Review of used Kia Ceed (Mk3, 2018-date)

Identify

When the original Cee’d was unveiled in 2006, the idea of ​​it competing with the Golf would have been ludicrous, but now the Kia is more desirable than VW’s evergreen family car in some respects. . You get the same build quality as the VW but for a lower price, and while the Ceed isn’t as cheap, you’re still getting a lot of cars to fit your budget. Having said that, when we were pitted against Ceed with Skoda Scala and VW Golf, Kia finished last (however, the competition was particularly fierce), while a three-car gunfight between Ceed SW, Octavia Estate and Mégane Sport Tourer put Kia between Skoda (first place) and Renault. So while Kia didn’t always come out on top in our road tests, it does compete with the best cars on the market right now.

This year marks 30 years since That arrived in the UK, and amazingly, its first bike had been produced just six years earlier, even though the company was founded in 1944 to manufacture steel pipes and bicycle parts. The brand has grown tremendously since the first product, a facelifted Mazda 121 sold here as the Kia Pride, went on sale.

By 2007, Kia introduced the first car designed specifically for European customers: the original car Cee’d (short for Community of Europe, with European Design), and this is a turning point, although the Cee’d Mk2 is a much more impressive product.

Indeed, it’s good that the Mk3 arrives, it’s not a huge step forward in many ways, although a range of more efficient power supplies and many of the latest technologies have made Ceed useful.

History

The Mk3 arrives in August 2018, powered by either the 117hp and 136hp 1.4-litre T-GDi petrol engines, or the 113/133bhp 1.6 CRDi diesel. Initially, five-door hatchbacks and Sportswagon were offered for sale, but in January 2019 the sleeker ProCeed five-door brake model went on sale as a GT-Line version, with the 1.4 T-GDi engine, 1.6 T-GDi or 1.6 CRDi.

The 201bhp Ceed GT arrived at the same time as the ProCeed, powered by the 1.6 T-GDi, followed by the Ceed PHEV plug-in hybrid in March 2020. But this was scrapped in July 2021, just a few. week before Ceed Upgrade came out. debut. This has brought mild hybrid technology to the 1.6 CRDi, refreshed exteriors, improved connectivity and additional driver assistance systems, while the 156 hp 1.5 T-GDi replaces the 1.4 T engine. – GDi.

Which one should I buy?

Even the 1.0-litre petrol offers decent performance, so all transmissions are pretty good and efficient, but the manual is easier to use than the automatic.

Ceeds are always well equipped, with even the entry-level 2 getting 16-inch alloys, heated and power-adjustable door mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control, air conditioning, Bluetooth, DAB radio and multifunction steering wheel.

The Ceed 3 adds 17-inch wheels, privacy glass, automatic rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, navigation, and a 10.25-inch screen. The GT-Line offers heated front seats and steering wheel along with keyless entry. The GT-Line S adds 18-inch rims, a sunroof, LED headlights, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control and power adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Alternatives to Kia Ceed

You’re spoiled for choice in this segment, with most mainstream brands offering something to match. Closely related to Ceed is Hyundai i30, great value and backed by a five-year warranty. The Peugeot 308, Vauxhall Astra and Citroen C4 They are closely related, so they share the same powertrain, have high-tech interiors, and look smart as well.

Another closely related triad is Volkswagen Golf Course, Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon. These high-quality family cars are easy to live with, drive well and are packed with the latest technology. You can also consider Audi A3, also related but more expensive. More affordable than Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corollawhile Mazda 3 is another great option.

What are you looking for

Transmission

All Ceeds come with a six-speed manual; The 1.4 T-GDi, 1.5 T-GDi and 1.6 CRDi are also offered with a seven-speed automatic.

Cut the levels

Initial versions are 2, 3 and GT-Line, plus limited edition Blue and First. 2 Nav launching in 2019, £300 more expensive than regular 2

Spare wheel

All Ceeds come with a tire repair kit, with the exception of the limited run GT-Line Lunar Edition. This is equipped with a space-saving spare wheel.

Infotainment

In October 2019, the 2’s 7-inch screen was upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the 10.25-inch screen replaced the 8-inch screen on high-spec cars.

Common Mistakes

The Kia Ceed Mk3 had a strong performance in 2022 Driver source outing, comes in at 16th overall, with impressive scores for reliability and build quality. As a brand, Kia was ranked third, again with an excellent mark on reliability.

inland

Take off the Kia badges and you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a Volkswagen, such as the quality of the fit and finish, plus the clarity of the dash layout, absolutely. modern.

Cabin space is impressive, with room for three adults in the back, but even so there’s decent boot space. The luggage compartment can hold 395 liters when the seats are folded or 1,291 liters when folded. If that’s not enough, the real estate numbers are 625 and 1,694, though PHEVs and diesels are slightly less.

The infotainment touchscreen could be better integrated – it’s stuck on top of the dashboard – but there are eight-inch or 10.25-inch configurations.

Operating costs

All Ceeds require servicing every 12 months, and while there is a 10,000-mile limit on petrol models, the 1.6 CRDi can last up to 20,000 miles. Maintenance costs vary considerably depending on the engine fitted and what service is due, but expect to pay £100-£160 for routine checks for the diesel, though the fourth service is more complicated and is pegged at £270.

The fourth check is also a big test for the plug-in hybrid, which is why it costs £285 compared to the usual £100-210. Gasoline models typically cost between £150-£250 for maintenance, but a 1.6 T-GDi’s sixth service costs £400. Brake fluid needs to be changed every two years and coolant needs to be changed. once every 10 years
or 100,000 miles. Gasoline models are chain-driven, but the tethered diesel has to be replaced every 16 years or 160,000 miles, costing around £500.

Recall

Kia has a more impressive recall record than many other manufacturers, because it rarely has any problems. On the point, the Ceed Mk3 is a perfect case in point, in that it has never been subject to a safety-related recall in the UK, and neither have its predecessors. Since the Ceed Mk3 arrived in the UK, Kia has issued a total of 14 recalls across its entire lineup, averaging less than four a year.

Those recalls are aimed at soul, Stinger, Picanto and Sorentowith Sedona, Optima and Niro. Most of these campaigns are done because of electrical or electronic problems, but one is due to faulty rubber fuel pipes and another because cars can sometimes roll due to faulty handbrake. .

However, you do not need to check to see if any recovery work has been completed on Ceed.

Driver Power Owners Satisfaction

Ceed Mk3 launched the new Driver Power car in 2020, when it ranked 18th out of 75 cars. 2019 is 17th and 2022 is 16th. The only top 10 score is for its low cost of service, but value for money, user-friendly and ergonomic design, quality and Reliability also scored well. While owners are less than impressed by the all-round visibility and driving experience, the Ceed is very capable in most areas.

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