Grown up Ceed puts

Style and sense seldom go hand in hand. Practicality so often pushes the ‘pose’ factor into a corner while the craving for style for its own sake can result in driver and passengers squeezing themselves in to conform to the concept.

Everyone craves the ‘Goldilocks’ car - not too big, not too small - just right for the job. So, if your motoring needs run to plenty of space minus beefed-up bulk, sensible sophistication, and smooth, perky, economical performance, you will be interested in what Kia has to offer in their third generation Ceed 5 Dr. Hatch which has been designed in Europe by Europeans for Europeans. What success they have had and deservedly so. This rival to the Focus, Astra and Golf is so good in ‘real life’ terms that it really doesn’t matter that next door’s Ford Focus with its stingy three-year warranty, might lap Silverstone one microsecond quicker and that VW’s Golf has doors that close with a ‘clunk’. What really matters is that if a car component breaks, you just turn to that wonderful seven-year Kia warranty.

In hatchback mode, with a range of engine options and a plethora of standard features, this automobile is as firmly positioned in a competitive market to draw admiring attention as any. I made a point of putting it through its paces in a variety of motoring situations and the Ceed did not disappoint. It is truly a car for all seasons, a car for all reasons, a car for three cheers.

This model has been a game-changer for Kia. Its European design and quality are a match for anything in its class. Narrower and lower than previous versions it has a sporty stance, upmarket looks with an attractive profile. Improvements over earlier versions are not only visual: they are actual as well as perceived and torsional body strength has been increased, so it’s a lot safer too.