Kia Cee'd Sportswagon estate (2012-2018) - Interior & comfort
The entry-level Kia Cee’d SW 1 has all the basics, but the 3 has more ‘big-car’ features
The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon goes into battle offering a comfortable ride and an equipment list that would shame many more expensive cars. Every model gets air-conditioning and remote central locking, plus Bluetooth and iPod connections. Its seats are comfortable and offer good support. They’re tastefully trimmed on higher-spec versions, too. Underway, a little too much engine and tyre noise creeps into the interior, though wind noise is relatively well suppressed.
Kia Cee’d Sportswagon dashboard
It won’t win any prizes for cutting-edge design (the Ford Focus’ dashboard, for example, is far funkier) but the Sportswagon’s dashboard is at least clear and attractive. Thanks to the widely adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, it’s also possible to fine-tune your seating position to perfection. The car looks and feels quite basic in 1 spec, but 2 brings delights such as a leather-trimmed steering wheel and handbrake (the latter is electric on the 4 and 4 Tech) and even chrome instrument cluster rings.
Equipment
There are five regular trim levels, ranging from 1 (for undemanding drivers on a budget) to 4 Tech, for gadget lovers who like their luxuries. A sixth trim option, called GT-Line, is only available with the 1.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines. It offers sportier styling, thanks to interior and exterior add-ons, along with ‘ice cube’ front foglights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Cee’d SW 1 has all the basics previously noted, but for those things that make a car look and feel that little bit special, you need to consider the 2 and above. From this point, 16-inch alloy wheels are standard (increasing to 17-inch on the 4 and 4 Tech), as are LED daytime running lights and power-folding heated door mirrors.
A seven-inch touchscreen, sat nav and reversing sensors with a camera are standard from 3. Range-topping 4 Tech features a panoramic sunroof, parking assistance and lane-departure warning. However, it’s over the top for such a mainstream car and best avoided if you want to minimise your losses when you come to sell.
Options
Kia doesn’t really do options: you simply choose the trim level with the features you want. You can choose some practical additions, such as additional body mouldings, mats, tow bars and so on. These are reasonably priced, although fitting is extra. Options rarely add value to a car, however, so it's wise not to go overboard.
