Performance

There are four engines available - two 1.6-litre diesels with either 89 or 113bhp and two petrols (a 1.4-litre with 103bhp and a 1.6-litre with 121). A two-litre diesel with 140bhp will be added to the cee'd range later in 2007. The 113bhp diesel is a real gem. Quiet, refined, but with loads of torque, it pulls well in any gear and at any speed, and is gutsier that its 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds suggests. The 1.6 petrol may have an impressive 121bhp, but it needs to be worked hard to get the best out of it and won't, unlike the diesel, take a steep incline in third, needing instead to be thrown into second. However, it's still a capable motorway performer.

Driving

This is where it's obvious Kia has been paying to what the Europeans do. It's firm when you want it to be, meaning when you throw it into a corner there's plenty of front end grip and minimal body roll. However neither is it too hard - clatter over a speed bump and very little is transmitted into the cabin.

Space

Plenty of space for five passengers to sit comfortably thanks to generous leg and shoulder room (especially in the back). However, anyone over six foot may find rear head space lacking. The boot is deep, square and a decent size at 340 litres.

Build quality

Sitting behind the wheel, it's difficult to believe you're in driving a Kia it's so well built. It looks and feels - dare we say it - more like a Toyota than a budget brand. The materials are good quality and pleasant to touch, feeling as if they'll last longer than the car's amazing seven-year warranty (yes, that's right, seven years). The dash layout isn't overly innovative (it's reminiscent of the old Toyota Corolla) but it's easy to use and well laid out.

Equipment

The entry level cee'd S includes air conditioning, a fully integrated MP3-ready radio/CD player, front electric windows and central locking. The GS trim adds 16in alloys, remote central locking and a six-speaker, high-quality sound system (including a USB auxiliary port, which enables you to play MP3 files directly from a memory stick). The top-of-the-range LS has climate control, rear electric windows and half-leather upholstery.

Safety

Twin front and side airbags plus full-length curtain airbags are standard on all of them, as are twin ISOFIX child seat mountings. The anti-lock brakes come with brake-force distribution.

Owning

Low insurance groups and 60mpg from the 1.6 diesel sit on costs. Used residuals are traditionally bad, but that seven-year warranty is transferable.

Value

By pricing the car between £11k-£14k, it's a few hundred pounds less than its mainstream rivals but comes with more equipment as standard.

Verdict

Here's a car that should change a few misconceptions. As good as anything Ford, Vauxhall or Toyota can do, yet it's a Kia. If you can get over your badge snobbery and its silly name, there's not much wrong with the cee'd. And don't forget - that's a seven year warranty.

Fancy something bigger?

Cee'd SW

is it just us, or is the new cee'd estate an extremely good-looking estate? Not something we'd have said about a Kia 12 months ago. It drives as nicely as the hatchback, offers a generously-sized load bay and is seriously good value.

Kia Cee'd rivals
Ford Focus
Vauxhall Astra
Toyota Auris