Kia Ceed SW 3 1.6 CRDi (113bhp) 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.6 litre diesel engine delivers 113 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque figures of 188 lb-ft. This translates to acceleration capable of reaching 0-62 mph in 14.1 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph. The diesel engine combines pulling power with a decent turn of speed to provide an engine which offers high performance and great efficiency and this means there are plenty of benefits for owners.

The cee’d SW has the same long wheelbase, stiff chassis and independent front and rear suspension as the standard cee’d. This makes handling firm and stable, making the car comfortable to drive. The steering is responsive but the steering wheel is awkward to grip, affecting comfort and control.

The cee’d is an impressive model and its stylish new looks help to establish it as a serious competitor within its class. The subtle wheel arches and tapering front end combine to create a fresh, modern design and this has won the Kia lots of new admirers.

This estate is pretty much identical to its parent vehicle with one of the only differences between them that the cee’d SW is 10 mm taller due to the addition of roof rails. The Kia cee'd SW is also 235 mm longer but this does not impair its impressive looks.

Inside the cabin, the cee’d SW is pretty much identical to the hatchback version. Once again the model, style and design mark a great improvement in quality and the dials are white with an orange information display - creating a stylish appearance. Even the wheel mounted controls are nicely positioned and firm to touch, making the only downside the lack of grip on the steering wheel.

Kit wise you get: body coloured bumpers and mirrors, tinted glass windows, space-saving spare wheel, heated door mirrors,silver roof rails, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjust function, leather trimmings, in-built Trip Computer, air filter, cooled glove box, CD audio and an MP3 compatible stereo complete with steering wheel mounted audio controls. As the range topping model you also get climate control and cruise control as standard features as well.

In terms of practicality, the boot has a hatch style opening which has been set further forward. This reduces the space needed to gain access to this vital storage area and a capacity of 534 litres when all the seats are up means there is plenty of room for luggage.

Folding the seats down expands the boot space to 1,664 litres which means practicality is enhanced. There is storage space under the boot floor too whilst the cabin itself is fairly spacious, meaning passengers will be comfortable. Headroom is plentiful and this allows adults to fit comfortably into both the front and rear seats.

The build, fit and finish of the cee’d SW is very high so it is unlikely that there will be any problems - something which the standard seven year warranty is a testament to.

Safety kit wise you get: six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake force distribution. The Kia cee’d received a five-star rating in the NCAP crash tests and the same level of safety is offered with the estate.

The cee’d SW is priced very competitively at £18,545. For this money you not only get a high performance car with numerous in-car features but you also get great value thanks to the brilliant seven year warranty.

The engine delivers an impressive 60.1 mpg fuel efficiency rating which is great for an estate car. Carbon emissions of 124 g/km means this car falls into tax band D, keeping running costs low and making this the ideal car for buyers looking for long term ownership of a reliable vehicle.