Used Kia Cee'd Challenges Dental Professionals

Those who study the ingredients mixed into the used Kia Cee'd could be forgiven for assuming this small family car is less appealing than being on the wrong end of experimental dental surgery. After all, the Cee'd is owned by a Korean company, built in Slovakia, and carries a badge that screams 'budget banger'.

Despite these unpromising credentials, the Cee'd is a match for many of its European rivals. A good model for cost cutters to purchase is the 1.6-litre 113bhp diesel, as this returns a combined average of 60mpg and hits sixty in 11.1 seconds. Alternatively the most powerful variant, the 2.0-litre 138bhp diesel, averages 50mpg and propels its dentally focused occupants to 60mph in 10 seconds. Not fast, but Kia owners tend to favour economy over speed.

The Cee'd was introduced to the UK in 2007 and potential owners can choose from the three/five door hatchback or the SW estate. Early examples have safe predicable handling, plenty of traction, and a smooth comfortable ride.

Revised 2009 variants have modified suspension for better body control, and heavier steering for more feel on your way to the dentist's torture chair. In fact, the Cee'd is surprisingly fun to drive.

Further plus points include the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, seven year manufacturer warranty, creditable reliability, and the generous specification. This, on high-end models, includes stability control, bluetooth, privacy glass, the iPod thingy wotsit connector, and 'hill assist' to stop the Cee'd rolling backwards on inclines. Sounds perfect for those who struggle with clutch control.

So, how do we summarise the Cee'd? Whereas the ingredients may appear to be wrong on paper, they are beautifully prepared and served with a rich sauce. The result is that Kia has produced an excellent vehicle that deserves to be appreciated, and not perceived as the automotive equivalent of a dentist who removes teeth by punching his patients.

According to Motoring.co.uk's database, prices for the used Kia Cee'd start at roughly £7,000. Not bad value, and considerably cheaper than the therapy teenagers require to overcome wearing braces to their high-school prom.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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