Kia Cee'd Hatchback 1.6 CRDi 113 2 5dr Reader reviews

My car

I bought this unassuming star a year and 14000 miles ago. It was up against the Golf and Polo (dull, average reliability, arrogant dealerships), Mazda 3 (very reliable but don’t like the latest 3’s styling), Focus (ok but uninspiring). The Ceed was several thousand pounds cheaper than all these and feels just as good or better in several respects.

Mine has a fabulous 115hp diesel engine mated to a six speed gearbox giving me quiet effortless pull throughout the rev range, around 60mpg cruising, 45-50 around town. I enjoy a smooth compliant ride and confident handling on twisty country lanes. The car feels well put together. It has a neat and comfortable interior, intuitive dash, reasonable materials. I still feel fresh after 4/5 hour cross-country dashes. It’s well spec’d with ipod connectivity, chillable glove box etc.

My purchase and service experiences at the dealership have been good : friendly, straight up, no arrogance, eager to please and gain feedback. This is a brand that is fighting hard to build its profile which can only be a good thing for the consumer. I haven’t always had that feeling from more established names. Residuals may in theory be weaker than VW etc but I think secondhand buyers will appreciate its growing reputation and the remainder of the 7year warranty that is passed on to them. If I do lose a larger percentage – fine, I didn’t spend so much in the first place !

The car’s been 100% reliable. Try one and enjoy the surprises.