Kia Ceed Sportswagon review - Engines, performance and drive

The driving attributes of the Kia Ceed Sportswagon are very similar to those of the hatchback, which is what you’d expect because the two are identical under the skin. There’s no reduction in stability or grip, and nothing in the handling characteristics suggests you’re paying a penalty for the extra luggage space tacked on the back.

It’s worth noting that the 16-inch alloys give the Ceed Sportswagon a more comfortable and pliant ride than the sporty-looking 17-inch alternatives found on the ‘3’ spec version. The latter introduces an element of harshness to the ride quality that can be annoying. It’s fair to say the Ceed, in all guises, is a little less comfort-focused than a Volkswagen Golf Estate.

Most buyers will find the Ceed Sportswagon more than satisfactory because it feels stable and composed on twisty roads. However, there’s no doubt that the Ford Focus Estate is more fun to drive.

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Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The Ceed Sportswagon has a single engine: a turbocharged, 158bhp 1.5-litre petrol. Its power figure compares well with VW Group equivalents, narrowly beating the 0-62mph times of the 148bhp 1.5-litre Golf Estate or Skoda Octavia Estate, at 8.6 seconds.

If you want a faster estate, you’ll need to look towards the electric MG5, or a 2.0-litre equipped Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.