[vc_single_image image=”43668″ img_size=”article-image”]The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon is ideal if you’re on the lookout for an Estate that is well-equipped, usable, and sensibly-sized. It comes with the brand’s outstanding warranty, and gives rivals such as the Ford Focus Estate a very good run for their money.
Indeed, standing out in the impressive mid-sized family Estate sector is not easy. Quality cars here are plentiful. But among the Kia’s strengths are its handsome looks, and that seven-year/100-000 mile warranty which no other vehicle gets close to. It’s also pleasingly affordable.
OSV takes a closer look with our Kia Cee’d Sportswagon review.
Overview Of The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon
On The Road
[vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”43669″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]The new Cee’d Sportswagon drops hints from the outside that it’s quite the sporty chap, but looks are deceiving. Fire it up and take it out on the road, and you’ll find that it’s much more comfortable and relaxing than it is exciting.
The diesel engines are not particularly powerful, but they are serene and smooth. The under-powered 1.4-litre CRDI diesel is the slowest in the range, but strangely enough isn’t especially frugal. OSV’s top pick is the 1.6-litre CRDI diesel unit, which covers the 0-62mph dash in 10.7 seconds before maxing out at 120mph. There is enough pulling power available for a fully loaded car – but only just.
The petrol units are not any more powerful. The entry-level 1.4-litre unit takes 13 seconds to get you and your family from rest to 62mph, before maxing out at 112mph.It’s the cheapest power plant available, and worth snapping up if you’re just looking to potter about without pushing things too hard. OSV’s pick, though, is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol that comes in either 99 or 118bhp guise. Both engines are smooth, though the less powerful of the two takes a sluggish 12.6 seconds to cover the 0-62mph dash.
Whichever engine you plump for, the steering is relaxed but not very responsive. The entry-level model misses out on the brand’s adjustable FlexSteer system, which lets you switch between three different weights, the heaviest of which gives you more control on winding roads. The ride is overall firm when you’re moving through traffic, but softens as pick up speed. It isn’t very engaging, though.
Interior, Design & Build
[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”43735″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]The dashboard is far from being cutting-edge, but everything is clear and easy on the eye. To that extent, it’s a success. Both the steering wheel and the driver’s seat are hugely adjustable, and while the Cee’d Sportswagon is a bit too basic in the entry-level variant, the 2 model raises a few smiles thanks to a leather-trimmed handbrake and steering wheel, as well as chrome instrument cluster rings.
So, the car isn’t very sporty or cutting edge, but it does have oodles of interior space.Getting comfortable up front is easy, while there is plenty of leg and headroom for rear seated passengers. Cubbyholes are dotted around the place, while there are a number of secret compartments for extra storage space. Other practical touches include load-securing net hooks, while the boot can be extended to offer 1,642-litres of space when you fold the rear seats.[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]
Equipment
There are five trim levels available:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 4 Tech
The entry-level 1 trim is reserved for anyone operating on a strict budget who doesn’t mind a car that is super basic (but also super functional and usable).[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”43737″ img_size=”article-image”]If you opt for the 1.4-litre petrol engine, you also get the option of a sixth trim known as the SR7. It’s actually no better than the 2 trim level, with its only selling point being that it’s cheaper.
As mentioned, the SW 1 model is as basic as they come. For something a bit more exciting, you would need to move up to the 2 line, which adds 16” alloys, power-folding heated door mirrors and LED daytime running lights.
The 3 chucks in a 7” touchscreen, reversing sensors and satellite navigation, while the 4 Tech comes with parking assistance, a panoramic sunroof, and lane-departure warning. However, it’s well worth remembering that this is a mainstream family car, and the 4 Tech trim feels slightly indulgent and unnecessary. It will also depreciate worse than the other trims.
Costs Of The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon
Prices for the car start out from £16,750 and rise to close to £25,500. The new Sportswagon is aimed at families operating on a budget, as well as businesses looking to keep a lid on running costs. Economy ranges from an impressive 72.4mpg, to a rather surprisingly less impressive 42.8mpg. Insurance is decent, while the unmatched seven-year warranty is hugely appealing.
The most frugal engine is the 1.6-litre CRDI diesel. It’s capable of achieving returns of around 72.4mpg, and will cost you as little was £20 per year to tax. It comes in two power guises, and we prefer the more powerful of the pair, as it comes with a manual gearbox that draws out the best fuel economy.
The least economical engine in the range is the 1.4-litre petrol, which averages returns of around 42.8mpg.
The Kia Cee’d Estate is one of the cheapest cars to insure, and sits in groups 6 to fifteen. The brand offer their own insurance, which you might want to take a closer look at if you’re not happy with the deal offered by mainstream insurers.
The car requires a service every 20,000 miles or twelve months. This should make it appealing to higher-mileage business owners. There is a host of pre-paid service packages on offer, with Kia Care offering 3 services for a little over £300.
To Contract Hire this car over 3 years prices will start around £180 + VAT upto £300 + VAT[vc_single_image image=”43738″ img_size=”article-image”]
Pros and Cons Of The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon
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Pros:
- It Comes With A Seven-Year Warranty
Kia are by now well-known for offering very attractive seven-year warranties, which blows rivals’ standard three-year warranties out of the water.
The Kia Cee’d Hatch was the first Kia to benefit from the warranty, which is now offered with all Cee’d’s. No other manufacturer offers as long of a warranty, and it can even be transferred to the next owner. This makes selling a used Kia a lot easier.
- Huge Boot
Storage inside the Sportswagon is great. As well as plenty of cubbyholes an a large glovebox, there is a 528-litre boot which can be extended to 1,642-litres if you fold the rear seats down. It’s easily got one of the biggest boots in the class, while Kia have designed their rear seats so that they fold totally flat. When the seats are down, loading your luggage is simple.
- Easy To Drive
The new Kia Sportswagon Estate is not sporty or engaging, but it’s really easy to drive. Handling is capable and competent, which is exactly what buyers shopping around this sector are looking for.
The 2 trim versions and upwards come with the Flex Steer system, which allows you to improve the steering for a better ride.[vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]
Cons:
- Engines Lack Power
The engines on offer can pull a fully loaded Cee’d Sportswagon – but only just. Performance is far from sparkling, but it is possible to get 171Nm of torque from 1,500rpm from the 1.4-litre petrol, which makes for a surprisingly lively show.
- Entry-Level Model Is Super Basic
Unless you’re operating on a very strict budget and just need a car to get you, your family and luggage from A to B without much hassle (or much of anything), you’ll want to overlook the entry-level model. It’s basic in the extreme.
Kia Cee’d Sportswagon vs. Ford Focus Estate vs. Volkswagen Golf Estate
Despite its strengths, the Kia is not the best in its class and faces some stiff competition from rivals. Let’s see how it fares in the comparison section of our Kia Cee’d Sportswagon review.
Kia Cee’d Sportswagon vs. Ford Focus Estate
[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”32860″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]The Ford Focus is one of the most popular mid-sized family cars in Britain. It’s efficient and proficient, and although it’s not particularly exciting it still has a lot going for it.
For a little bit more cash, the Estate variant offers more practicality than the hatchback. But despite begin more spacious inside than is probably necessary, the Focus actually has a smaller boot than the Cee’d Sportswagon. In fact, when it comes to practicality, the Ford is something of a mixed bag. There is plenty of room upfront, but it’s lacking intelligent, practical touches that would really help it to stand apart from the Kia.Three adults can just about squeeze into the back, but the 476-litre boot is slightly disappointing and can’t compete with what the Kia – or many other cars in this class – can offer.
In terms of its interior, the Focus Estate is comfortable enough, and there is plenty of head and legroom. The seats are adjustable and supportive, and once you pick up speed the cabin is a quiet and pleasant place to be. Fit and finish can’t rival the Golf, but overall it’s arguably more attractive than the Kia. The dash has been cleaned up this time around, and a larger colour touchscreen is very user-friendly.
But how well does it drive? One thing the Kia Cee’d Estate lacks is power from its engines. The Focus Estate’s engine line-up is full of punch. And while the petrol engines might appear to be quite small, they benefit from turbochargers, which give them as much power as you need.
The car is an adept handler; the steering is direct, the engines are responsive and the suspension is nicely judged. And thanks to the introduction of EcoBoost petrol engines, fuel economy is good across the range. The most economical engine can easily match the most frugal unit in the Kia’s range – the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel is good for 74.3mpg.
Price:
Kia – £17,300 – £27,500
Ford – £17,300 – £27,500
Kia Cee’d Sportswagon vs. Volkswagen Golf Estate
[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]The new Volkswagen Golf Estate is both practical and of high quality. It will set you back a bit more than the Kia Cee’d, but there is a lot here to justify the asking price.
One area where it had to improve in order to justify the price tag was its handling. The previous generation variant was far from fun to drive, but the steering is now lighter, while the structure is stronger. The suspension, meanwhile, has been revised so that you don’t feel it as much when you tackle some of our worst surfaces.[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”41675″ img_size=”article-image”]Body control is good, and overall it offers more excitement behind the wheel than the Kia.
The diesels are the better option if you want oomph and performance. These units perform well in real-world driving situations, and while the numbers say the 1.6-litre 104bhp diesel takes 10.7 seconds to cover the 0-62mph, it actually feels faster than that. Opt for the GTD diesel power plant, and you can cover the same distance in just 4.9 seconds.
All engines in the range are relatively inexpensive to run, and can easily match the numbers returned by the Kia’s models. The 1.0-litre TDI BlueMotion petrol engine is especially impressive, and is capable of returning 65.7mpg. It’s also free to tax. The most frugal engine in the range is the 1.6-litre diesel, which is good for 72.4mpg, and costs just £20 per year in road tax.
The Volkswagen Golf Estate is well insulated from exterior noise, while the dash is lovingly crafted and looks the business. It comes complete with a brand new 5.8” touchscreen that controls your secondary systems, and the general quality of the interior is easily better than that found in the Cee’d. There is literally no cost-cutting here, while standard equipment across the range is very good. The Kia, though, does have a bigger boot.
Price:
Volkswagen – £19,000 – £30,000
Verdict Of Our Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Review
The new Sportswagon Estate is a handsome car that sports an interior that is of a high standard, offers low running costs, and drives easily enough. It’s yet another solid addition to a very strong Kia line-up. And if you needed anything to persuade you to plump for the Kia Cee’d Sportswagon, how about that seven-year warranty?[vc_single_image image=”43741″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#00625a”]
Want to learn more? Click below to view the review for the competitors in this article…
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Ford Focus Estate Review
[vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”48407″ img_size=”article-image” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”http://www.osv.ltd.uk/?s=volkswagen+golf+estate”]
Volkswagen Golf Estate Review
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