Kia Cee'd 1.6 CRDi
By Tim Saunders
Value for money is now more important than ever.
We live in a world where the cost of living continues to soar and there are reports that rising numbers of motorists live in fuel poverty where they pay more for their petrol each month than their actual mortgage or rent.
Sadly we’re never going to be in a position where we can simply stop buying fuel forcing petrol stations to drop their prices, so the next best thing is to be wise about the cars we drive. This has even made police forces think twice - I have seen my first Ford Focus turbo diesel unmarked police car stopping a speeding motorist – who can afford to speed anymore? Think of the wasted fuel not just the fine.
This is where the Kia Cee’d 1.6-litre diesel CRDi ‘2’ hatchback comes into its own. It costs under £16,000 brand new, has a seven year warranty and returns well over 50mpg. In comparison a VW Golf costs up to £32,000.
Comfy seats make the Cee’d a good long distance companion. Its curvy dashboard is visually pleasing and easy to navigate although the silver edging round the central air vents reflects on the windscreen. The model tested comes with air-conditioning and electric front windows. A very well-sized boot makes light work of my daughter’s awkward pushchair. From inside the diesel engine can be heard on start-up but this grows quieter throughout a journey. An awkward judder occurs if a high gear is selected at low speeds but this just serves to remind the driver to choose the right gear. That six-speed gearbox can be notchy particularly between fifth and fourth.
Externally the rather mundane design is one which merges into the background but this is a mid-size hatchback - if you want something radical go for a coupe or an off-roader.
Parkers, the car experts, say: “It’s spacious inside and the interior is modern and well-finished. Driver appeal isn’t its strong point but it is safe and comfortable with a good range of engines including two excellent diesels.”
Overall it’s a good all round family and commuting vehicle that doesn’t set the world alight but does return very pleasing mpg readings. Economy is what it’s all about these days.
As Kia plans to introduce an all-new Cee’d later this year there are sure to be attractive deals available on the current model.
Kia Cee’d Hatchback
New price range:
£12,995 - £19,195
1.6-litre diesel
0-60mph: 11.1secs
Top speed: 117mph
Combined economy: 62.8mpg
