When Kia launched its oddly-named C’eed model, it was designed to get a strong foothold in Europe and to make an impact, it had to be outstanding.
The C’eed was the result of lots of research into just what European drivers wanted from a car in the Golf/Astra/Focus sector – and the Koreans were so confident they had the right formula they offered the C’eed with an industry-leading seven year warranty.
It was well-placed confidence too, for the C’eed delivers a remarkable value for money package, good driving dynamics, excellent build quality and an ultra-competitive price tag.
The range is priced between £11,895 to £14,195 and while all are very good, the car makes more sense lower down the range, for equipment levels are still decent and the depreciation dip is less steep.
However, my test model was the Eco Dynamic flagship version, the C’eed 2 with a 1.6 litre diesel engine offering 90 hp and with an ISG unit (Idle, Stop, Go) which means the engine cuts out when the gearstick is in neutral and the clutch is released, but immediately re-starts when you engage first gear. It’s doesn’t have the smoothest take-up, but it works effectively and you see the result on the fuel gauge – the car’s combined fuel figure is 67.3 mph – impressive for a mid-range car.
Top speed is 107 mph, the 0-60 mph time a sluggish 13.5 seconds and the emission figure is 110 g/km.
There have been improvements to the noise levels and overall refinement of the C’eed, and a new 6-speed manual gearbox has been introduced which is smooth and precise. There is also good steering feedback, a nice compliant ride quality and in day to day driving, the C’eed comes across as a very efficient, practical car which is a pleasure to be in.
It’s roomy too, with good rear head and legroom, and a capacious boot space with a big easy-access tailgate.
Visually, the car is impressive. It looks classy, even a bit sporty, and it certainly doesn’t look like a cheap Far Eastern model built down to a price. It is very well put together, exudes a robust feel, and even the interior trim materials have been upgraded to match expectations.
Standard features include air-conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, adjustable steering wheel, radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering and remote locking.
On all fronts, the C’eed scores highly , and when you think that a direct rival such as the Ford Focus Econetic costs over £4,000 more and offers less fuel economy, it is obvious why Kia has sold more than 230,000 C’eed variants in Europe so far.
