Kia Ceed SW Review

Estate cars have never been big sellers in Ireland but the new Kia Ceed SW (Sportswagon) just might make you fall in love with the estate’s humble practicality. In fact Kia has a decent enough record in the sale of previous generations of the Ceed SW here in Ireland.

Now hot on the wheels of the new generation of the Kia Ceed hatchback that arrived in Ireland in summer 2018, the new Kia Ceed SW goes on sale with its ace card being a huge 600 litre boot within a sleek and elegant body.

Let’s not forget that this is still a compact car. The new Ceed SW is lower and wider with a longer rear overhang than the car it replaces but certainly from the driver’s seat, the car proves to be agile and easy to manoeuvre with good visibility all round and a parking camera as standard.

But space of course is a key selling point for estate cars. The Ceed SW had a fantastic practical boot for its size with a wide opening and flat loading sill that makes it excellent for carrying things.

Inside the Kia Ceed SW

The new generation of the Kia Ceed SW also has a new interior. Fit and finish is markedly improved. There are plenty of soft touch materials punctuated with stylish chrome, while the cabin is kept fresh and modern with the latest Kia infotainment system.

The extra width in the new Ceed SW creates more shoulder room for rear passengers and a 15mm-lower seating position in the rear means that there is more knee and leg room too.

Kia Ireland has kept the new Ceed SW range very simple in that there are just two models available: a choice of 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine (from €25,295) or a 1.6-litre diesel (from €27,595).

The Ceed SW is sold in the K3 trim meaning that the car is well specced by default with 16″ alloys, electric windows, rear privacy glass, auto lights, 7″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, parking camera, air con, wireless phone charger, cruise control, keyless entry, lane keeping assist, high beam assistant and forward collision avoidance system.

On the road in the Kia Ceed SW

My test car was powered by the 1.0-litre turbo petrol with a list price of €25,295. The 1.0-litre engine has 120hp and a pleasant amount of power for the Ceed SW. It only really runs out of steam in sixth gear, but that’s more of a cruising gear for the motorway anyway, and the Ceed SW does that with aplomb. Motor tax for this model is €200 per year and over two weeks of varied driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.4l/100km.

Elsewhere, the Ceed SW handles well, just like the hatchback version. The SW’s rear suspension has been subtly tuned to accommodate the longer rear overhang of the boot, and the potential for heavier luggage loads. It’s still fun to drive with good body control through corners and nicely weighted steering. Comfort and refinement are also very good for the class.

After spending an extended break with the Kia Ceed SW, this car really endeared itself to me. I love how practical this car is and that boot is just really great for carrying all sorts of cargo. It’s a nicely equipped car and this generation of the Ceed SW has more cabin comfort and fun driving character. While SUVs and even Kia’s own Sportage will seem like trendier and more desirable options, the Kia Ceed SW would make an excellent family car.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Kia Ceed SW 1.0 K3
Price: €25,295
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 120 hp
Torque: 172 Nm
0-100km/h: 10.9 seconds
Top speed: 187 km/h
Economy: 5.3l/100km
CO2 emissions: 120 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year