Kia is at last ready to take on the big boys in its class like Golf and Focus without the excuse of being purely a budget alternative with the brand new ‘Cee’d’.
The big news with Cee’d is that it comes with a seven-year/150,000km warranty as standard! That’s very impressive, so how can Kia do it? Well the Korean company is simply incredibly confident of the build quality coming out of its new factory in Slovakia where Cee’d is built. Europe gets a 20-model range with a choice of five engines. Ireland initially will get the 1.4 litre petrol powered car in two trim levels. Cee’d prices start at €19,495 while €20,995 gets the all-singing all-dancing version.
Cee’d’s exterior has a few nice design touches. The rear view is probably the best as it combines hints of Audi A3 and Corolla hatchback. Overall you won’t feel the need to park the Cee’d out of sight or somewhere seedy, see what I did there! Even the taillights illuminate nicely.
The five-seater cabin is airy and large. The dash layout and design is modern. The driving position is good too. As for Cee’d party tricks, my favourite is the optional water repellent glass (hydrophobic). All round visibility is good and the two large side mirrors meant I never felt the need to adjust either mirror downwards when reversing although at speed they generate slight wind noise. I have been a persistent thorn in Kia’s side in regard to the poor ergonomic standard of the after market audio equipment fitted, but I can complain no more.
The stereo is fully integrated, yippee at last! The Kia-badged unit has steering wheel-mounted controls as standard plus there is even a USB slot and 3.5 mini-jack socket for your iPod/MP3 music players.
Cee’d performs well in terms of safety as six airbags come as standard, which is very commendable plus Kia expects a high score when tested at Euro NCAP.
On a recent test drive Cee’d proved a decent enough performer. While the handling and ride quality cannot match the Ford Focus the car delivers a predictable driving experience more akin to a VW Golf. The steering is weighty and gives a feeling of a premium car although at the loss of feedback from the road. On the twisty bits the car was composed but definitely not inspiring.
On the motorway Cee’d is refined and a pleasant enough place to be. I hope in time the 1.6 diesel will come to our shores. It’s a refined unit with 115bhp and good pulling power and for me was Goldilocks (i.e. just right).
‘Sporty-Hatch’ and ‘Sporty-Wagon’ will be the next models along. As of now there are no plans for a hot GTi version. The ‘Sporty’ Cee’d will have the look but remain insurance premium friendly.
Kia Ireland expects to sell 1,000 Cee’ds in 2007 and I’m sure it will succee’d - sorry I couldn’t resist!
Michael Sheridan
