Kia pro_cee'd Road Test

Kia pro_cee'd

In Car Entertainment and Satellite Navigation

The Kia pro_cee'd comes with a standard RDS stereo radio/CD player with MP3 with the added bonus of an iPod interface and mp3 socket. Our test car was supplied with an iPod lead that allows you to charge and control your iPod but we never really got on with Kia's iPod interface - but it was a major step up from the usual 3.5 mm auxiliary socket you would normally find on a car of this class. There is also a USB port so that you may plug in USB compatible devices.

Rivals

• Ford Focus
• Peugeot 308
• Vauxhall Astra
• Volkswagen Golf

What We Liked

• Exterior styling
• Build quality
• 7-year warranty

What We Disliked

• The interior plastics could be improved

What we'd like To See

• A hot model would add a lot of credability to the Kia cee'd range

Build Quality

Kia have paid attention to the quality of the interior plastics and materials and where they are not up with the best of the Germanic manufacturers it is getting there. So no real complaints for a car of this class and price, and of course should it go wrong you are protected by the 7-year warranty.

Value for Money

The Kia pro_cee'd offers good value for money if you want to buy a new well equipped car with a 7-year warranty. According to Kia, routine servicing is needed only once a year or every 10,000 miles or 12,500 miles depending on the engine. Over a typical three-year ownership period servicing a Kia pro_cee'd should cost between £540 and £630. These costs are an average taken from Kia's factory-owned franchise in Bolton and will vary slightly according to labour rates in different parts of the country.

Summary

As with the hatchback and SW models we do not think that Kia will have worried the likes of Volkswagen or Ford, but now as we have all become more budget conscious they will win sales with their lower entry prices and importantly with their seven year warranty. Volkswagen's warranty is only 3 years / 60,000 miles where Kia protects their cars for 3 year / unlimited mileage plus if you keep your mileage under 100,000 miles it extends to a full 7 years.

Overall the Kia pro_cee'd is a well executed car that meets the need of the style conscious buyer. It is not up to the best that Volkswagen or even Ford can offer but it is a creditable alternative.