages, and it has most rivals matched on quality and space.

Read the full Kia Ceed review