What does it cost?
Kia Cee'd SW full 9 point review
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Performance
There's only one petrol engine, the disappointingly weedy 124bhp 1.6, but you choose from three 1.6 diesel engines. The 89bhp version isn't quite up to the job, but the 114bhp offers good flexibility, if not jaw-dropping power. We haven't yet driven the version with 124bhp.
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Ride & Handling
The light steering makes the Cee'd SW feel nimble around town, but it can be a bit unnerving in high-speed bends. The ride is assured and comfortable on smooth roads, but the suspension is too stiff to deal with even the smallest bumps without jarring, highlighting the fact that Kia still has some way to go to match the class leaders.
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Refinement
None of the engines produce enough noise to intrude into the cabin, even when pushed hard. Wind noise is minimal and the gearshift smooth. Bumps do provoke minor road noise, but only the fussiest of drivers will be bothered by it.
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Buying & Owning
Kia believes the car is good enough to be judged on its merits, so it has priced the Cee'd SW to match its rivals - that means the days of big showroom discounts are over. However, good fuel economy from all the engines should keep running costs down, as should decent carbon dioxide emissions - particularly from the Ecodynamics model, which will be of particular interest to company buyers. The seven-year warranty gives peace of mind and helps keep resale values up.
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Quality & Reliability
The cabin layout is simple, if a little uninspiring, and the dash materials smack of solid efficiency rather than anything extraordinary. The dash trim is well assembled, however, and there's always the reassurance of that seven-year warranty. However, less welcome are the findings of the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey, which revealed some worries over the car's reliability.
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Safety & Security
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are active front-seat headrests, which move forward in a rear-end accident to reduce whiplash. Stability control is only available as an option on the higher of the two trims.
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Behind The Wheel
The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height and the seats have a good range of adjustment, making it possible for all drivers to make themselves comfortable. All-round visibility is good and the dash controls and readouts are sensible, if simple. The handbrake does feel a bit too far back for even the tallest driver, however.
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Space & Practicality
Even with some wheelarch intrusion, the 534 litres of luggage space is impressive, and it expands to 1664 litres with the rear seats down. An under-floor luggage tray adds another 55 litres of useful space. Clever boot hinges reduce the upswing of the tailgate, so you don't have to step back from the car when you open the boot, which is useful in tight spaces. Passengers have plenty of space in the rear seats, too.
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Equipment
Even the most basic 2 trim comes with electric front windows, air-con, remote central locking, alloy wheels, a six-speaker stereo with Aux-in socket and split-folding rear seats. The higher-specced 3 has cruise control, parking sensors, climate control and electric rear windows, while the 4 range-topper adds leather upholstery and sat-nav.
Cee'd rivals
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Our pick of the range
Kia Cee'd SW 1.6 CRDi 126 4 5dr
A nice car in its own right, but far too expensive to recommend.
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