Kia Cee’d 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics14 | 08 | 2010Scotcars rating

Kia proves going green doesn't have to cost the Earth with its eco-friendly Cee'd

Overview

I’m really not sure about all this environmental stuff. Hybrids, greens and eco friendly cars are everywhere but I raise the question – what’s the point? If you are so worried about the effect driving is having on the planet then go the whole hog and get rid of the car altogether. If that doesn’t suit, then lighten up, buy the car you want and start to enjoy motoring again. However, after that rant, if you still have a conscience about the climate one of the best eco-friendly and cost-effective options is the EcoDynamics Cee’d from Kia.

The EcoD brand is the Korean’s new green umbrella for a range of fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies. Eventually it will include alternative-fuel vehicles – hybrids, electric cars and fuel-cells — but for the moment it is focussed on reducing the impact from traditional internal combustion engines. Getting on for 20,000 Cee’d models have been sold in the UK to owners who appreciate the European design and build quality, but most of all the value for money which the car offers, not just in the purchase price, but also the seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

On the road

The 1.6 diesel churns out some useful power, but with great economy and low CO2 levels, even if the start-stop function — which cuts the engine when you’re not moving — is more than a little irritating. Of course, it can be switched off, but that defeats the object. I’ve studied the performance figures but I just can’t believe that cutting the engine every time you stop at the lights, sometimes for only a matter of seconds, can really have a significant reduction in fuel consumption.

I was always taught that stopping and starting the engine for a short time used more fuel than running it – but then that was several decades ago and I accept that technology has moved on since I were a lad. The car feels good, if unremarkable, and is a workmanlike piece of kit.

Comfort & Safety

It is a pretty basic five-door family hatch but I managed to clock up quite a few miles in it and never felt the strain. One drive was up a dark and lonely A9 from Glasgow to Inverness late at night and I was glad of the ipod connection to see me through the radio blackout zones in the wilds. In truth, I enjoyed my time with the car which does a great job of doing its business without any fuss or fanfare.

Should I buy one?

Kia have come a long way and the Cee’d is a fine piece of machinery. Whether you buy the EcoDynamics depends on how much you want to be seen to saving the planet.

Alan Douglas