When the Kia Cee’d SW arrived at AM’s offices, I found it hard to believe we had the top variant, LS, simply because of the cheap and basic plastic interior.

But six months on, I’m Cee’d’s biggest fan. 

It drives well and, best of all, it is fuel-efficient for the long journey home.

The AM team all feel much the same way about Kia’s
C-segment – it’s spacious for five passengers with ample boot space, relatively frugal with mpg in high 40s, and is a competitive choice against its rivals Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra estates.

Indeed, at £15,195, the top-of-the-range LS undercuts those models by a couple of grand, although it is beaten on price by its sister Hyundai i30 estate.

Driving the Cee’d doesn’t set pulses racing but the 1.6-litre turbodiesel has got abundant power for motorway riding and overtaking. Steering is responsive if a little light. 

The intermittent lurch, which occurred in the mid-rev range in lower gears, has been rectified by a re-programming by Boongate Kia under warranty.

Boongate’s service was good, but its site does suffer the age-old problem of a lack of parking.

The Cee’d’s minor niggles don’t detract from the overall value and quality of the car, which has Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty. 

Ignore the poor residual values – it’s a good value, capable family car.

Likes: Space and looks

Dislikes: Overly firm ride