Top cee'd with the right formula

Sep 29 2009 Ian Johnson

FIRST it was aerodynamics and then super-efficient diesels that led to way to the sort of high economy the modern motorist deserves.

Now the market has upped the ante with technology that cuts the engine while waiting in a traffic queue and restarts it again as soon as you are ready.

Known as stop-start systems, they are now spreading into most areas of the market and the latest manufacturer to take the lead is that champion of value for money, Kia.

Kia is a Korean firm that has made massive strides recently with some vastly improved models. One of the most important is the strangely named cee'd which is still the only car in Europe with a seven-year/100,000 miles warranty as standard.

The cee'd has just been revitalised and refreshed with some major changes as it approaches its mid-life. One of the most important is the introduction of the ISG or 'Intelligent Stop & Go.'

This is a new take on familiar stop-start engineering but the big news is that the 1.6-litre CRDi returns just 110g/km of carbon emissions with 67.3mpg economy.

This comfortable five-seater is a major pointer to the way British family motoring is going. Indeed, because of its reasonable prices, Kia has been one of the most popular brands for drivers seeking scrappage deals.

The cee'd range has transformed the way British drivers view Kia which entered the UK market some years ago with a rather twee little hatchback called the Pride which left a lot to be desired and was often seen finished in shocking pink.

Now Kia is becoming a much bigger player and the build quality and desirability of its cars has accelerated beyond belief.

The manufacturer left the dirt-cheap image behind a long time ago but its products are still excellent value. The cee'd range kicks in at £11,595 for a 1.4 petrol and tops out at £17,495 for its 1.6-litre (high power) auto.

But the focus has to be on the ISG models which are already turning heads because of their economy returns.

The system works when the car is stationary. All the driver has to do is is put the car into neutral and lift his or her foot from the clutch and the engine stops. It re-starts immediately the clutch pedal is depressed.

Because of the way the UK vehicle excise duty bands are constructed, ISG will initially only be available with the standard (89bhp) 1.6-litre CRDi engine. It gives Kia a much needed model that will have particular appeal to business users who can derive the maximum tax advantages from the fuel economy and the CO2 improvements it bestows.

It also allows companies to claim 100 per cent company car tax write-down in the first year of operation.

Taking the ISG cee'd onto one of the North's busiest streets at rush hour, the system proved itself without doubt. But the biggest surprise was how well the revamped cee'd looks when compared to the best compact cars on the market.

Without doubt Kia is onto the right formula for British drivers and I have a feeling that there is much more to follow.