SECTOR Mid-size esate  PRICE £16,895 – £24,795  FUEL 67.3 – 64.2mpg  CO2 109 – 116 g/km

Hot on the heels of the recently launched – and critically acclaimed – Kia cee’d hatchback, comes the estate version, the cee’d SW, or Sports Wagon.

There’s not too much to complain about with the design of this mid-sized load-lugger; there’s just enough drama to make it appear that little bit more special than the myriad of other estate cars which dominate this end of the car market. 

In addition to providing lots of head and legroom, the cee’d SW has wide door openings, an almost flat floor and lots of stowage and cubby holes. The cargo area is huge, one the biggest in its class, boasting a maximum load capacity of 1642 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded completely flat, or 528 litres when they’re left in the upright position. 

Out of the two diesel engines on offer – either a 1.4 CRDi or 1.6-litre CRDi – it is the larger displacement which is aimed squarely at the fleet driver. Performance from this 126bhp unit isn’t exactly effortless but it is exceptionally refined and very economical – CO2 emissions of 116g/km and returning an average 64.2mpg gives it a BiK banding of 17%.

The handling is also good, with the suspension set to give a firmer ride, stopping just short of being uncomfortable. And, as a bonus, the 1.6-litre diesel doesn’t sound as clattery as some other low-emission units, while a well-insulated cabin keeps out most of wind and road noise.

The entry-level 1 Trim 1.6 CRDi costs £17,695, rising to £24,795 for the top spec, 4Tech. All models come with Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control, plus Kia’s  seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty. 

Without doubt, this Kia is a well thought-out and practical car and has also been bolted together with the sort of meticulous precision normally associated with the Germans, yet it still represents remarkably good value for money for fleets looking for a mid-sized estate.

SECTOR Mid-size esate  PRICE £16,895 – £24,795  FUEL 67.3 – 64.2mpg  CO2 109 – 116 g/km

Hot on the heels of the recently launched – and critically acclaimed – Kia cee’d hatchback, comes the estate version, the cee’d SW, or Sports Wagon.

There’s not too much to complain about with the design of this mid-sized load-lugger; there’s just enough drama to make it appear that little bit more special than the myriad of other estate cars which dominate this end of the car market. 

In addition to providing lots of head and legroom, the cee’d SW has wide door openings, an almost flat floor and lots of stowage and cubby holes. The cargo area is huge, one the biggest in its class, boasting a maximum load capacity of 1642 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded completely flat, or 528 litres when they’re left in the upright position. 

Out of the two diesel engines on offer – either a 1.4 CRDi or 1.6-litre CRDi – it is the larger displacement which is aimed squarely at the fleet driver. Performance from this 126bhp unit isn’t exactly effortless but it is exceptionally refined and very economical – CO2 emissions of 116g/km and returning an average 64.2mpg gives it a BiK banding of 17%.

The handling is also good, with the suspension set to give a firmer ride, stopping just short of being uncomfortable. And, as a bonus, the 1.6-litre diesel doesn’t sound as clattery as some other low-emission units, while a well-insulated cabin keeps out most of wind and road noise.

The entry-level 1 Trim 1.6 CRDi costs £17,695, rising to £24,795 for the top spec, 4Tech. All models come with Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control, plus Kia’s  seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty. 

Without doubt, this Kia is a well thought-out and practical car and has also been bolted together with the sort of meticulous precision normally associated with the Germans, yet it still represents remarkably good value for money for fleets looking for a mid-sized estate.