The other week I had a text from my KIA with a ‘product improvement notice’ for my 2010 Ceed. After all this time I was curious as to what could possibly be ‘improved’ after nearly 10 years!

The dealer said that the notice related to underbody rust, and the car was booked in. When I collected it I was told that it didn’t have the affected part from the Czech Republic (the part on mine is apparently from the US though it wasn't explained what exact part), but they had done an anti-rust treatment. Unfortunately, I had not had the thought to take photos beforehand so can’t see what it was like beforehand, but there is this matt black coating (wax oil?)

Even before I bought the Ceed five years ago, I was aware that rust on the rear subframe could be an issue in the long term. Whether this treatment makes a significant difference is debatable, but it is reassuring that it has been flagged up as a problem.

I have had repairs done under the bodywork rust warranty last year after spotting rust on the top of the rear doors; the repairs were done by KIA with no quibble. The only other extra thing that has needed doing is the aircon condenser replacing as it was leaking refrigerant.