► New Kia Ceed SW revealed
► Versatile companion to new hatchback
► Rivals class best for interior space and boot size
Joining the all-new Kia Ceed hatchback on the Korean brand’s stand at the 2018 Geneva motor show is the entirely predictable but not completely without merit Ceed Sportswagon, or estate.
Taking on plenty of rivals like the Peugeot 308 SW, Hyundai i30 Tourer and Renault Megane Sport Tourer, the Ceed debuts with a much larger boot than before and a host of new technology also found in the hatchback.
For the previous generation Ceed, the SW accounted for around 40% of sales, so it’s an important model.
What’s new?
All the same stuff that’s packed into the new Ceed hatch (which you can read about here), so it’s an all-new car with more tech than before and the promise of a good drive and smart styling.
It really does look just like a stretched Ceed hatch, and that’s no bad thing, given the Stinger-inspired front look with neat tiger-nose grille, LED daytime running lights and sporty lines. At the back, the design has also been kept neat and tidy with LED lights finishing the look.
Under the skin, the dashboard is all-new (also lifted from the hatch), with more space on offer than before.
The engines under the bonnet comprise a choice of naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre petrol with 98bhp, a 1.0-litre T-GDI with 118bhp, a 138bhp 1.4-litre T-GDI and a new 1.6-litre CRDi diesel in a choice of 113 or 134bhp outputs.
Every engine comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the 1.4 T-GDI and the diesels will also be available with a seven-speed DCT double-clutch transmission.
How much space is there inside?
Quite a bit, actually. The Ceed SW’s exterior dimensions appear quite compact, despite being longer and wider than the car it replaces. The wheelbase remains the same, but the lower seating position and wider cabin make it more spacious – we had no trouble getting comfortable during a brief sit in the car on stand in Geneva.
The boot is 72 litres larger than before with the rear seats in place, now offering 600 litres of cargo capacity. Kia also promises easier access with a lower and wider loading lip, while some underfloor storage boosts practicality. An electric tailgate will be available from the options list, too.
Is there much tech available?
A choice of touchscreen infotainment systems is available, with the usual suite of connectivity options in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while keyless entry and automatic lights will be standard.
LED headlamps will be available, as will an enormously useful heated front windscreen, heated and ventilated seats and an Eco Pack on some models to boost fuel economy. Essentially, it’ll feature an active air flap to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
You can expect standard safety kit to include high beam assist, a driver attention detection system, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking, while adaptive cruise, blindspot warning and auto-parking will be available.
The ability for the car to stay in its lane by reading the lines and what the car in front is doing will also be available (introduced for the first time in a Kia model in the Ceed), and this works up to 80mph on the motorway, actively keeping the car in the middle of the lane controlling acceleration, braking and steering.
When is the Ceed SW available to buy?
Production of the Ceed SW begins in August, with sales beginning in the last quarter of the year. Pricing and specs will be unveiled ahead of time, so check back for updates.
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