Kia Cee'd (2012 – 2018) Review

Introduced in 2012, the five-door Kia Ceed helped propel the Korean brand from boring dependability to genuine desirability. By the time it was replaced in 2018, the Ceed had proven itself a family hatchback that still offers value for money, but with an added degree of style. Does it make sense as a used buy? Find out in our Kia Ceed review.

Making a successful stand in the family hatchback sector requires a car to deliver on a range of different criteria. Kia established itself as a maker of reliable cars fit for the European market with the original Ceed. But this second-generation version moved the brand into the mainstream from 2012. 

Sharper looks were a major part in the plan to ensure the new Ceed stood out from rivals. Without getting too carried away, the trademark ‘Tiger Nose’ front grille and rakish headlights do mean the Ceed is more handsome than humdrum. It’s also much more of a looker than the mechanically similar Hyundai i30.

Where the Ceed also scores big is on interior space. It almost matches the Volkswagen Golf for boot capacity, and delivers impressive legroom both front and back. The five-door body means no problems unloading children on the school run, and even adults should feel well accommodated in the rear of the Ceed.

Despite the sportier looks on the outside, the Kia Ceed is still very much a car suited for normal commuting and family life. Other than the separate Ceed GT hot hatch, the regular model is refined and relaxing on the road. Accurate and light steering makes for an easy life when parking, and the Ceed is nimble enough to navigate tight city streets. 

The Ceed will also happily hold its own on the motorway, with an overall feeling of stability. It’s an effective all-rounder, just as buyers would expect from class favourites like the Golf or Focus. All it lacks is an outright degree of excitement, but most will be more than happy with what it offers on the road. 

This is backed by a wide range of engine options, from diminutive petrol units through to larger diesels. Some of the early 1.4-litre and 1.6 petrol engines can feel lacklustre outside of urban driving, although the later turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI petrol is far more effective. Kia also offers two diesel engines, with the 1.6-litre CRDi notable for offering strong fuel economy and respectable performance. 

Affordable running costs are one of the Ceed’s major strengths. Insurance ratings are lower than key rivals, while VED (road tax) is also unlikely to break the bank. However, the biggest selling point for the Kia is still that seven-year warranty. That it can transfer to new owners makes it a real boon for those looking at used models, adding extra reassurance to the buying process. 

Equipment levels are also strong across the range, with every Ceed featuring air conditioning and electric windows. Cruise control, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels were available on the well-priced ‘2’ specification model. 

Generous levels of standard equipment, combined with a spacious cabin and boot, tick off the important considerations for a family hatchback. Low running costs and a seven-year warranty add to the overall package of dependable transport, with just a hint of style. 

That is not to say the Ceed is boring behind the wheel, just that keener drivers will be better served by choices like the Ford Focus. 

The steering is light and relatively precise, allowing the Ceed to be threaded through tight gaps and city streets. Grade ‘2’ models and above have Kia’s Flex Steer system, with a Sport mode that adds extra weight to the steering. Just don't expect this to transform the Ceed into a hot hatch at the push of a button. 

Ride quality in the Ceed is best on the smallest 15-inch wheels. Conversely, the largest 17-inch rims can start to transmit more shocks to the cabin on rougher roads. The 16-inch alloy wheels therefore offer the best balance of style and comfort.

Kia updated the engine range of the Ceed throughout its lifespan, with the latest models featuring the best choices. Introduced as part of the model facelift in 2015, the 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder turbocharged engine is the standout petrol engine. 

This was offered in a choice of 100PS or 120PS outputs. With both delivering the same official fuel economy, there is no penalty for picking the more powerful version. 

The earlier 1.4-litre and 1.6 petrol engines are fine, but can feel strained beyond the suburbs. A six-speed manual is the default transmission, with an optional automatic offered on some models.

Diesel choices are served by the 1.4-litre and 1.6 units. The smaller diesel can feel a little underpowered, making the 1.6 the preferred choice. After the 2015 facelift, Kia offered a higher-power version of the 1.6 diesel with 134PS. 

It makes for the best diesel choice from the range, and can also be had with a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox.

Kia made big improvements to strengthen the construction of the second-generation Ceed. This work paid off, with it gaining a maximum five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP. Standard equipment includes six airbags, with front, side, and full-length curtain bags fitted. 

All Ceeds come fitted with electronic stability control, plus hill-start assist to help with pulling away on slopes. Rear parking sensors can be found on all Ceeds apart from the base ‘1’ grade. Moving to ‘3’ and above sees a reversing camera fitted as standard.

Xenon headlights are found on the range-topping 4 Tech grade, along with front and rear parking sensors.

Versions of the Kia Ceed can tow up to a maximum of 1,500kg when pulling a braked trailer. This includes the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, which is suited to the task thanks to its torquey engine. With a kerb weight of 1364kg, the 1.6 diesel Ceed could pull 1160kg based on the typical 85 percent rule. 

Although the Ceed hatchback will be up to the job of towing, the extra luggage space of the Ceed Sportswagon estate makes it a better choice for keen caravanners

When designing the second-generation Ceed hatchback, Kia wanted to add extra space and usability compared with the previous model. It meant the interior was created with a particular focus on offering the most space for the size of car. 

It worked, with the boot of the Ceed growing by 40 litres to accommodate 380 litres of luggage. That figure brings it close to the Volkswagen Golf, while the 1,318 litres with the rear seats folded is much more than an equivalent Ford Focus. 

Those in the front of the Ceed will discover plenty of space, and the rear bench can accommodate three adults for shorter trips. On longer journeys, think of the Ceed as a roomy four-seater to avoid complaints. 

Models above ‘2’ grade have a standard luggage net, cubby box and storage hooks in the boot. Rear-seat passengers in these models also gain a folding armrest, plus all cars have usefully large door bins.

Kia’s plan to lure in regular Volkswagen Golf customers did not stop with practicality. The Korean company knew the Ceed would need to deliver an interior that had solid construction and a hint of class.

The second-generation Ceed delivers on both of these counts, feeling genuinely well made. Models above the base ‘1’ grade have leather trim for the steering wheel, handbrake and gear level, adding to the upmarket feel. Range-topping grade ‘4’ Ceeds have heated leather front seats, along with gloss black trim for an added degree of luxury. 

It all makes for a package good enough to rival a contemporary Volkswagen. 

All Ceeds from launch were fitted with Bluetooth for mobile phone connectivity, offering the option to stream music. The radio comes with a CD player, plus USB and aux ports for connecting other devices. 

Lower-grade versions come with a small 4.3-inch LCD screen on the dash, whereas ‘3’ models and above gain a 7.0-inch touchscreen. This controls all the multimedia functions, along with adding TomTom UK and European satellite navigation. 

All the Kia Ceed’s multimedia systems work logically, and should take only a limited time for new drivers to feel familiar with.

When launched in 2012, Kia priced the Ceed to compete strongly against its key rivals. Buyers could get behind the wheel of an entry-level ‘1’ grade Ceed for a little over £15,000. This made it around £2,000 cheaper than an equivalent Golf, helping attract buyers looking for good value. 

With the Ceed gaining in popularity, new prices crept up between 2012 and 2018. By the end of production, the sporty GT-Line model cost more than £24,000. This was still £2,000 less than Volkswagen would charge for a Golf R-Line, but closer in cost to the Ford Focus ST-Line. 

The sweet spot for pricing in the Kia Ceed range is arguably found with grades ‘2’ and ‘3’. These deliver an impressive standard specification, but without the added premium pricing found on the grade ‘4’ or GT Line models. The higher-grade models are also harder to find, meaning a mid-spec model may be the solution for most buyers. 

The Kia Ceed has been relatively popular with UK buyers, so there is plenty of choice on the used market. Given the plentiful supply, be prepared to shop around to get the best example you can afford. Kia dealerships will still have a stock of the youngest used models on their forecourts.

Used prices for these later cars should start from around £10,000. This price point should secure a car less than three years old, with low miles on the odometer. Models powered by the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine will be the most common, and likely to be in grade ‘2’ specification. 

Newer used examples of the Kia Ceed will still fall within PCP finance schemes. With a £1000 deposit, buyers should expect to pay around £190 per month over four years.

The popular turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine can achieve up to 57.6mpg in official tests. This is the same figure regardless of which of the two power outputs you pick. 

Drivers using the Honest John Real MPG tool have found the 1.0 T-GDI to be less efficient in practice. The high-output 100PS model hits only 63 percent of the official figure with a real-world average of 34.4mpg. 

The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel is the best option for those covering longer distances. Official test figures say it can achieve 74.3mpg, which outperforms even the smaller 1.4-litre diesel. Both diesels also come close to their official averages with the Honest John Real MPG rating. 

Picking the 1.6-litre diesel can also secure free VED (road tax). Pre-2017 models fall into Band A, meaning owners are eligible to pay nothing each year.

As a family hatchback, insurance costs for the Kia Ceed are affordable. A VR7 model, fitted with the 1.4-litre diesel engine, has the lowest insurance group of all Ceeds, at group six. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol is slightly higher, in insurance group 10. 

It is also worth noting that Kia’s seven-year warranty can transfer to a new owner when the car is sold second-hand. This means that all but the oldest second-generation Ceeds are still likely to have some warranty left.

The Ceed range begins with the ‘1’ grade, including air conditioning and electric windows as part of the standard specification. However, the ‘2’ specification is only a small step in terms of price, and comes with cruise control, rear parking sensors and LED daytime running lights. 

Moving to grade ‘3’ adds satellite navigation and dual-zone climate control. Parallel park assist and leather seat trim are fitted to Ceed ‘4’ models, but the extra cost makes this harder to justify. Buying a GT-Line version introduces sportier bumpers and larger alloy wheels.