Kia Ceed SW (07 on) - Review

There's plenty of room all round with ample space in the back for two adults or three children. Leg and headroom is impressive and it’s pretty quiet on the move too - only noise from the 1.6-litre petrol engines is really noticeable under hard acceleration. The seats could do with more support, especially lower down, but the interior is bright and pleasant, plus all cars come with air conditioning as standard.

The Cee'd SW is significantly roomier than the hatchback model, offering 534 litres of boot space (with the seats in place) compared to 340 litres. That's more than most alternatives, in fact it's not far short of the latest Ford Mondeo Estate - one of the biggest estates around. The boot opening itself offers great access. The tailgate hinges are located on the top (as opposed to the edge) of the roof, which means the tailgate is completely out of the way when opened. Underneath the boot floor there are extra storage compartments (useful for keeping a torch or hiding valuables) and the seats fold almost flat in a matter of seconds for 1,664 litres of boot space. That’s more than enough for the needs of a small family.

Soft-touch materials on top of the dash are also found on the top section of door trim and the Cee'd's dashboard is clear, with controls that are easy to use - the steering also adjusts for height and reach. Grab handles and the glovebox opening have damped movements making the Cee'd feel as if it is finished to a much higher standard than its predecessors. One disappointing aspect is the cheap finish on the door control panel and the instrument binnacle – in bright sunshine it creates an annoying reflection. The interior was given an upgrade in late 2009 with improvements to the materials used as well as the instruments and dials, giving the Cee'd SW a more upmarket feel. The air conditioning controls were also moved up the central console, making them easier to use on the move.