• No engine is particularly thirsty
• Plug-in is the eco hero
• Rivals are more efficient

At the time of writing the Ceed Sportswagon was only available with a single 1.5-litre petrol engine fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Official figures suggest it’ll do nearly 50mpg, although we hovered around the low-40s in the real world.

An entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine is also available if you’re looking at used examples although it’s barely any more efficient than the 1.5. We would recommend looking a used 1.6-litre diesel if you do plenty of miles as it’s capable of over 60mpg when fitted with a manual gearbox according to official figures. It’s good, but rivals from SEAT, Skoda and VW are even more frugal.

A plug-in hybrid was also previously available, delivering an electric range of around 35 miles when it’s battery was fully charged. It’s the same system that’s fitted to the Xceed so isn’t as efficient as the Octavia iV on account of that car’s superior all-electric range.

Servicing and warranty

Kia’s seven-year warranty isn’t unmatched in the industry anymore, with MG providing cover for the same period. Toyota’s warranty also lasts up to 10 years and 100,000 miles providing you service the car at one of its main dealers annually. That said, Kia has been doing it for the longest and has built up an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity in the process.

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Like most manufacturers, Kia offers a service plan that allows you to spread the cost over monthly instalments.

Reliability

• Seven-year warranty one of the best in the business
• Little to go wrong; proven tech
• Kia’s reputation is very good on this front

The new Ceed family hasn’t had any major reported problems, nor have there been any recalls. Use of proven technology and a general feeling of robustness means you’re unlikely to have any issues with your Ceed – even if you keep it for the full seven-year period to make the most of that warranty.