Our 2-grade test car represents the entry-level diesel offering in the Ceed range for the time being, although a more affordable 1 model is expected at a later date.
Coupled with the 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel, the Ceed is priced from £19,545. That gets you 16in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cloth upholstery, a reversing camera and a suite of active safety systems. There’s the 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system, too. Where value for money is concerned the Ceed makes a strong case for itself. A comparable Volkswagen Golf is in excess of £2000 more expensive and slightly less practical and the new Ford Focus is some £1200 pricier.
The Kia is expected to withstand depreciation very solidly, and competitive personal contract deals on the car, supported by a manufacturer-backed deposit incentive, are already on offer.
There’s also plenty of credit to award here in recognition of the Ceed’s real-world fuel economy. We recorded in excess of 70mpg on our touring test – and that was accounting for calibration of the car’s trip computer after brim-to-brim testing, which proved to overestimate that economy by 8%. On that front, this is definitely a car that would repay a high-mileage driver for keeping faith with diesel.
