Skip advert
Advertisement

New Kia Cee'd vs rivals

Can the all-new Kia Cee’d topple the best cars in the class? We test it against the VW Golf and Hyundai i30

New Kia Cee'd vs rivals

The Kia Cee’d has always existed on the fringes of the family-car class. With its value price, generous equipment and seven-year warranty, this car has generally been bought with the head rather than the heart. As a result, it’s tended to fall short of the class leaders.

However, the new model is set to change that. Boasting sleek looks and an upmarket cabin, the MkII Cee’d aims to topple its mainstream rivals. Kia hasn’t forgotten its key strengths, though: the newcomer is still well equipped, attractively priced and backed by a brilliant aftersales package. To see if it delivers, we test the £20,095 Cee’d 1.6 CRDi 3 against two of its toughest rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The VW Golf is our current class champ, and in £20,445 1.6 TDI Match form it’s efficient, well specced and great to drive. We’ve also lined up the Kia’s near-identical twin, the Hyundai i30. Launched earlier this year, it sets the standard for value, yet has the looks and quality to rival Europe’s finest. We test the range-topping £20,295 1.6 CRDi Style Nav.

Verdict

So does the new Kia Cee’d go straight to the top of the family hatchback class? On paper, it has all the ingredients necessary to succeed: it looks good and boasts an upmarket cabin, plus it has composed driving dynamics and comes with a generous haul of standard equipment. As a result, it narrowly beats the Hyundai.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A3 Sportback

2024 Audi

A3 Sportback

57,774 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,697
View A3 Sportback
Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

33,073 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,697
View Niro
CX-30

2020 Mazda

CX-30

16,274 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £16,697
View CX-30
Yaris Hybrid

2025 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

14,195 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,000
View Yaris Hybrid

In terms of performance, kit and running costs, the sister cars are evenly matched. But the firm ride counts against the i30, while we prefer the Kia’s sleeker lines and classier interior. Plus, it undercuts the Hyundai by £200.

But what about the Golf? The Kia is cheaper to buy, has lower CO2 emissions and comes with an excellent seven-year warranty. Yet despite this extra showroom appeal, it just fails in its bid to topple the talented VW.

The Cee’d can’t match the Golf for driving dynamics or interior quality. The VW’s 1.6-litre engine is also more efficient, while its rock-solid residuals mean you’ll easily recoup the slightly higher price tag. It wins this test – but only just.

Winner
VW Golf
★★★★

The VW takes the victory, yet it emerges from this encounter battered and bruised. Although it’s still the benchmark, rivals are closing in. Either way, it’s great to drive, refined and spacious, while our Match model has all the kit you’ll need. Strong economy and residual values complete the package.

2nd
Kia Cee'd
★★★★

Kia should be very happy that the all-new Cee’d has come so close to toppling the Golf. The latest model boasts sleek looks, a quality cabin and a brilliant seven-year warranty, while it’s almost as good to drive as the class-leading Volkswagen.

3rd
Hyundai i30
★★★★

Third place really is no disgrace for the Hyundai in this company. We like its bold styling, airy cabin and generous equipment list, plus it’s backed by a five-year guarantee. Yet in the final reckoning, it’s hobbled by a firm ride and weak residual values.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,591
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025