Sportwagon 1.6 CRDi 134 3 DCT ISG 5dr

Compact estate with a big heart

I bought this car to replace a Golf 1.6 diesel bluemotion, as I wanted an estate. It's about the same size as a Golf estate in the boot, but its powerful diesel engine (like for like) has more grunt by about 25 bhp and has similar economy. (Steady 70 - 75 mph yields 50 to 56 mpg, with harder driving extra-urban, about 45 mpg. (yes I know this isn't what Kia tells you it can do).
The DCT auto box is flexible and a pleasure to use in the sport mode on twisty roads when one needs a lower gear for entering and running round bends. Both paddle-shift and gear selector nudge work well.
Road noise is slightly more than my old Golf, as is engine noise above 2000 rpm, but it's not excessive or disturbing.
Heating and ventilation are good, and the built-in nav equipment well designed. Phone/blue-tooth connection and calls are all fine. No CD player, but DAB / FM radio options are all good.
It's nearly, but not quite as nice to drive; the seat comfort being a little harder, and nowhere to put your right foot when in cruise mode (although the left foot has a little recess on this automatic version, essential for comfort). Steering tends to understeer slightly more than expected, but with several mode of steering to choose from, it is not noticeable really at higher speeds or when tight cornering, interestingly. The roll characteristics appear well engineered.
The interior finish is good, but lacks some of the nice cubby-holes some VW models have. But it does have excellent storage options (large soft-lined tray, and a deep pocket) over the compact spare wheel area.
The spare wheel was a 'must have' for me, and I have already benefited from it. A large hole from a bolt on the motorway would probably not have been filled by foam.
Well done Kia. I have no doubt the newer version of the car from 2018 is an improvement but the 2016 version benefits from £25 road tax because of excellent g/km CO2 emissions. With 2 years of the maker's 7 year warranty still remaining on it, this was another plus point. I don't think I shall be buying anther oil burner from VW, much as I liked the way they drive.

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