Thanks unthrottled... the above wasn't the point I was looking for advice on but appreciate you raising it.

To answer your question / point - the more space the better really so the Insignia or an estate would be good (subject to it looking reasonably nice).... however as in OP, we want value for money motoring (cheap to buy and cheap to tax/insure/service) and we also want good economy...

As I said, we did love the 1-series but had really discounted that for rear leg-room, although to be honest if child was seated behind front passenger with seat slightly forward, we thought we could live with it for 5 years...

However as I said, we are aware of the space requirement (second thing we usually do in cars we like is sit in back seat) but we are more looking for thoughts on the warranty on the Ceed versus other options quandry.

Cheers again :)

Thanks Auristocrat, yes we did see that.

Only issue I have is I find Kia Approved models cost about 20% (£2000) more for the model I am looking at than going to an independant dealer..

So I think on balance if I go the Kia route I would happily sacrifice 1 years warranty (i.e. 6 years instead of back to 7) in return for £2000 staying in my pocket.

I had Vauxhalls for years, and the warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on.

However, the OH's i30 is 2 years old now, and a few minor niggles were fixed first time without fuss by the dealer when it was in for it's first service. Creaking suspension and loose bumpstops, and sticking ignition barrel were the three issues.

Otherwise it's been excellent. Getting 42mpg too for the 1.4 petrol. 108PS so it goes pretty well.

I'm looking at a Kia Rio (new model) or Ceed to replace my Mondeo next year.

Just changed from a Kia cee'd - proved reliable. One warranty issue promptly dealt with. People will point out servicinig costs, but I found them in line with other main-stream dealers.

Avoid the trims with larger wheels as the ride can be harsh with them. Otherwise, a good value-for-money car.

Wife has got a Ceed SW, its huge inside, the luggage space vitually matched the current Mondeo and that's by my measurements not the manufacturer's.

Had car for 18 months and no problems thus cannot comment on warranty but the servicing in our experience is cheaper than Ford based on the quoted prices which were all inclusive, Mr Ford keep's ringing up adding bits on all the time.

Ours has the 17" wheels and the ride is fine. The pre facelift cars (MY09 and earlier) had a firmer ride but it was softened slightly when they revised the car for MY10 onwards.

Only thing to beware of is make sure the car has been serviced at the correct time. Its 1 year on all models but petrols run only to 12,500 whereas diesels run to 20,000. Some owners have become confused and have not had cars serviced until 20,000 miles have been covered (over 2 years in one case) and in such cases Kia will reject warranty work, you do not want one of those cars.

Thanks Bonzo Dog, you are right....

Just wanted to check I hadn't missed anything because it seemed far too many pros and only one con - the Kia badge on the front which really doesn't bother me.

Now just got to find "the one" and part with my hard earned....