As we’ve recognised the well-known Kia Ceed to be a hatchback, it’s now grown to be an operating estate car taking on the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia – but has it got its own niche to separate itself from the class leaders?
With it now being an estate version, it has the same source but definitely more space than ever. This car has huge potential, as the previous Sportswagon (SW) gave 40% of Ceed sales.
With it now being an estate version, it has the same source but definitely more space than ever. This car has huge potential, as the previous Sportswagon (SW) gave 40% of Ceed sales.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Kia has been generous with their engine options, with petrol including Kia’s popular 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direction injection) engine; this produces 120ps and the next step up from this, is the 1.4-litre T-GDi which will produce 140ps. This is 4% more than its predecessor. With every engine comes a six-speed manual transmission, however, the latest addition – the 1.4-litre T-GDi and 1.6-litre CRDi engines will have the option to upgrade to Kia’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
What’s it like to drive?
When we drove the new Kia Ceed Sportswagon, we noticed it was as stable as the hatch, so the longer rear and extra weight has not impaired the driving experience. We’d say what has improved is definitely the ride comfort, especially with the 16-inch wheels, although when we tried the 17-inch alloys this changed. In terms of road noise, we’d see the most noise we heard was coming from the back of the Ceed SW, particularly on certain terrains.
Kia has been generous with their engine options, with petrol including Kia’s popular 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direction injection) engine; this produces 120ps and the next step up from this, is the 1.4-litre T-GDi which will produce 140ps. This is 4% more than its predecessor. With every engine comes a six-speed manual transmission, however, the latest addition – the 1.4-litre T-GDi and 1.6-litre CRDi engines will have the option to upgrade to Kia’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
What’s it like to drive?
When we drove the new Kia Ceed Sportswagon, we noticed it was as stable as the hatch, so the longer rear and extra weight has not impaired the driving experience. We’d say what has improved is definitely the ride comfort, especially with the 16-inch wheels, although when we tried the 17-inch alloys this changed. In terms of road noise, we’d see the most noise we heard was coming from the back of the Ceed SW, particularly on certain terrains.
Exterior
From the outside, the Ceed SW we would say is very similar (almost its twin) to the Kia Stinger-inspired hatch, with its distinguished LED daytime running lights across the range and it gets an expected longer rear overhang (115mm longer if you were wondering) to match the elongated roofline. Since the Ceed Sportswagon has been released, they have it available in up to 11 paint finishes, with a selection of wheels and designs to be paired with it. Depending on the trim you decide, with tyres you can either have the following: 15-inch steel wheels, 16-inch steel or aluminium alloy wheels, and 17-inch two-tone diamond cut aluminium alloy wheels.
From the outside, the Ceed SW we would say is very similar (almost its twin) to the Kia Stinger-inspired hatch, with its distinguished LED daytime running lights across the range and it gets an expected longer rear overhang (115mm longer if you were wondering) to match the elongated roofline. Since the Ceed Sportswagon has been released, they have it available in up to 11 paint finishes, with a selection of wheels and designs to be paired with it. Depending on the trim you decide, with tyres you can either have the following: 15-inch steel wheels, 16-inch steel or aluminium alloy wheels, and 17-inch two-tone diamond cut aluminium alloy wheels.
In our opinion, we wouldn’t say the design was the boldest and eye-catching in the market now, due to its wheel selection making it look quite aged. None the less, the Ceed SW has been given a modern makeover on the back, due to its new LED lights and fresh Ceed scripture.
Interior
Within the main cabin, you will expect to see no difference between the Sportswagon and the hatch, which for those who aren’t familiar with the hatch is a good thing! You’ll see top-quality materials and its controls are placed correctly for touch.
Interior
Within the main cabin, you will expect to see no difference between the Sportswagon and the hatch, which for those who aren’t familiar with the hatch is a good thing! You’ll see top-quality materials and its controls are placed correctly for touch.
Just the entry-level infotainment system itself will be seven-inch and touchscreen and will be accessible for Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – with great voice control features to add. If you were to go for a higher trim, you’ll instead have an eight-inch version fitted to the cars, and it will additionally include sat-nav and the new Kia Connected Services system. We would like to mention that a reversing camera will be standard throughout – so there’s not an excuse for any “oops” moments!
In terms of dimensions, the body is wider which allows great shoulder room for rear passengers, whilst they’re also able to enjoy 15mm-lower seating position in the rear, this gives you the advantage as a passenger by giving you more knee and leg room. Although, the roofline has swooped lower, the platform and lowered front seating position ensures 987mm of front-row headroom and similar levels for the rear passengers. For the boot, it’s now 72 litres (14%) larger than the hatchbacks, growing to 600 litres in capacity; this is larger than most D-segment tourers.
To conclude, the new Kia Ceed Sportswagon is great from a price point of view, with a low insurance rating and £19,295 starting price. Which we feel is great value for money, with the well-equipped technology and Kia’s impressive seven-year warranty.
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In terms of dimensions, the body is wider which allows great shoulder room for rear passengers, whilst they’re also able to enjoy 15mm-lower seating position in the rear, this gives you the advantage as a passenger by giving you more knee and leg room. Although, the roofline has swooped lower, the platform and lowered front seating position ensures 987mm of front-row headroom and similar levels for the rear passengers. For the boot, it’s now 72 litres (14%) larger than the hatchbacks, growing to 600 litres in capacity; this is larger than most D-segment tourers.
To conclude, the new Kia Ceed Sportswagon is great from a price point of view, with a low insurance rating and £19,295 starting price. Which we feel is great value for money, with the well-equipped technology and Kia’s impressive seven-year warranty.
For more CarCliq reviews click here
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