The Stuff You Need to Know:
The VW Golf and the Apple iPod are both stylish, both user friendly and both represent great build quality. But they share another trait. They are both overpriced. Kia launched the C’eed two years ago to the sniggers of many, dubbed as the ‘poor man’s Golf’ the latest facelift model for 2010 has proved that the Korean carmaker means business.
The 1.6 CRDi ISG model we tested comes with the latest Eco technology; “Intelligent Stop and Go” or ISG. This means at speeds below 3mph with the gear lever in neutral the engine automatically shuts off, only to start again when you need it. This technology is being seen across all the German brands, for example the Audi A3 1.6 TDI Stop-Start, the VW Golf 1.6 Bluemotion and BMW 1-Series 116d Dynamic. The main difference is each of these cars will set you back around £19,000; the Kia on the other hand is a shade over £14,000.
What is it like on the Road?
The steering is light, but in way that creates a feeling of control. Urban drivers will especially benefit from this, the EcoDynamics model probably being bought most by those city-dwellers looking to save on fuel bills. There is plenty of grip when thrown about and wind noise is kept to a minimum. However, road noise and particularly the sound of grit and stones being hurled against the inner wheel-arch are obvious - yet taken with a pinch of salt considering the Kia is £5000 less then its German rivals.
With economy in mind, the trip computer now tells the driver which gear they should be to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. In real terms though, this proved less helpful, often sending vibrations back through the steering wheel as the diesel unit struggled to cope with such lows revs. Although the engine is less refined than the competition, it gives great performance both in terms of mid-range torque and economy making it an overall success.
What is it Like to Own?
The suspension has also been tweaked for the New Year to better handle the challenges of European roads, showing itself through the purposeful steering mentioned earlier. The gear lever and steering wheel, although not the leather bound pinnacles of luxury you might expect from Audi or BMW, are well designed and feel nice in the hand.
Most impressive is the warranty on offer though. Nowhere else will you find such confidence in engineering, with seven years or 100,000 miles of cover. Our test was carried out in the recent bad weather and even when left out in -7 Celsius more than once it never kicked up a fuss on turning the key.
That is the message with the C’eed in essence; it quietly gets on with being an everyday car for people that want something reliable, refined and most of all great value. The interiors, equipment and image of its rivals will always be better, but the C’eed is by no means a lesser car.
How does it make you feel?
The real problem with this car lies on the front and back, not the bonnet and boot lid but the badge. In today’s world of gadgets, brand image and chic usability the Kia badge just doesn’t cut the Taste the Difference mustard. This is a great shame as it doesn’t really do much wrong, apart from being a little unrefined in places; it puts up a remarkable fight.
At the end of the day it depends on what you are prepared to part with when it comes to motoring. If you can warrant spending the extra £5000 for the slightly improved luxury it will bring then you will not be disappointed. The Kia owner will probably have the bigger smile on their face though, that five grand saved will buy you a cracking facelift.
Final Judgement.
If you want to keep up with the Joneses and don’t want your mates down at the club laughing then this probably isn’t the car for you. The bottom line is that the C’eed makes a brilliant little car, giving the owner everything on offer with the class leaders for a vastly reduced price. Even with a less refined engine, the ISG technology more than makes up for this, making it a sound choice when image isn’t important.
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