Kia Cee'd (2007-) Review

On the road

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Kia has aimed high, attempting to emulate the steering of a Golf and the ride of Focus. It's a brave attempt, but unfortunately it's a case of close, but no cigar.

The suspension consists of the same MacPherson struts on the front and 'in-wheel multi-link' rear suspension found on a number of other Kia models, but tweaked to ape the Focus. It is, however, too firm a ride, even on the decent Italian roads we tested it on. British drivers, who have to contend with speed humps, potholes and generally crappy surfaces, will probably find it quite hard going when the cars are launched in the UK.

However, apart from that, a stiff bodyshell ensures that the Cee'd is composed and well-balanced when cornering and the brakes are sharp enough to avoid collisions with reckless Italian drivers without any snatchiness.

The electric power steering is said by Kia to give a fuel saving of 3% over hydraulic assistance but, frankly, a feeling of being connected to the road surface in some way would be infinitely preferable. Low-speed manoeuvring is easy and motorway speeds results in decent weighting-up, but there's just no feel. Kia has some way to go to match the Focus.

The Cee'd comes with five engines: 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol units and 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels. There are both five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a four-speed auto 'box (an extra £1,000 and only expected to be requested by 5% of buyers).

The 123bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit is perfectly adequate, taking the Cee'd to 62mph from rest in 10.8 secs and on to a top speed of 119mph. It's not exactly quick, but it will suffice for most prospective buyers.

The CRDi diesel is the better alternative: despite not being as quick (0-62mph in 11.5secs), its 188lb-ft of torque provides plenty of pulling power. The 2.0-litre version (224lb-ft of torque) is the same engine that does a good job of pulling the new Carens .