For A well-priced and well-equipped small family hatchback. Electric rear windows, climate control and hill-start assist are all included. It’ll be cheap to run, too.
Against The engine feels underpowered at low revs; plus, it’s boomy and has to work hard on the motorway because top gear is short. The cheaper 2 trim offers most the kit you’re likely to want.
Avoid this one. Even though it’s cheaper than many rivals and has loads of standard kit, the gutless and noisy engine makes it hard to live with.
The Cee'd made Kia a serious contender in the highly competitive hatchback sector at a stroke. Buy one and you're unlikely to be disappointed – it has plenty of appeal as sensible, practical and well-priced family transport, even if it ultimately falls short of the class leaders.
We'd avoid the 1.6-litre petrol engine, because it's sluggish and noisy. You're much better off with the 1.4-litre petrol or one of the 1.6 diesels.
The lower-powered diesel can be ordered with Kia's Idle Stop & Start (ISG) system, which cuts CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by automatically turning off and restarting the engine in traffic. However, the higher-powered diesel is a better all-rounder: it's only slightly more expensive to run, and offers superior performance and refinement.
Whichever engine you choose, long-term reliability is unlikely to be an issue. Every Cee'd comes with a hugely reassuring seven-year warranty.
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