Sportwagon 1.5 T-GDI 160bhp GT-Line Manual

Nearly Perfect

This is the latest version of the standard petrol engine, upgraded in 2021 to 1.5L and 160bhp (from 1.4L 140bhp) and variable valve timing tech.
Other than that, there are no obvious changes since the model first appeared in 2018.
Mine is the GT-Line (called level 3 in some EU markets) with 6-speed manual.

Purchased new to replace my 5 year old Pug 308SW, I got an astonishing deal (I pitched a silly first low ball offer, the salesperson then proposed a futher 3k reduction. I had to ask them to repeat what they said…..thank goodness for covid face masks that also mask jaw drop reactions!).

The car has now turned a lot of kms in just a few months, between commuting and a couple of long cross-Europe jaunts.

The Good:
Comfort. 1000km in a single day with zero aches.
Relaxing. Very quiet cruising for hours at 130km/h on EU autoroutes. Motor is SO quiet and vibration free at high speeds.
Spacious cabin. Bigger than my Pug in the cabin, lots of stash room. Driving position is Great for taller drivers.
Spacious boot. Same size to the nearest millimetre as the 308SW (so excellent, for class), BUT….the Ceed has a complete deck under the floor with bins to carry lots of wine (or whatever you prefer). AND there is then further space under the ‘sub-deck’ for the spare wheel!!
Infotainment system and screen very sharp, lots of customisation and functions. Apple and Android car play as standard.
UVO app. It’s actually very good! Easy and instant connection, some very useful features, especially the remote alerts if you forget to lock the car, close windows etc (so even if I have wandered a mile from the car, I can check and even lock it remotely without having to return the car. Perfect an attention-deficit old codger like me).
Ride and handling.

The Average:
Sound system. Even after playing with the in-car equalizer settings and in-app (e.g. Spotify) equalizer settings, the bass is mushy and pathetic. First car in a long time that I have needed to consider changing the speakers.
Needs a bit of revving to get it moving (but I am coming back to petrol after 20 years of diesel, so maybe just culture shock). Power really lies above 3k rpm (it really wants to move if you put your foot down at 130kph).
Visibility. Unable to see end of bonnet (and no front sensors). Thick mid-pillars.
Not adapted to shorter drivers. My wife is 5 foot 4 inches. Needs seat full forward to reach pedals, but top of speedo display is then obscured by steering wheel (thank goodness for option of secondary digital speed indicator).
Digital speedo rev counter screen is underwhelming. Lack of any extra functions compared to analogue.

The Bad:
Lack of any manual or instructions (even online) for the infotainment system. (And there are safety settings and functions in the system!)
Nav. Just cannot be trusted with regard to route calculation. Too many stupid errors. (Fortunately there is Apple and Google maps)

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