1.5 GDI 4 ISG

The perfect ordinary hatchback for those who hate the idea of owning an ordinary hatchback

I do about 400 hundred miles a week including long, winding roads, dual carriageways, motorways and urban madness. Occasionally my 20 year old Astra would give up the ghost and force me into a hire car for a few days - this was always my chance to try an alternative. Among the list were top of the range Skodas, Nissans, Polestars, Hyundais, Mondeos and even Mercedes. All were driven and delivered back after which I happily returned to my Astra until...
One hire company delivered me a Kia Ceed and the appeal began from the minute I sat in it. A comfortable, well organised interior that suited me better than anything I'd driven in years. Such a shame that the exterior was exactly the look I hated. An ordinary hatchback. However I did extend the hire period for another week - a first! When I discovered Kia had taken the Ceed's interior and placed it in a more attractive chassis I wondered if they'd been listening to me. The rear reminded me of the Mercedes GLA hatchback, the profile matched the Audi Q8 SUV and the front had the snarl of a BMW. I didn't even get a test drive. Two weeks of searching and I drove the Astra for the last time up to Lloyd Kia Motors in Carlisle where I purchased a two year old Xceed with all the trimmings.
If anything the car was more comfortable than the Ceed but we were now in an all leather and suade cockpit. The ride hight rose above the flood levels I'm used to in winter. The sunroof eradicated any sense of claustrophobia while the computer screen answered any driver's needs and the sound system completed the premium ambiance.
A perfect car? No. The engine is borderline ordinary as is the gearbox while the steering is accurate but impassionate. The suspension and grip are impressive but I suspect roads are far better made in North Korea where the car was made as I remain slightly conscious of big bumps.
But the drawbacks seem negligible with the rest of the car being so beautifully made. The manual version means a more livelier experience is possible than with the automatic even in sports mode but the 45 mpg claimed by the company is also easily attained.
Boot space is impressive and the 18inch wheels seemed oblivious to the wine bottle I drove over in central London. The automatic seats shift you around like Virgil in Thunderbird 2 and how did I ever live without "AUTOHOLD" which keeps the car in place when the brake is pressed hard and releases with a touch of the accelerator. Sight lines are good bar the rear window so there's a reversing camera to compensate. Indeed sensors are everywhere to warn you of all obstacles from cars to toddlers and even park the car for you. The ride is further enhanced by the knowledge that there is still five of the original seven year warrantee to go and the brand is one of the league leaders regarding reliability. Of all the cars I have driven in the last 20 years it is the one I am most keen to get back in. Not perfect but, on every level that matters... just right.

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