Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012) Review
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Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012) At A Glance
Facelifted Cee'd with a sharper look. Improvements in economy and reductions in CO2. Seven year warranty as standard. All engines chain cam.
1.6 petrol model remains a bit low geared. Some interior plastics feel a little cheap.
With scrappage prices from £8,000, the Kia Cee'd and Hyundai i30 sold like fans in a heat wave. Now, there's a new, refreshed cee'd with a more upmarket look, lower emission engines and tax rates from just £20 from April next year.
The EcoDynamics diesel manages that by virtue of its very simple ‘Intelligent Stop Go system' that turns off the power when the car is stationary, then starts it again as soon as the driver presses the clutch. It's foolproof, despite the disconcerting feeling of sitting at the traffic lights in silence, unsure you'll be able to get off smartly enough as soon as they turn green.
To force us to test it out, Kia sent us on a circuitous route through Liverpool's revamped town centre that happens to have more traffic lights per mile than anywhere else I've ever driven. And, of course, the car was absolutely fine.
Reviews for Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.4 to 1.6
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 28–69 mpg
Kia has dumped the old tech 2.0 litre belt-cam petrol and diesel, leaving only the excellent new tech 1.4 and 1.6 chain-cam engines. They've also simplified the levels of trim, calling them 1, 2 or 3. (You can see what you get in each level in the specs section.)
And, as you well know, the cee'd is built at Zilina in Slovakia, where the standards are so high that KIA has even extended the ten-year body warranty to twelve years.
The 1.6 petrol engine is so silent at idle you think they've fitted that with Intelligent Stop Go. The downside is the quietness can lead to clumsy get-aways using too many or two few revs. And it's also a bit low geared for the motorway at just 21mph per 1,000rpm, or so. It doesn't drone at 70, though, so cruising isn't unpleasant. It's just a bit busy. No such problems in the automatic version that KIA wisely starts off as a Grade 1 trim at a very sensible £12,895 for Motability customers.
We also tried the ‘high power' 113bhp 1.6 diesel SW, and somehow that felt like an altogether bigger, more luxurious car. Quick, smooth and quiet, still under 121g/km CO2 so cheap £35/£30 VED this year and next year and not that much thirstier than the EcoDynamics except in towns full of traffic lights. But starting to get a bit pricey at £16,495 for trim level 3 (still £4k less than the equivalent Focus, though, and you can have a diesel automatic).
If you're looking for this size of car then I don't have to try to persuade you to go for a Kia cee'd. It's more a matter of you trying to find a sensible reason not to.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | 49 mpg | - | 139 g/km |
| 1.6 | 45–46 mpg | - | 146–151 g/km |
| 1.6 Automatic | 43 mpg | - | 158 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi | 60–66 mpg | - | 113–124 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi 126 | 60 mpg | - | 119–124 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi 126 Automatic | 49 mpg | - | 154 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi Automatic | 49–50 mpg | - | 150–154 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics | 63–67 mpg | - | 103–119 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
82%
Real MPG
28–69 mpg
MPGs submitted
286
Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012) interior
- Boot space is 340–1664 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4260–4490 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1480–1525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
It's fully equipped, with split folding rear seats (carpeted underneath), driver and passenger height adjustable seats, aircon, CD player, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, everything you need, including a 7 year-bumper-to-bumper warranty. And all for a list price of £14,195 before you get involved in scrappage, which is a cool £4,000 less than a 90PS Focus ECOnetic.
Makes you think, doesn't it? About the only shortcoming was a space-saver spare, but these days manufacturers like Skoda don't even give you a space-saver, and there wasn't one under the boot floor of my long-tern Focus ECOnetic either.
Kia Cee'd (2010 – 2012) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4260–4490 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1480–1525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1355–1509 kg |
| Boot Space | 340–1664 L |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £13,500–£21,450 |
| Insurance Groups | 13–18 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–G |
| Official MPG | 42.8–67.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until September 2012
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2 1.6 5dr | £15,750 | 45.6 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 Auto 5dr | £16,850 | 42.8 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) 5dr | £16,945 | 61.4 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) Auto 5dr | £18,050 | 48.7 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi (89bhp) 5dr | £16,945 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 3 1.6 5dr | £17,345 | 44.8 mpg | - |
| 3 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) 5dr | £18,545 | 60.1 mpg | - |
| 3 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) Auto 5dr | £19,650 | 48.7 mpg | - |
| 4 1.6 CRDi (126bhp) 5dr | £20,345 | 60.1 mpg | - |
| 4 1.6 CRDi (126bhp) Auto 5dr | £21,450 | 48.7 mpg | - |
On sale until May 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 1.4 5dr | £13,500 | 48.9 mpg | - |
| 1 1.6 Auto 5dr | £15,900 | 42.8 mpg | - |
| 1 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £14,695 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 5dr | £14,795 | 46.3 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 Auto 5dr | £15,895 | 42.8 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) 5dr | £15,995 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) Auto 5dr | £17,100 | - | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi (89bhp) 5dr | £15,995 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 3 1.6 5dr | £16,200 | 44.8 mpg | - |
| 3 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) 5dr | £17,395 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 3 1.6 CRDi (114bhp) Auto 5dr | £18,500 | 49.6 mpg | - |
| 4 1.6 CRDi (126bhp) 5dr | £19,195 | - | - |
Model History
- July 2009
- September 2009
- October 2009: Cee'd Prices
- January 2010
- March 2010
- August 2010
- September 2010
- September 2010
- December 2010
July 2009
Kia Motors released first pictures of new Cee'd, revealing a much improved and updated look including the new ‘family face' of the brand. This mid-life change includes sheet metal changes to the bonnet plus alterations to the bumper, grille and light clusters. There have been some enhancements to the interior too in terms of specification and design including a more intuitive centre console and upgraded audio system including Bluetooth connectivity.
New Cee'd unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show alongside two all-new Kia models. 2.0 petrol and diesel dropped. EcoDynamics with Intelligent Stop Go gets down to 110g/km. All diesels now under 120g/km CO2. 7 year warranty remains. Body warranty extended from 10 years to 12 years.
The new Kia cee'd range offers numerous exterior and interior design refinements, upgraded standard equipment and technical innovations. The cee'd also gets a fully-revised suspension set-up. The changes significantly reduce fuel consumption and in the new ‘Intelligent Stop and Go' ECO-dynamics version to be launched for the first time in the UK CO2 emissions are reduced to 110 g/km. On average emissions are cut by five per cent across the cee'd line-up.
Technical innovations introduced with new cee'd will include fuel-stretching ISG technology on the 1.6-litre diesel engines for the first time, a "hill-holder" function for the ESP and brighter projection-style headlamps. The new ‘U2' 1.6-litre diesel engine will be matched to a new six-speed manual transmission.
September 2009
Cee'd Hybrid powertrain is similar to the new Forte LPI Hybrid, but the four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine runs on gasoline, rather than LPG. Uses an upgraded powertrain developed from the earlier Rio Hybrid. The cee'd Hybrid now features Kia's Gamma gasoline engine, mated to a 15kW (20 ps), 105 Nm AC synchronised electric motor, Kia's own CVT (continuously variable transmission) and Kia's proven Start/Stop (ISG) fuel-saving stop/start motoring system.
The high-torque electric motor generates its maximum torque (105 Nm) from just 1500 rpm and the Li-Poly 180 volt, 5.3Ah power pack is located at the side of the trunk. Kia calculates that the New cee'd Hybrid accelerates from 0-to-100 kph in 11.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 185 kph. The prototype achieves a CO2 figure of 96 g/km. Compared to the standard 1.6-litre gasoline cee'd, CO2 emissions are reduced by 25.0%.
October 2009
Cee'd Prices
Cee’d 5-dr 1.4-litre 1 89bhp £11,595
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 1 124bhp auto £12,895
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre CRDi 1 89bhp £12,895
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 2 124bhp £13,195
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 2 124bhp auto £14,195
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 2 CRDi 113bhp £14,195
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 2 CRDi 89bhp EcoDynamics £14,195
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 3 124bhp £14,495
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 3 CRDi 113bhp £15,495
Cee’d 5-dr 1.6-litre 3 CRDi 113bhp auto £16,495
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 2 124bhp £13,995
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 2 124bhp auto £14,995
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 2 CRDi 113bhp £14,995
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 2 CRDi 89bhp EcoDynamics £14,995
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 3 124bhp £15,495
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 3 CRDi 113bhp £16,495
Cee’d SW 1.6-litre 3 CRDi 113bhp auto £17,495
January 2010
New 7-Year Kia Warranty. No mileage limit to the warranty for the first three years, except for vehicles used as a Taxi, when coverage is limited to 100,000 miles. Over the full period of the warranty, the overall mileage limit is 100,000 miles. Qualifications to the new warranty include: paintwork is covered for
5 years (depending on model), audio for 3 years and 60,000 miles and service parts, accessories and batteries for 2 years. Normal 'wear & tear' on items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings, are excluded from cover.
March 2010
Ultra-low CO2 version of Cee'd launched. Down to just 98 g/km, compared with 110 g/km for the current cleanest cee'd. Powered by Kia's new ‘U2' family 1.6-litre diesel engine with latest generation common rail diesel injection system and is fitted with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger. Maximum power of 90 ps is produced at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 235 Nm is available across a wide rev band, from 1,900 to 2,750 rpm, for excellent drivability.
In the EcoDynamics cee'd, the engine features improved engine mapping and fuel injection strategy with new software and is fitted with a variable water pump which absorbs less power, a high efficiency alternator with power-saving management system and a Diesel Particulate Filter.
Intelligent Stop and Go system automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving and features optimised system logic. The electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering system requires just 2.69 turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock.
August 2010
Kia New Vehicle Warranty Terms & Exclusions:
- There is no mileage limit during the first 3 years, except for vehicles used as taxis where a limit of 100,000 miles applies.
- There is a 100,000 mile limit between years 4 and 7.
- Paintwork is covered for 5 years / 100,000 miles.
- Audio is covered for 3 years / 60,000 miles.
- Batteries are covered for 2 years.
- Normal 'wear and tear' on items such as brake linings and clutch linings, etc. are excluded from cover.
- The warranty is transferable, at no cost, to subsequent owners and is valid across Europe.
September 2010
The Eco cee'd five-door hatchback is a concept car powered by a modified version of Kia's 'U2' family 1.4-litre diesel engine. Cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient, this engine generates 90 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 240 Nm is available from 1,900 rpm, for excellent driveability.
Changes to improve efficiency include fitting a variable water pump, an alternator with power-saving management system and an over-run decoupling system. The car also features Kia's fuel-stretching ISG Start/Stop system - which automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving-optimised gear ratios and a large underbody panel beneath the 4.26-metre long car's to smooth its aerodynamics. Its CO<sub>2<sub> rating is 94 g/km.
September 2010
Kia has introduced new VR-7 Special Editions of cee'd and pro_cee'd 1.4 petrol models - offering a high level specification at sensible prices.
Now on sale across the UK Kia dealer network, VR-7 Special Editions offer additional equipment including reversing sensors, 16 inch Style 'A' Alloys, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management and body colour, heated and electronically controlled door mirrors. Inside, both Special Editions benefit from air conditioning, remote central locking and front electric windows. Bluetooth functionality is available along with iPod connectivity. Tweeter speakers are added for a 6 speaker surround sound system. All meet Euro-5 emission standards.
1.4 Pro_cee'd VR-7 Special Edition is priced from £11,695 and 1.4 Cee'd VR-7 Special Edition is priced from £11,995, with optional metallic paint at £415.
December 2010
Initially launched as a 1.4-litre petrol version in September, the VR-7 special edition is now available with Kia's economical 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel engine in both the cee'd and pro_cee'd family hatchbacks.
The VR-7 special edition adds a host of extra equipment, as well as offering a cost saving of up to £815, over the entry-level ‘1' trim 5-door model it is based upon. Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and reverse parking sensors add extra convenience whilst 16-inch alloy wheels and body-coded, heated and electrically operated door mirrors enhance the exterior looks. Inside, a 6-speaker CD/stereo, leather finish to the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever and ‘one-touch' electric front windows complete the list of additional equipment.
Powered by Kia's 1.6 CRDi engine, and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the VR-7 versions deliver 89bhp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 173lb/ft from just 1,750rpm. The 0-60mph dash takes 13.5 seconds and a comfortable motorway cruise is ensured by a 107mph top speed. CO2emissions of 113g/km (VED band ‘C') and a combined cycle economy of 65.7mpg ensure low running costs.
The cee'd was the first vehicle from any Korean manufacturer to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested back in 2007 and the VR-7 has a comprehensive array of safety features. A Vehicle Stability Management System - Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake-Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Hill-start Assist System (HAC) - serves to actively help prevent incidents.
The VR-7 1.6 CRDi pro_cee'd is priced at just £13,220 OTR and the VR-7 1.6 CRDi cee'd at £13,420 OTR (both prices include VAT at the new 20% rate). As with every new Kia, an industry-leading seven year warranty comes as standard. Ordering opens today across the UK Kia dealer network.
What to watch out for
A few cases of the electric power steering motor on the column locking solid, thought to be due to miscommunication between steering angle sensor and the microchip in the column itself. Requires a new steering column.
03-08-2013:Seems that KIA dealers are routinely remapping the turbos on 1.6 and 2.0 CRDI engines to prevent overboost and extend the lived of the turbos. This results in much less torque in the 1800-2000 rev range and considerably reduced performance.
09-09-2014:Complaint of KIA Cee'd 1.6 CRDI used as driving school car seeming to "misfire" when accelerating between 1500 and 2000 rpm. Almost inevitably the DPF actively regenerating.
18-04-2015:Repeat coil spring failures reported in a family's three 2010 - 2012 KIA cee'ds. Two coil springs snapped on one cee'd in 2 months. Then springs snapped on two other family cee'ds over past 2 weeks.
26-07-2016:Report of bonnet catch of 2012 KIA pro_cee'd failing at speed and bonnet wrapping itself over roof causing sufficient damage to write off the car as uneconomical to repair. Bonnet catch was rusty so had nont been greased at services. Bonnet secondary retaining catch failed.
25-12-2016:Complaint of both front seatbacks collapsing in a 2011 KIA cee'd 1.6CRDI.
03-02-2017:September 2010 KIA Pro cee'd diesel taken to KIA dealer becaus eof excessive smoke in December 2015. Dealer kept the car for approximately five months, initially without a loan car, and returned the car fully repaired, so they claimed. With the engine starting to smoke badly again, owner tried another KIA dealer who had the car since August 2017. They returned the car allegedly "fully repaired" in early November 2017. Car taken back to dealer same day because of excessive engine noises. Dealer said had rebuilt the engine with a new top end but admitted had reused several worn parts including the original timing chain which was subsequently found to have stretched and was creating the excessive noises. Dealer still has the car.
27-10-2017:Catalytic converter of 2010 KIA cee'd 1.6GDI failed. Garage diagnoses it was due to the use of the car: four 7 mile runs a day (on regular petrol). Quoted £500 - £700 for new car converter and lambda sensor.
13-04-2018:Owner quoted £750 for one new tyre plus replacement rear brake callipers on a 2010 KIA cee'd. Quotation probably included fresh discs and pads as well as callipers.
