Kia Cee'd Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
Cee'd buyers can choose from one of four engines. The two petrols are a 89bhp 1.4 and a 124bhp 1.6: the 1.4 is smooth and feels stronger than its modest power output suggests, but the 1.6 is surprisingly flat at low revs. The 89bhp 1.6 diesel also disappoints, running out of steam early in the rev range, but the 114bhp 1.6 is punchy and flexible.
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Ride & Handling
The Cee'd can't match a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus for fun, and its steering is rather remote, too. However, it corners in a sure-footed way, and is light and easy to drive around town. The ride is generally comfortable and well controlled, becoming unsettled only over really poor surfaces.
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Refinement
While the 1.4 revs sweetly, the 1.6 petrol is boomy and has to work hard on the motorway. The 1.6-litre diesels are much easier on the ear, whether you're working them hard or not. Wind- and road noise aren't bad, but there are quieter motorway cruisers in this class. The gearshift is a bit notchy, too.
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Buying & Owning
Low list prices are key to the Cee'd's appeal – it undercuts many other small family cars by thousands. What's more, it's cheap to run thanks to efficient diesel engines, low servicing bills, and modest road tax and insurance costs. The Ecodynamics model has the best fuel economy, but it's costly to buy, and really only of interest to company accountants. Resale values are no match for those of big name rivals, though.
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Quality & Reliability
The Cee'd's cabin looks smart and modern, and its switchgear is nicely damped. The hard-wearing plastics in the lower parts of the cabin don't have the appealing rubberised finish that you'll find in a VW Golf, but they're similar to the materials in other small family cars. Kia has enough faith in the Cee'd's long-term reliability to give it a seven-year 100,000-mile warranty.
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Safety & Security
Every Cee'd comes with front, side and curtain airbags, and active anti-whiplash front head restraints that automatically move to counteract whiplash if the car is hit from behind. However, stability control is an option unless you opt for the top spec 1.6 CRDi Cee'd 3. Deadlocks and a Thatcham-approved engine immobiliser help guard against theft.
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Behind The Wheel
The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, but taller drivers are likely to wish that it moved farther away. They may also feel that they're perched rather high. The well-ordered dashboard has simple rotary heater controls and big, clearly labelled stereo buttons.
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Space & Practicality
The Cee'd's cabin is on a par with the roomiest in its class, so there's plenty of space for four adults and enough for a fifth at a squeeze. The boot is large and well-shaped, although it's a little smaller than that of a VW Golf or Ford Focus.
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Equipment
Entry-level 1 cars have air-conditioning, electric front windows and a CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls. The 2 spec adds alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and electric and heated door mirrors. EcoDynamic models bring stop-start technology and Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, the range-topping 3 spec swaps stop-start for electric rear windows, climate control and hill-start assist.
Cee'd used car reviews
Kia Cee'd Hatchback 1.4 1 5dr
Being the cheapest model in the range is just the start of this model's appeal. It's also got a fine engine and decent kit, so there's little wonder it's our favourite version.
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