A sporty approach: Kia CEED SW

For our market, the CEED used to be available only as a five-door hatchback, with a choice of engines and two gearboxes. Now a “wagon” version has arrived with a much roomier boot, along with a three-door version with sporty styling.

The base petrol (DOHC CVVT) 1.6-litre engine is the same one fitted to the five-door. The top trims come with a two-litre petrol engine and a manual gearbox. From a mere means of transport, this model turns into a source of pleasure thanks to the combination of a roomy body and a powerful engine.

Equipment level is the Kia CEED's strong suit. Putting out a car that falls short of the fierce competition on the Old World's car market would simply be unwise, especially in a segment like the golf class. Established brands can afford to sell “stripped-down” trims, but Asian makers have to work harder for it. In that respect our newcomer will draw attention, since the base equipment of this Korean wagon is really quite good: six airbags, ABS, power windows, heated mirrors, and a decent stereo that plays MP3s and works with external media. Whatever the trim, the buyer gets a well-assembled cabin finished in soft-touch plastics. The interior, free of Asian flourishes or revolutionary design choices, is also a pleasant surprise. The top of the centre console has a display showing information from the onboard computer. The electronics warn passengers to buckle up with red icons.

The one downside might be visibility: the front pillar is too wide at its base, the window line sits too high, and the seat, even when adjusted, sits too low. The rear proportions are also a bit hard to judge: with the bulky tail, the window in the tailgate is narrow. The boot, on the other hand, inspires confidence: the cargo cover clips in and folds away easily, and luggage is secured without trouble by extra nets. That said, the boot lid is on the heavy side, so opening and closing it takes some extra effort.

The engine (143 hp) gives no cause for complaint — it doesn't rush ahead, but always has reserve power under the pedal. Fully loaded, the car handles a long climb with ease. As for the manual gearbox, the shifts could be crisper. From the outside, the Kia CEED looks striking: a handsome rear pillar, taillights beautifully stretched along the vertical, and silver roof rails.

Taking everything into account, our wagon can be considered the top-of-the-line variant within the model range. The only pricier option is the equivalent with an automatic gearbox and bi-xenon headlights. The wagon body is good, and roomy and safe on top of that: increased rigidity thanks to elastic steels, and well thought-out crumple zones. It combines driving enjoyment with family comfort. That said, you'll have to forget about saving at the pump — in that respect the model is a bit thirsty. The base price for anyone looking to buy the car right now is almost 620,000 roubles.

Technical specifications of the Kia CEED SW

Body type/number of doors/seats: wagon/5/5 Length/width/height, mm: 4470/1790/1525 Wheelbase, mm: 2650 Drive type: front Boot volume, l: 153-1664 Kerb weight, kg: 1419 Ground clearance, mm: 150 Engine type: petrol, R4 Transmission: manual, 5-speed Displacement, cc: 1975 Maximum power, hp: 143 at engine speed, rpm: 6000 Max. torque, Nm: 186 at engine speed, rpm: 4600 Top speed, km/h: 188 0-100 km/h acceleration, s: 11.7 Fuel tank volume, l: 53 Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km: 9.7/5.9/7.3 Retail price, roubles: from 620,000