Car reviews

Introduction

Although the Cee'd may not be a the most exciting car, it offers more than similar class European models for a much lower price. This successful Korean model was developed on the platform of the Hyundai i30 and within just a few years has managed to establish a reputation of a reliable and economical compact car.

Exterior & Interior

The Cee'd was built to compete with European cars, so Kia had to leave behind all the Korean design ambitions. That's why the car was developed at their design centre in Germany by a Hungarian-born car designer. The Cee'd is assembled in Slovenia, so it's actually more European than Korean, despite the badge it wears.

Although the exterior design doesn't really stand out, the car looks modern and it certainly has lost the poor appearance that many 20th century Kia's used to have. For its price tag, it's a decent effort and driving a Kia Cee'd is not seen as embarrassing.

The interior has got quite a lot to offer and matches the car's visual appearance, the interior lacks excitement, but it surprises with the level of equipment you get. Even the basic trim has electronic stability system, ABS, air-con, all-electric windows and a good quality sound system, or should we call it a multimedia system. It also features a USB-jack enabling you to connect your MP3 player and other gadgets. The quality of materials used is not great and the cabin is bound to develop rattles and noises.

The car doesn't look big, but its wheelbase is actually 4 inches longer than a Ford Focus, that's why there's plenty of space both for the driver and passengers. The seats are not as comfortable as in a Focus, but there's certainly more room.

Drive

The car has a solid build quality with the controls being light and airy. The steering wheel takes very little effort to turn, but with that, it doesn't feel lifeless. Neither of the modifications will enable the car to accelerate to 60mph in less than 10 seconds (not even with the Sport kit), but it's a stable car that is easy to drive in both the city or on a highway. Driving a Cee'd is never a boring experience, although you'll feel a difference if you switch from a more powerful European car.

The driver's seat is comfortable, with a good position and decent visibility. The seat and the steering column can be adjusted to accommodate most shapes and sizes and taller drivers will find it comfortable as well. The suspension is slightly disappointing and it may be too firm for your liking.

Faults & Repairs

The engines and gearboxes are spot on. They are reliable and don't take much to maintain. The bodywork is also unlikely to rust.

The weak point of the Kia Cee'd is the suspension. Traditionally they've used Macpherson at the front and an independent multi-strut suspension at the back. Unless you drive on an ideal surface or take an extra effort to swerve around potholes (not advisable!) the suspension will disintegrate fairly quickly. The brake system should be looked after and parts replaced as necessary.

If you are buying one of the older cars you are more likely realise that you are indeed buying a Kia with the interior issues where parts may become loose, electric windows may go out of order and the driver's seat adjustment system might stuck.