Kia Ceed 2 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics 5dr Road Test Report
Performance 
When we test drove the C’eed range last year the consensus was that the diesel units on offer compared favourably with anything else in the marketplace in its range. The engine which is provided in the EcoDynamics version- introduced as the C’eed range was updated in October- is the same excellent 1.6 CRDi unit we have driven previously. The only difference is that in the EcoDynamics model, it has 89bhp instead of the higher 113bhp found in other models. In most circumstances it is difficult to tell the difference and the unit performs admirably, pulling eagerly through the rev range and being spirited in its power delivery. The engine does top out quite quickly though and there is not much power to be found higher in the rev range. Overall the car was an absolute pleasure to drive; Kia’s own stop/start feature, know as Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) is extremely smooth and doesn’t seem to interfere with the driving experience at all.
Ride & Handling
A real plus for the C’eed in this area is that the car is so driveable it has the ability to make the daily grind to and from work quite entertaining. The steering is direct with plenty of feel to it and the gearbox is precise and sporty. The ride is fairly firm but the seats are supportive so this doesn’t seem to compromise your comfort in any way. The C’eed has a real ‘point and go’ element to its handling which means you get the distinct feeling you can throw the car into corners with confidence and have a really entertaining ride whatever the road surface.
Build Quality & Reliability
The now famous 7 year manufacturer’s warranty is of course available also on the EcoDynamics model as with all variants within the C’eed range. For some manufacturers, attempts to design a ‘greener’ version of their cars has resulted in the quality of the materials and the overall appearance of the cabin and exterior of the car being heavily compromised but this does not appear to be the case with the C’eed EcoDynamics. The cabin appears as welcoming as ever and is much the same as other C’eeds in the range. In fact to make up for a slight loss of power, the EcoDynamics which is graded as a ‘2’ specification based on Kia’s three trim level (1 denoting entry level models and 3 denoting top of the range) actually has additional specification over the other mid range models. As well as ISG, the EcoDynamics offers iPod and Bluetooth connectivity as well as standard middle trim equipment such as 16-inch alloys, front foglights, electric and heated front mirrors, rear cup holders, high-quality six speaker sound system and central storage box. Meanwhile in other manufacturer’s green ranges you can often be presented with a vehicle bereft of specification of any kind. This is an area of huge improvement for Kia in recent years and the C’eed EcoDynamics continues in this vein.
Safety & Security
The stop/start element of the C’eed EcoDynamics may at first alarm the driver as there is something rather strange about the engine cutting out at traffic lights. It is quite a significant change for any driver to be presented with a vehicle which switches off when the vehicle is stopped and then starts up again when the clutch is depressed to engage first gear. There are times, such as when you are stuck in rolling traffic, when you will find yourself riding the clutch a little to avoid completely stopping and then cutting the engine off, however for the vast majority of the time your driving experience should remain unaffected. It does feel bizarre at first to but it is easily adjusted to. Feelings of joy over its fuel-saving qualities as well as admiration for its impressive engineering will soon overcome any fears drivers may have in driving a car with such a function. The C’eed EcoDynamics has an impressive list of safety and security features including ABS with EBD, immobiliser, central locking with deadlocks and six airbags.
Space & Practicality
The boot size is minimum of 340-litres which are about average for a car of this size. Driver and front passenger legroom is generous. Rear legroom is OK but four adults in the car would be its limit although the car never pretends to be a people carrier!
Ownership & Value
At £14,195 on the road the EcoDynamics model finds itself in the middle-upper reaches of the C’eed range in terms of pricing, exactly the same in fact as the conventional 1.6 CRDi model. Compare the vehicle to other marques and it comes out favourably, especially next to the Ford Focus for example. Running costs are extremely low, with 67.3 MPG achieved on a combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 110g per kilometre putting the C’eed in the same league as much smaller cars.
Performance 
Upon starting up the engine for the first time I couldn’t help but be apprehensive – some green versions of existing models have had any feeling of performance ripped out in favour of revised gearing ratios that seemingly suck all life and spirit out of a car. It was more than a pleasant surprise then when the car pulled away with plenty of torque and not a hint of a struggle in low revs. It’s be clear anyone looking for a performance car can steer well clear of this but those wanting that bit of ‘oomph’ from time to time to either get up to speed quickly, perform an overtaking manoeuvre, or to actually still enjoy driving will find the engine more than capable. While it’s start/stop technology can be switched off, it really is a sensible piece of innovation – pull up to the lights, or while sitting in traffic, slip the car into neutral and the engine switches itself off – saving fuel, and saving you money. As you compress the clutch and put the car into first the engine kicks back into life. Word of warning, be prepared to think you’ve stalled the car the first time this happens! As far as I can see, it really is the short term future for the internal combustion engine. Another little ‘green’ feature found in the car is a handy optimal gear changing indicator, located by the speedometer, so for those people seriously looking to conserve fuel need only to keep half an eye on this and change gear when it tells you to. Kia is by no means the first carmaker to implement this kind of technology but it’s all wrapped up in the cee’d package. So what do these new features do to its official performance statistics? Well, it makes for obviously a more fuel efficient car, one which officially can hit 67.3 mph on its combined cycle – not to be sniffed at. Its CO2 emissions, while not class leading, are good at 110g/km, making this a VED category B car with a current tax rate of only £35 per annum. Perhaps the best news about the cars performance is that it doesn’t drive like you’ve compromised guts with green.
Ride & Handling
The Kia cee’d was the first model from the Korean carmaker designed and built with the Europeans in mind, and it shows in its winning handling. Steering is responsive with the driver always feeling in complete control. The power steering is light and easy but not in a way detrimental to the appeal of the car. Likewise the ride manages to flatten out the worst of what the roads can throw your way. It doesn’t jar or slip and takes everything in its stride.
Build Quality & Reliability 
Feeling every bit as well built as more expensive rivals the Kia cee’d takes peace of mind to a whole new level – its seven year warranty provides testament to how well put together this car is. Take into account that through the life of the vehicle the engine will be stopped and started far more than a conventional unit and the Koreans must still be very confident of their workmanship. Quality materials are used inside the cabin, and while schemes and colours are very much on the safe side, nothing feels or looks cheap. Air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric mirrors and electric front windows all come as standard on the model, the company has obviously been keen to strike the balance between efficiency gains and specification. Coupled to the 7 year warranty the car also benefits from infrequent trips to the garage for a service – 20,000 miles is industry leading. You’ll also notice that the cee’d has had a subtle mid-life facelift, the front of the car has been brought into line with Kia’s new grille branding – as seen on the Soul, new Venga, and new Sorento.
Safety & Security
Another part where the cee’d family excel is in the area of safety. The cee’d has been awarded the top marks in Euro NCAP Occupant safety (5 stars), while child occupancy is also a very competitive 4 stars. The car comes with the usual assortment of safety aids, so expect front seatbelt pretensioners, driver airbag, passenger airbag, and front side airbags. ESP isn’t standard on the vehicle; instead it’s a worthwhile optional extra at £375. The eco model also comes with central locking, alarm and immobiliser – just as it should!
Space & Practicality
One of the main battlegrounds for the hearts and minds of the young families up and down the country is offering a competitively priced vehicle which has enough room to cope with the needs of a growing family. The cee’d is up against some of the best known and most loved models in the whole automotive galaxy – the bright lights of the VW Golf and Ford Focus to name but two. So far does it stack up against the competition? Boot capacity of 340litres, rising to a maximum of 1300 with the rear seats down, this compares with what you get in the sector leading Ford Focus (385/1247 litres) while the VW Golf comes with 340/1305 litres.
Ownership & Value
There’s no disputing the value of the cee’d, it under cuts its main competitors by some clear distance and we are talking several thousand pounds here, while offering a level of sophistication and drivability not found in cheaper models. It’s seven year warranty should gives the owner the peace of mind that this car will keep garage bills to a minimum over the life of the car, while its green credentials are also good enough to appeal to the greener element of the car buying public. There are a few flies in the ointment however, as residual values still aren’t that high, more down to marque snobbery than in quality – no doubt, while the model name is still a bug bare to some. If you’re looking for a frugal, family car on a budget, yet still want a quality product then the Kia cee’d ecoDynamics is pretty much the prefect car for you.