Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Kia Ceed SW - 9th Report
BusinessCar magazine website email Awards mobile

The start point for the best source of fleet information

Our Fleet Test Drive: Kia Ceed SW - 9th Report

Date: 05 February 2014   |   Author: Hugh Hunston

Not great on C02, but compensates with decent whole-life costs plus competitive driving dynamics
Mileage: 5021
P11D price: £21,040
Our average consumption: 52.5mpg
Official combined consumption: 64.2mpg
Forecast CPM: 49.6p

With a model name pronounced 'seed' and a green leaf Ecodynamics badge on its tailgate, our 1.6-litre diesel Kia SW estate car lays claim to environmental credentials.

But after more than five months and 5000 miles, the smart, well-equipped and more than competent wagon is arguably not an eco warrior.

Its 116g/km CO2 rating is average compared with newer Ford Focus, VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra fleet contenders, plus the upcoming Seat Leon ST Ecomotive's sub-90g/km.

Kia's plea in mitigation is that developing the second-generation Ceed for pan-European sales involved a CO2 compromise because other Euro markets do not share the UK's fleet-related, tax-efficient emissions regime, making it difficult to justify costly CO2-cutting investment.

The Ceed also has a smaller carbon footprint than some Japanese and Korean-built rivals, courtesy of being built in Slovakia.

Our most recent fuel consumption audit registered a 52.5mpg average, 18% adrift of the official combined 64.2mpg figure, which is a bit disappointing when you consider my rule-of-thumb allowance for real-world driving is 15%.


Verdict


  • Well equipped and stylish
  • Emissions don't match the class best

Share


Subscribe