The third-generation Kia Ceed is offered exclusively with a 1.5-litre petrol set-up. According to Kia, when paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the Ceed can return up to 51.4mpg and 125g/km of CO2. However, if you get the DCT automatic gearbox, the claimed fuel economy drops to 46.3mpg, while CO2 emissions increase to 137g/km.

When we pitted the Ceed in GT-Line spec against a Honda Civic and facelifted Toyota Corolla, the Kia achieved a respectable 43.5mpg, which equates to a real-world range of 478 miles on a full tank of petrol. However, because both the Honda and Toyota utilise full-hybrid technology, they returned much more impressive figures of 50.3 and 54.2mpg, respectively.

There isn’t a plug-in hybrid Ceed like you’ll find in the SEAT Leon and VW Golf GTE, so company car drivers must look at the Kia Xceed instead. Kia claims the plug-in hybrid of its Xceed will manage 201.7mpg, although, of course, you'll need to ensure the battery is regularly topped up to achieve anywhere near this figure. Company car drivers will find the PHEV particularly interesting as its 32g/km of CO2 meaning it attracts a BiK rate of 14 per cent.

Insurance groups

Insurance ratings are fairly competitive, with the Ceed lineup ranging between groups 14 and 18. Predictably, the entry-level 2 trim with manual gearbox sits in the lowest group, while the range-topping GT-Line S with DCT automatic transmission incurs the largest premiums.

In comparison, the least powerful 123bhp Ford Focus in Titanium trim is in group 15.

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Depreciation

Residual values for the Kia Ceed are higher than some of its rivals, although they still fall behind the Toyota Corolla and VW Golf. A long equipment list and Kia’s transferable seven-year warranty help to keep values strong, and after three years and 36,000 miles you can expect to get an average of 46 to 51 per cent of its original list price back.

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

Name
1.5T GDi ISG 138 2 5dr
Gearbox type
Manual
RRP
£23,105

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Most Economical

Name
1.5T GDi ISG 138 2 5dr
Gearbox type
Manual
RRP
£23,105

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Fastest

Name
1.5T GDi ISG 138 2 5dr
Gearbox type
Manual
RRP
£23,105

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Shane Wilkinson

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.