Kia Cee'd: Exceeding expectations

Not so long ago Kia was on the fringes of the automotive world. Its cars weren't hugely attractive and it was hardly at the cutting-edge of technology. That's not the opinion of a few world-weary hacks but the opinion of the company's top brass — even they recognised that Kia would have to work a lot harder to rival the likes of Ford, Mazda, Opel and Volkswagen. Work harder they did, and they surprised a few people along the way too, prompting them to up their game this time.

What a difference a few years can make. Since the launch of the firm's Cee'd family hatchback, Kia has gone from strength to strength. To say that the Cee'd has been a success is something of an understatement. Designed and built in Europe — the factory was new too — for European buyers, the car has made respectable family motoring affordable again and given traditional European carmakers something to think about.

Second time around

Keen to ensure that the pressure is maintained, Kia has updated its best-selling hatch. Visually, the changes are most obvious at the front with a new grille and changes to the lights and bumpers. The hatchback has also gained a few millimetres in length, while the repositioned mirrors complete the look.

Aesthetically, the cabin gains a revised selection of trim materials and colours. More immediately obvious is the new steering wheel, redesigned instruments and a new design for the central fascia, which also incorporates a new iPod-friendly audio unit.

Overall the changes are most welcome. As a package the various upgraded trim materials do much to boost the car's appeal and help position it closer to the usual suspects from Japan and Europe.

The same should be true of Kia's decision to be more generous with standard equipment. Although never skimping here, there's still been an improvement for this second generation car. There are airbags aplenty, electric windows, keyless start, audio unit and music player compatibility plus leather, parking sensors, hill start assist, AC and high gloss interior trim. Another generous feature is the car's new stop-start function. Although no longer an unfamiliar concept, it's still not a widespread option — certainly not on what's perceived by some to be a low cost brand.

As the name implies, the car's engine will stop when you come to a halt and start up when you move off again. It all works, which is what you'd expect, and goes some way to shaving a few percentage points of a particular engine's consumption. And the good news is that it's a function that can be selected on 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and diesel motors, respectively.

The engines themselves are noteworthy. In 89bhp trim the common rail 1.6-litre diesel unit is smooth, refined and pleasingly economical, plus it posts an impressive 110g/km CO2 rating. The petrol alternatives are no less polished; in their various capacities (1.4, 1.6 and 2.0) they offer affordable and perky performance.

Whichever engine you opt for, this Cee'd delivers a more polished performance thanks to some welcome improvements under the skin. Ride, handling and general refinement have all been updated and the changes are immediately obvious when on the move.

Delivering a more sophisticated driving experience, the Cee'd is now comfortably on par with its more established mainstream rivals. It's also a more enjoyable car to drive and while not designed to thrill the keenest of drivers, it's a willing companion over a stretch of flowing country roads and more than capable of dealing with potholed city streets.

There are some who still think there's some sort of catch; that there must be something lacking for the Cee'd to be able to compete with the big hitters.

The good news is that there is no catch. In fact, you even get something extra in the form of a longer than average warranty. Kia has become famous for its seven-year scheme and rightly so.

Keen to illustrate its confidence in the product, seven years is a lot better than the usual three offered by most rivals. And it's fully transferable from one owner to the next. Pleasantly surprised? Good, because that's the result Kia is hoping for.

Specs