Introduction

The Kia Ceed is an attractive, well-specified hatchback that competes in the fierce C-segment marketplace, where it has to take on some of the biggest names in the automotive game. There’s a three-door version called the Pro Ceed, but this five-door motor drops the ‘Pro’ prefix and proves to be a practical, likeable family car. Benefits include a long warranty, good levels of refinement, and some smooth turbocharged engines. Drive goes to the front wheels alone on all models, and there’s a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) as an option. There’s also a performance model, called the GT, although it’s not hugely powerful in the world of pacey hatchbacks.

Did you know? The car’s unusual name comes from its original badge, the CEEED – which, roughly, meant European Economic Community, European Design.

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (7.8/10)

There’s a lot to like about the Kia Ceed, and that’s not just one of those patronising ‘oh, it’s not bad for the money’ statements. This is a car with plenty of space, an attractive and well-appointed interior, decent exterior looks, and good dynamics. It’s not quite class-leading in any single area and there are a few black marks against its (unusual) name, but this is a fi...