Kia Cee'd hatchback (2012-2018) - Interior & comfort

Kia’s designers have attempted to give the Cee'd's interior an upmarket feel to match its exterior. Smart design, solid build quality and robust materials all add to the car's appeal.

Kia Cee'd dashboard

One of the highlights is the clearly laid-out dashboard. The wraparound design helps to create a driver-focused feeling, while the white backlit dials are easy to read and the chunky switchgear is great to use. All cars get a comprehensive trip computer set into the centre of the speedometer.

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You'll find plenty of soft-touch plastics used throughout the interior, while the light grey trim for the door panels helps lift the otherwise dark and sombre atmosphere. Go for either the 3 or 4 model and you’ll also benefit from a classy piano-black finish for the dashboard surround and centre console. The fit and finish are also excellent, helping give the interior a robust feel that’s more than up to the challenges of family life.

All versions get a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, while 2 models and above add leather covering for the rim. There’s also a wide range of seat adjustment for the driver, so finding the perfect driving position is easy.

Equipment

Decent visibility makes it relatively easy to place and park the Cee'd, but the 2 is treated to standard rear parking sensors.

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Elsewhere, standard kit is very generous. All models have a Bluetooth phone connection, a USB port and air-conditioning, but the 2 adds features that many will find indispensable. Most notable of these is a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav that offers European mapping, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto music connectivity. A rear-view camera and rear parking sensors are also included.

Stepping up to the Cee'd 3 increases interior comfort with climate control, additional rear seat ventilation and front seat lumbar support adjustment, while 17-inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass add a touch of class to the exterior.

Cee'd 4 is the most luxurious model in the range, and brings leather trim, heated front seats (electrically adjustable for the driver) and a panoramic sunroof, as well as convenient features like illuminated door handles and a keyless smart entry system. Stainless steel pedals add a sporty touch, while scuff plates made from the same material are used on the sills.

GT Line trim adds some styling tweaks, like the 'ice cube' daytime running lights seen on the Kia Cee'd GT. You also get some chunky body styling and stylish alloy wheels. GT-Line S brings additional features including a panoramic sunroof and adaptive lighting.

Options

Like many South Korean – and Japanese – cars, there aren’t many optional extras to choose from on the Cee'd. In fact, the only factory-fitted extra is metallic paint, which will set you back more than £500. You generally have to move up the trim levels until you get the kit you want. That’s not to say it’s impossible to personalise your car, because Kia has a wide range of dealer-fit accessories to choose from.

Take a look through the brochures and you’ll find everything from mudflaps to multimedia systems. For example, Kia is able to upgrade the Cee’d’s standard stereo to a DAB digital radio for £250. The navigation system has Kia's Connected Services, which provides real-time traffic and weather updates from TomTom.