Last laugh on the jokers

10:49am Tuesday 22nd January 2008

The jokes were perhaps predictable - along the lines of "never mind, better luck next month," and "Are you sure you'll make it up North in that?"

But I ignored the detractors. Having test driven Kias before, I have certainly had no complaints about reliability and have also found them to be a surprise package in many ways.

The same is true of the Cee'd SW. Fair enough, it looks a bit boring, especially in the test drive car's rather dull dark blue paint.

But I would suggest potential buyers, particularly among the fleet operators, will not have pretty looks at the top of their list.

Rather, they will be looking to tick off practicality, comfort and value for money. And these are the qualities this car delivers by the bucket load.

The SW is the estate version of the Cee'd hatchback launched last year and the first estate car ever designed by Kia.

The Cee'd is also the first Kia to be designed and produced in Europe (Slovakia to be precise) and the name somehow reflects that, although don't ask me to explain exactly how.

Externally the car still looks compact and you wonder exactly how much of a load lugger this car could be.

But once inside, it opens up Tardis-like, offering a large boot and the ability to split the rear seats to provide even more space.

This was much needed during the annual Xmas pilgrimage up North loaded with presents and suitcases as well as the dog who managed to wedge quite nicely on top of one third of the split seat, leaving the other seats free for passengers.

As well as the space, one of the biggest first impressions is how comfortable it is.

My passenger announced it was one of the most comfortable cars she has travelled in - high praise indeed for a £13,000 car.

The rear bench also offers good shoulder space. although there were some complaints about the lack of leg room, perhaps caused by me having my seat unusually far back to try and gain a decent driving position.

On the road the signs were also positive. The 1.6 litre petrol engine is responsive and quiet and is as happy zipping around town as it is cruising on the motorway.

But while it is refined, it is also unusually high revving and the car could really have done with a sixth gear as the tachometer climbed above 3,500 revs at 70mph.

The controls are light and easy to use, though and the steering is precise, helping the car corner well.

The same is true for the brakes and clutch and I was quick to note that Kia really has arrived in Europe - the indicator stalk is now on the left, in keeping with the virtually every other manufacturer.

The only major complaint I had was the ride quality which transmitted plenty of bump and thump to the passenger compartment which is a let-down compared to its more established European rivals.

Equipment-wise, this GS model boasted steering column controls for the radio and CD player which also comes with a standard MP3 jack.

There is also a computer revealing average fuel consumption, speed and temperature and there are electric windows in the front only which is a positive advantage as it prevents youngsters constantly playing with them. (Somehow wind-up windows aren't nearly as much fun).

The petrol motor also managed to return about 38mpg on the motorway which isn't bad and there are also two 1.6 diesel versions which will no doubt offer a better return.

And best of all it's covered by a seven year warranty/100,000 mile which beats everybdy else in the industry hands down. I can just see the fleet manager's eyes lighting up at that one.

But in truth I don't think you are likely to need to put that warranty to the test.

The Cee'd SW feels like a solid, well-built reliable car which does everything that is asked of it and offers no quibbles in return.

It is very easy to live with and as a practical form of transport it is difficult to beat at this price.

Those considering the estate version of the Focus or Astra should look again at the Cee'd SW as it is as good if not better in many departments with more standard equipment, while being hundreds of pounds cheaper.

Then it will be time to see the jokers laughing on the other side of their faces.

FACT FILE: Model: Kia Cee'd SW 1.6GS 0-62mph: 11.1 seconds Top speed: 119mph Fuel consumption (combined): 43.5mpg CO2: 154 g/km Price: £12,995 Contact: www.kia.co.uk