Kia Cee'd

Park the Cee’d alongside Hyundai’s i30, and it’s easy to see the family resemblance. Both models take on a rather generic look – but we think the Kia is marginally the more attractive of the two. The styling is neat and inoffensive, and when you get inside, fit and finish are excellent.

While the quality of materials used in the cabin is impressive, we’re disappointed by the cheap finish on the door control panel and the instrument binnacle – in bright sunshine, it creates an annoying reflection. But this higher-spec Kia feels more sophisticated than the Hyundai, thanks largely to the LS model’s metal-effect centre console. What’s more, the driving position is better than the Auris’, although the seats are a little thin in comparison. All-round space is pretty good, with enough room for four adults and a competitively sized boot.

The Cee’d’s engine is smooth and tractable, and provides reasonable pace, too; the Kia was the fastest of our trio during performance tests. It’s more responsive around town, and the added power inspires confidence when it comes to overtaking. Yet while it features the same unit as the Hyundai, the Cee’d was noisier.

All three cars are comfortable at cruising speeds, but what separates the Kia is that it also manages to inject an element of fun into twisting roads. This is largely thanks to its good steering and well balanced chassis.

The best thing about the Cee’d is its value for money. At £14,295, it is £1,300 more than the base i30, but this is the flagship diesel, which gets climate control and part-leather upholstery as standard. Add in that market-leading seven-year warranty, and it’s a tempting package.