Kia Ceed 2 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr Car Review - April 2013

The cee'd 1.6-litre diesel engine develops 126bhp and 191lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-62mph of 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 116mph, which is perfectly respectable for the class, if hardly earth-shattering. The handling of the Cee'd is generally very good, although the ride is a little bit bumpy on uneven surfaces. The steering is also a little numb and overly-assisted.

The steering wheel and the driver's seat can both be adjusted to suit the driver, while the visibility is good too. The dashboard has been fitted with larger dials which certainly helps to make the driving experience easier, while the central console has chunky buttons that are easy to use.

The cee'd has been given a makeover and the front end is certainly a beneficiary with a dynamic front-end that is reminiscent of cars like the Volkswagen Golf with narrow headlight clusters and a split level bonnet. The lines of the car are nicely curved like many of the other hatchbacks on the market, while inside the car looks very nice and the plastics all look to be of decent quality. Alloy wheels are included as standard in the '2' level of trim on this model, which certainly adds to the overall look of the car.

While the level of trim does add a little to the cost, this is the least expensive option with an automatic gearbox. Power folding mirrors and electric windows in the front and rear show that there haven't been too many corners cut, while air-conditioning and cruise control both help to ensure that those long journeys are comfortable. Rear parking sensors are also a very welcome addition to the cee'd's equipment list.

One of the surprising aspects of the Cee'd is that is actually quite a bit more spacious inside than some of its rivals, with plenty of space for adults in both the front and rear seats. The boot is also a decent size, with seats that fold forward and a nice wide aperture for loading those bulkier items.

The car can also match the more popular European brands when it comes to safety too, with the Euro NCAP tests delivering a healthy five stars which is the best rating available. There are a wide range of air bags included to protect those in the front, while the curtain air bag looks after the passengers in the back of the car too. Kia does have a reasonable reliability record, and the excellent 100,000 mile warranty is a superb back up and offers drivers great reassurance.

The cee'd cee'd 2 1.6 CRDi Auto has a list price of £19,400. The automatic gearbox certainly harms the 1.6-litre diesel's engine's fuel economy and CO2 emissions, with this model only able to average a combined 51.4mpg, which is over 25mpg less than the best performing diesel engine in the range.

One of the most attractive features of the Kia is the seven-year or 100,000 mile warranty which is supplied with a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy. The insurance group for the cee'd is fairly low meaning that it shouldn't be too costly to keep on the road and the sheer amount of standard equipment means that the cee'd offers excellent value for money.