9 January 2019

Review: Kia Ceed Sportswagon


When I wrote about the new Kia Ceed last August, readers might remember I suggested the still-to-come wagon version would likely be a better looker than the hatchback, writes Brian Byrne.

Nothing wrong with the hatch, just thought it had become a little conservative. The wagon fixes that, adding flow to the side-on look, and space inside.

And I've always liked wagons. Those who know me for a long time are tired of hearing about my first four cars being estates — of the Opel Rekord and Vauxhall Viva models.

So while compact SUVs are all very well, and good cars, it's nice from time to time to have a car out that brings back memories, and is yet as modern as they come.


We're not a wagon market. Maybe 8pc of any model that is offered in the format. But other markets are — Italy, Germany, the Nordics, where up to half of any model might be estate shape. They have outdoor lifestyles, and wagon versions of their favourite hatch/saloon models make sense for the skis and the boots and the stuff needed for a weekend hike in the hills and forests. They're not driving off-road, though especially in the premium brands, they can get 4WD versions of wagons if so needed.

Here, and especially in the standard mainstream compact family car arena, a normal FWD version of the Ceed will do very fine for smaller family use. Ideal for the older couple who don't want to wrestle with the parking size of a crossover is just one suggestion, but there's a lot for the young family too.

The new Ceed has been getting familiar on our roads, and will do more over the next few months in the 191 busy half. It would be nice if the Sportswagon did too.

Inside it has all the same style and systems as the hatch. High quality, pleasant design — Kia doesn't do highly stylised dashboards and instruments, which means what they do is good. Everything is easy to find, easy to use. Clear screens, clear dials.

It's averagely roomy in its class, even with height for me in the back seat (unlike in the upcoming new BMW 3 Series, where my bonce wedges against the roof lining).

While I romped the hatchback through the Wicklow Mountains back in August, for the Ceed Sportswagon I had an early morning trip to Glin on the south bank of the Shannon Estuary for a job, later a run home with some diversions before winding back to my own Kildare village.

It was a long day, fast driving motorway but also with slower and windier routes. The 1.0 turbo petrol provided a distinctive sound when I gave the three pistons their head, with very pleasant response. The same turbo allowed the car to trickle through Foynes, Glin and other slow spots without fuss. The 6-speed manual is a snicky shifter that never embarrasses.

I could happily retire with one of these. But I won't. Retire.

PRICE: From €25,295; I ESPECIALLY LIKED: Exterior styling and interior space; RATING: 4+/5.