USED Kia Cee'd Hatchback (07 - )

Park your preconceptions and curb your cynicism, because the Kia Cee'd is a used hatchback that's well worth a look. It's not as good as the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, but it's capable and great value all the same.

The Cee'd is roomy, solidly built and good to drive. Light steering helps it feel well suited to town driving, and it is sure-footed on faster roads. The ride is relatively firm, but it's far from uncomfortable.

There's good passenger space in the front and back, with only the middle rear seat a little cramped. The boot is a good size and usable shape.

The Cee'd isn't as refined as the class leaders, but wind and road noise aren't intrusive. Even though the cabin materials aren't the highest quality, the Cee'd feels well built.

It's a straight choice between the five-door Cee'd and its sibling, the three-door Pro_cee'd. The three-door car is sportier to look at, and has dynamics to match. It's nimble with plenty of grip, but some will feel the ride is too harsh. The boot is slightly smaller than the five-door version, too.

The 105bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine is willing and easy to live with, and a better bet than the 124bhp 1.6-litre, which is hardly any quicker. The 1.6-litre diesel comes in 89bhp or 113bhp versions, but we'd recommend the latter because it's more flexible. There's also a 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, but it's rare on the used market.

The entry-level Cee'd S comes with air-con, front electric windows and a CD player, while the GS gets alloy wheels, remote central locking and a stereo upgrade. The LS (available with only the 1.6-litre petrol and more 113bhp diesel) gets climate control, rear electric windows and half-leather seats. Every Pro_cee'd model has alloy wheels.

The 1.4-litre petrol manages an average of 46.3mpg in both the Cee'd and Pro_cee'd, while the 1.6-litre returns 44.1mpg. The lower-powered 1.6 diesel gives 62.8mpg, while the 113bhp version achieves 60.1mpg in the Cee'd and 58.9mpg in the Pro_cee'd. The 2.0-litre diesel comes in at 50.4mpg for both cars.

Low CO2 emissions keep road tax down, with only the 1.6-litre petrol models producing more than 150g/km. Both 1.6-litre diesels manage an impressive 119g/km. Servicing costs are a little higher than they are for rivals such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, though.

Kia's seven-year warranty on the Cee'd will save you repair bills if anything fails, although you're not covered for items such as brakes, clutches and exhausts.

The Kia is proving a hit with owners because there are few reliability issues to report.

The Cee'd was originally supplied with Michelin Energy tyres, which are designed to improve fuel economy, but these can wear out in under 20,000 miles, so check them carefully. Alternative tyres can be fitted, but these may have an effect on fuel economy.

Gearboxes have been known to give some problems. Some need maintenance work shortly after delivery, while a reluctance to change gear when cold could indicate that the transmission fluid needs to be changed.

Other reported problems include faulty steering racks and brake gremlins, but these are rare.