Last year saw the introduction into the UK of the Kia cee’d hatchback. Yes, that’s how its name is spel – the cee’d. Makers seem to be enjoying giving new models strange names now; perhaps it makes a new model stand out, but I won’t express a judgement on that. Anyway, the cee’d is an enjoyable car to drive and outstanding for its claimed reliability in that it’s unique in coming with a 7-year or 100,000 mile warranty on the drive train with 5 years bumper to bumper. Reliability is a vital asset to the disabled motorist, which only adds to the cee’d’s attraction when considering a purchase, and it confirms Kia’s confidence in the build quality of their products.

This cee’d is designed for Europe – and in Europe as it’s built in Slovakia. Prices start at under £11k, going up to £15k. The motability advance payment for the 1.4 ‘L’ entry model is Nil. It comes with a long enough wheelbase to ensure good rear seat leg-room and an adequately sized boot. It is offered straight from launch with a range of engines – petrol versions with either 1.4 (105 bhp) or 1.6 (12 bhp) and with diesel a 1.6 turbo or 2-litre models giving either 90 or 150 bhp output. An automatic version can come with the 1.6 petrol and the 2.0 diesel has a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The cee’d has fully independent rear suspension which is generally unusual these days, and even the ‘L’ entry model sports air conditioning. There are also little curiosities such as an air-cooled glove box. Why anyone would want cooled gloves, I don’t know, but it sounds good for the sandwiches… On top of all that you get both rake and roach adjustment on the steering column, which can often be valuable for a driver with relevant disabilities. The higher spec LS model offers full climate control, electric rear door windows, front fog lights and half-leather upholstery.

Other nice standard touches include driver and front passenger active head restraints and full iPod compatibility at no extra cost. Indeed the cee’d throughout uses premium quality partners – Apple, Michelin and Bosch. For Kia Motors UK this is the most important car car they have launched, replacing the Cerato. They have confidence in competing with many cars in the ‘C’ segment such as the Focus, Golf, Astra, Megane and the Mazda3 and certainly my test week threw up no criticisms of what’s offered above. Altogether I found this cee’d user-friendly for the disabled motorist and can confidently recommend it.

Model
Kia cee’d
0800 731 5267
www.kia.co.uk
Kia cee’d

Cost
£10,445-£14, 945
Motability
19 Models are available through the scheme, ranging from the 1.4 petrol version to the 2.0 CRDi Diesel. Call 0800 093 1000, or visit www.motability.co.uk.

What the critics say:
WhatCar?
FOR: The Cee’d is cheap, stylish and comes with the reassurance of a seven-year warranty. The cabin is cabin is roomy and the 1.6 diesel is refined and flexible.

AGAINST: Not as classy or good to drive as the best and no cheaper to buy. Cheapest models miss out on a couple of desirable features.
AutoExpress
The Cee’d has relatively few weaknesses. It doesn’t set new class standards, but is a fine all-rounder and has the measure of all but the class-leaders. It’s easy to see potential family hatch buyers being tempted by the package on offer.
EveCars.com
Kia has really pulled up its interior design socks in the Cee’d: it’s stylish and solid. You can tweak the seat and steering wheel to your heart’s content, so getting comfy is a cinch. It’s easy to see what’s going on around you and the dashboard is clearly laid-out. The Cee’d is one of the most spacious small family cars on the market, unfortunately, so you’ll have to come up with another reason for leaving the in-laws at home. Stick to two back seat passengers, though: a third person might feel hemmed-in. The boot’s big, but not as big as that of a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus.

Alternatives
Ford Focus

(£12,495 – £20,545, 48 models on the Motability scheme)
TopGear.com offers this report: ‘The Ford Focus is as well thought out as modern hatchbacks can get, while its wide range of trim and engines should mean there is one for most budgets. Some might say the exterior is a little boring (and it is compared the Seat Leon) but it’s still no ugly duckling. ‘
Vauxhall Astra


(£11,955 – £21,690, 106 models on the motability scheme)
WhatCar says: The Astra’s build quality appears to be first-rate. Most of the plastics and materials that occupants come into contract with are sturdy and soft to the touch, lending an air of quality that was absent in its predecessor. Vauxhall has a reputation for strong, reliable engines and we see no reason for this to slip with the latest car. The Astra isn’t as roomy as the biggest cars in this class, but will suit most buyer’s needs. Headroom is good all round and, although there’s less rear legroom than in some rivals, there’s still enough for two tall adults. The boot is a decent size and shape, but the large tail lights mean the entrance is narrow.
Volkswagon Golf

(£12,280 – £25,475, 21 models on the motability scheme)
Eve Cars says: So fast and fun, it’s like a Scalextric car – but infinitely bigger. The Volkswagen Golf is guaranteed to slap a smile on your face. And it’s so spacious inside, there’s more than enough room for that ear-to-ear grin. The most fun to drive are the 2.0-litre TDI and the 1.6 FSI petrol. But if you’re a fan of all things Fast and Furious, the GTI goes like a rocket. The suspension’s quite sporty and stiff, so the downside is you’ll feel every pothole. If you go for one of the diesels, ask the dealer to throw in some earplugs because the engines can become thunderously loud. And keep an eye on the manual gearbox, which occasionally misbehaves.

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