Try GOLD - Free

Kia Ceed

Auto Express

|

August 08, 2018

FIRST DRIVE We’ve tried the petrol version of Kia’s VWGolf rival and now we give our verdict on the diesel-engined hatch.

- Alex Ingram

Kia Ceed

THIS is Kia’s new family hatchback. But don’t call it the Cee’d any more; it’s now Ceed. The rather confusing apostrophe placement found on the previous two versions has been axed.

We first drove the new Ceed in June (Issue 1,529), in turbo petrol form. Now, we’ve driven the frugal CRDi version to see if the diesel is the pick of the range.

With 114bhp, it’s well matched against the Volkswagen Golf’s 1.6 TDI, but the Kia has more torque, so it feels more brisk on the road. It’s on par with the VW for smoothness, too; both in terms of noise and power delivery. We’ll have to wait for a full road test to assess fuel consumption properly, but an indicated result of nearly 60mpg was impressive based on our varied route.

The diesel is offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto gearbox. Unless you really need an auto, the manual is the one to have: the twin clutch box can be a little unresponsive at times, and costs £1,100 more.

MORE STORIES FROM Auto Express

Auto Express

Auto Express

...and electric Super-N set to steal hearts in the UK in 2026

HONDA is back in the small EV game with the funky Super-N hatch, an affordable but fun-to-drive electric city car that will go on sale in the UK next year.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

3 CAR GARAGE

Genesis G80, Infiniti Q30 and DS 7 for the price of a DS No.8

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

MIKE RUTHERFORD

I'VE just served a 30-day stretch in North East Asia, doing my digital nomad bit.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

Six-wheel Lexus LS may replace flagship saloon

NO, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Lexus has actually revealed a six-wheeled van concept at the Japan Mobility Show as a possible replacement for its flagship LS saloon. But look beyond the apparent madness and you realise there's actually some sense behind this move.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

E-Class shapes up for electric future

Replacement for EQE will wear more familiar badge and sell alongside combustion-engine models

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

NEXT MAZDA 2 REVEALED

EX MAZDA surprised visitors to the Japan Mobility Show with a unexpected concept car called the Vision X-Compact. This superminisized model previews a new Mazda 2, which should arrive some time in 2026 or early 2027 with a choice of hybrid and ICE powertrains.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

Honda's O Alpha SUV ready to challenge Elroq

HONDA has surprised Japan Mobility Show goers with a brand-new Series O SUV prototype that's only a year or so away from series production. This new model, the O Alpha, will be based on the same architecture as the larger SUV and saloon, and rival similarly sized EVs such as the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and forthcoming Toyota C-HR+.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

Alfa Romeo Tonale

THREE years after it launched, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has been given a little midlife refresh, including an updated interior and a sharper look that draws from the brand’s glorious history, showcasing its strong sense of style.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

New Corsa GSE hot hatch will go on sale next year

Performance EV will inspire sportier trim levels in supermini line-up

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

USED BUYER'S GUIDE Cupra Ateca Mk1

FROM £20,000 The model that launched SEAT's sporting offshoot is now a great-value family car that offers performance and handling to match its purposeful looks

time to read

5 mins

November 05, 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size