Kia cee'd SW Road Test

Kia ceed

The alternative to the petrol unit is a 1.6 diesel with two outputs. It has a steel, alloy and aluminium construction and benefits from a high-pressure, common-rail, fuel delivery system as well as a variable geometry turbo-charger for extra oomph.

The standard version of the diesel has a power output of 89bhp and 235Nm of torque while the uprated version offers 113bhp and 225Nm. Kia tells us that a 2.0-litre diesel could be added to the line-up should there be enough demand.

In the meantime, these three, 1.6 engines, come with the standard manual gearbox but the petrol and higher output diesel units are also available with an optional, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Like the 5-door hatch, the SW offers a very nice drive. Although it is never going to set the world on fire, it is nonetheless, a relaxed and comfortable ride, thanks to multi-link rear suspension and nitrogen-filled shock absorbers. The easy-rolling sensation is due to the low rolling resistance tyres that are the result of a collaboration between Kia and Michelin. These also help to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

On motorways, the SW behaves well and there’s plenty left in the pots for overtaking at motorway speeds. On country roads, there is a little oversteer through fast bends and I would describe the performance as sufficient but not a great deal of fun. That said, it will get you and your cargo from A to B and back again with aplomb and a minimum of fuss.

As usual, ABS with EBD are standard features and ESP is an option extra on the LS version, only. Kia’s own tests suggest that the SW will gain a 5-star rating for frontal impact protection, in the EuroNCAP tests but we should find out for sure at the beginning of 2008.

Every SW comes with twin-front and side airbags along with a full-length curtain airbags, active head restraints, load-limiter and pre-tensioner seatbelts at the front. The two outer rear seats also have ISOFIX mounting points.

Finally, Kia makes a lot of noise about their ‘bumper to bumper’ warranty. It lasts seven years or 100,000 miles and covers every part of the car, as the name suggests. It is transferable if the car is sold on and the only stipulation is that all servicing and repairs has to be done to Kia’s specified standards, using original factory parts.

The Kia cee’d SW is a good solid car for people on the move, whether it be a company car or simply for transporting family and friends. It has a certain amount of elegance along with the inherent flexibility of an estate car.