Once you get past the rogue apostrophe, this Kia estate car has a lot of appeal for buyers.

It’s spacious for five pass-engers and their luggage; it has the much-publicised seven-year warranty for peace of mind and good resale values; it offers an accomplished drive; and it’s an attractive-looking car, particularly in side profile.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine is reasonably frugal – we’re getting mpg in the mid to high 40s – but with enough zip for safe overtaking and comfortable motorway cruising.

On the downside, the chassis is a touch too firm and can be crashy on pitted roads.

We also have a niggly power problem which occurs when driving along and lifting off the accelerator briefly before pressing down again.

There’s a lag before the power latches on, which makes the car gently pitch.

It feels a bit like a fuel supply issue and, while it doesn’t happen all the time, it does need looking at.

Compared to its estate car rivals – and there’s only a handful of those in this segment – the Cee’d SW is a competitive offer.

It undercuts the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra estates by almost a couple of grand and the Peugeot 307 SW by £1,500, although it is beaten on price by stablemate Hyundai’s i30 estate.

Specification

Price £15,195
Engine 1.6-litre 16v, 113bhp@4,000rpm, 188lb/ft@ 1,900-2,750rpm
Performance 0-62mph 11.7sec; top speed 117mph
Efficiency 57.6mpg (official); 47.1mpg (actual)
Test period Feb-August
Start mileage 7,264
Current mileage 15,087
CAP RV 3yr/30k 30%; 3yr/60k 27%
Likes Space, looks
Dislikes Overly firm ride