Kia Ceed Sportswagon 3 1.6 CRDi ISG 5dr Car Review - April 2013

The cee'd Sportswagon comes with two engine options in the range, and this 1.6 litre CRDi engine is the larger of the two, and delivers plenty of power for a car of this type. The acceleration on offer is also quite impressive, with the car hitting 62mph in 10.8 seconds, and offering a top speed of 120mph. The ride on the car is very comfortable with supple suspension that takes all of the bumps and lumps found on most British roads, although the steering could be a little more responsive.

The spacious interior means that taller drivers will still find plenty of space, while the steering wheel and the seat both adjust for height and reach, making it simple to get the right position. The dials and the buttons on the central console are all chunky and easy to use.

When it comes to the design of the cee'd Sportswagon, Kia has done its best to give it a front end that will stand out from the crowd, with dynamically-shaped headlight clusters and flared edges to the bonnet. Like most estate cars these days the lines are curved and sleek to try and avoid the square box look that used to be so typical of estate cars, while the smaller windows at the back and the small spoiler both help to improve the look.

The level of trim offered on Kia vehicles ranges from 1 to 4, and at number 3 this version of the cee'd Sportswagon offers more than enough equipment for the vast majority of drivers. Satellite navigation and a colour reversing camera are both useful, with the touch screen interface making for a very nice way of operating these features. The usual security equipment such as an alarm and a secure spare wheel are also reassuring, while the rain sensing wipers are another nice touch.

The reason that people will opt for the Sportswagon over the regular version of the cee'd is that they are looking for practicality, and the space in the back seats is particularly impressive, and the car can accommodate four adults with ease. The boot space is also larger than the equivalent in a Ford Mondeo Estate, and with the rear folding seats it can carry some large loads too.

As you would expect from one of the companies wanting to break into the family car mainstream, the safety in this model is very good, having achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP tests, and including six air bags and all of the usual electronic driver aid systems. Reliability is a big selling point for Kia, and the warranty package on offer emphasises how confident they are in the vehicles.

There is not too much to criticise when it comes to the Kia cee'd Sportswagon, but the price tag for this model stands at £21,095, which puts it in competition with the entry level Mondeo estates and on a par with similarly equipped Skoda Octavia estates. You do get an awful lot of car for your money, and it is certainly one that is worth considering if you want a few luxuries included with your new estate.

The running costs for the car are very good, with the 1.6 litre diesel engine offering a combined 64.2mpg, and the insurance group for the car being fairly low too. The Kia warranty is always a big selling point for its cars, offering cover for 100,000 miles or seven years.