Kia residual values have improved greatly in recent years and the seven year warranty helps as buyers are willing to pay a little extra for the peace of mind it provides. All the models are efficient, the petrol averages 44mpg while both the high and low power versions of the CRDi return 60mpg.

The 1.6-litre diesel emits 122g/km of CO2, which is impressively low for a car of this size, although it’s not as cheap to tax as the hatchback version. It performs well on the economy front though, returning 61mpg in everyday driving. The 1.6-litre petrol performs adequately (though not spectacularly) with 151g/km emissions and around 44mpg. The EcoDynamics model – with Kia Intelligent Stop and Go system – was introduced in late 2009 and is the greenest model with emissions of 119g/km and impressive economy of 62mpg.

The Cee’d SW is assembled in Kia’s European factory, where build quality standards are very high. No major problems have so far been reported but anything will be covered by the unbeatable seven year warranty – a demonstration of the faith that Kia has in its build quality.