This Kia competes with best

THE soaring sales of Korean car maker Kia which have just passed their all time UK annual record are set to further improve in 2013 following the launch of new models such as the Cee’d Sportswagon, writes Bryan Longworth..

For this very stylish estate car is a perfect example of just how far Kia has developed in the UK where its range now competes with the best and also have a seven year warranty.

The second generation Cee’d Sportswagon is a handsome car with massive showroom appeal and is certain to be a big seller for potential private and business buyers.

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In the UK the Sportswagon with its massive load area is being sold exclusively with turbodiesel engines which with their low operating and running costs are ideally suited to the heavy loads and high mileages by business drivers.

On test was the Sportswagon 1.4 CRDi 1 ISG priced at £16,895 which is also the most economical producing a combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and with CO2 emissions of 109g/km and it has a top speed of 106mph and a zero to 60mph time of 13.4 seconds.

And despite it being the entry level model there is nothing basic about the standard kit.

Despite it having the smaller 1.4 engine the test car with a six speed manual gearbox and the ISG stop start system had a good performance level and I liked the precise steering and handling characteristics of this model.

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The interior is roomy and comfortable with nice soft touch plastic and I liked the speedometer and other dials which are well illuminated.The large load area is what this model is all. It has has 528 litres of load space up to the load cover with all seats upright the boot floor is flush with the tailgate opening and there is considerable storage space under the boot floor.

It was hard to find fault with the Sportswagon except to say the absence of a petrol engine in the range was a little surprising which would have had more appeal than a diesel for low mileage private owners and first gear tended to be a bit notchy.

Entry level models are often best avoided but this particular Sportswagon is an estate that should be seriously considered because of its economy and its good level of standard equipment along with all the other impressive features of this latest Kia including the price.

My Verdict: A very tempting estate.

FACT FILE:

Model: Kia Cee’d Sportswagon 1.4 CRDi 1 ISG.

Engine: 1.4-litre diesel.

Top speed: 106mph.

Acceleration: 0 to 60mph 13.4 seconds.

Fuel consumption: 67.3mpg combined.

CO2 emissions: 109g/km.

Price: £16,895.

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