rivals in the shade

Inside, comfort has been upgraded and there is comprehensive standard equipment. Level 2 (Models are Level 2, GT-Line, 3 and GT-Line S) tested here has cornering lights, parking sensors, all round electric windows, cruise control and speed limiter plus a quality stereo system and more. It’s a tasteful and well executed cabin that offers tactile delight with good quality materials as well as space enough for five adults. It seems like luxury you shouldn’t be able to get for the price. At £22,565 on the road, it’s not cheap but try specifying a Focus or Astra or Golf to those levels and you might think again.

Ceeds have always been praised for their smooth and efficient engines - but Kia has not rested on its laurels. The 158 bhp 1.5 petrol engine of the test car that will take you to over 130mph is beautifully smooth and is now less polluting and more fuel efficient. It’s very clean and claimed economy is 51.4 mpg overall - but the reality is that you can get an easy 58/60 mpg driving gently. As for the gearbox, I always prefer automatic, but the Ceed’s gear change is so smooth and slick that it almost converted me back to wanting a manual change again.

When it comes to driving manners the Ceed feels very grown up. Ride quality is supple, roll angles are low and steering is precise. It’s rare for its class to have suspension that makes for a car that feels tuned for smiles.

As with all modern cars the high-tech stuff keeps coming and coming - but one of the pleasing features of the Ceed is that it doesn’t overawe. Everything is set for driver relaxation and the best technologies are deployed to only come into play when really needed.

In a Ceed you drive with every confidence that you are in a safe car and yet one which still retains a commitment to the simple pleasure of driving. Its strength is in the ease with which it can be driven and the efficient way it performs. And it’s such good value that in my view it puts Astra, Focus and Golf in the shade.

by Syd Taylor