Following a press launch in Galway last weekend, the new Kia cee’d Sportswagon goes on sale in Ireland from today (October 11 ).
The new second-generation five-door hatchback which in itself is more sophisticated, more refined, more efficient, and delivers a more engaging driving experience than its predecessor is surpassed by the new Sportswagon. With a competitive diesel model entry price of €21,795, it goes further still.
The engines, transmissions and running gear are similar to the cee’d five-door hatchback, but the Sportswagon offers increased passenger and cargo space. This practicality makes it even more attractive.
And with a new roof, side panels, rear doors, and tailgate, the Sportswagon is longer and taller but a little narrower than the successful previous model. It boasts one of the longest wheelbases in the C-segment, and it too is common to all cee’d variants. When open, the new tailgate rises higher to allow easy, unimpeded access to the cargo bay.
Cargo capacity at 528 litres is 39 per cent greater than the cee’d five-door hatchback, with the rear seats upright and 25 per cent greater with the rear seats folded and the cargo bay loaded to the roof. The higher roofline ensures that headroom is increased, by 21 mm (front ) and by 2 mm (rear ).
The model line for new cee’d in Ireland will comprise two trim and engine choices. Trim levels comprise entry level TX and EX. Both trims will be available with a choice of 1.4 and 1.6 litre diesel engines.
Both model variants come with a high level of standard trim. The TX features Bluetooth, audio remote controls, air-conditioning, trip computer, electric mirrors, and a six speed transmission.
The EX, which Kia Motors Ireland say is the most popular choice for customers, also includes 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, flex steering system, all-round electric windows, front fog lights, LED lights front and rear, leather covered steering wheel, and rear parking sensors.
Safety is a high priority too for the fast developing Kia brand. As with the new five-door cee’d, which recently gained its five-star Euro NCAP safety standard, all new Sportswagon models have electronic stability program (ESP ), ABS (anti-lock braking system ), BAS (emergency brake assist system ), HAC (hill assist control ) to prevent roll-back, VSM (vehicle stability management ), and ESS (emergency stop signal ).
Each new cee’d is fitted with six airbags as standard. This includes the front, front side and full length curtain. Kia also tells us that pedestrian safety is improved with the adoption of collapsible headlamps, a stiffer lower bumper lip, and shock-absorbing structures in the hood and its hinges.
The engines on offer to the Irish market are the 1.4 and 1.6 diesel versions. At 109 g/km CO2, the 89 bhp 1.4 litre diesel unit currently falls into the A band for both VRT and road tax (109 CO2 ) as does the 126 bhp, 1.6 litre diesel unit that returns a low 100 g/km CO2, return.
The first generation cee’d launched late in 2006 was a game-changing model for Kia. Designed, developed and built in Europe, cee’d was the first model to establish Kia as a serious contender to the established brands. The estate model followed in 2007 and for the following four years, it held the impressive accolade of being Ireland’s best selling estate car.
The new model Sportswagon has been designed and engineered in Europe. In addition, it is manufactured exclusively in Europe.
The cee’d range has sold some 5000 units since its launch and the estate derivative has comprised 45 per cent of these sales. Kia Motors Ireland MD James Brooks is confident that the new cee’d Sportswagon will emulate the success of its predecessor.
He told the Advertiser: “The cee’d SW was an extremely important model for us and quickly became a hit with Irish consumers. We are confident that the new Sportswagon will also be a success. With a walk of just €800 from the hatchback, we think that many consumers will be tempted to avail of the added space available that comes at no sacrifice to style and driving dynamics. All backed of course by the peace of mind of our unbeatable seven year warranty.”
And you know what? So say all of us! It really looks well, offers an impressive package, and it is a very nice car to drive.
