2022 Kia Ceed review - why would you buy a VW Golf?

The 2022 Kia Ceed is a facelifted, updated version of the 3rd gen Ceed and it's designed to give you everything the VW Golf does, but for £3,000 less. And given that the Mk8 Golf isn't all that good, should you buy the Kia instead? Join me for a walkaround laced with puerile humour and drive in which I go on about 911 GT3 RSes. Oh yes.

[@colinrenfrew48]

Volkswagen has lost its place with the latest Golf. Kia has shown just how much progress can be made, and deliver quality, and great looking cars.

[@Sweepdog700]

‘You can adjust heating without ploughing into school children’ brilliant. 😂😂😂

[@hugodacosta]

Coming from a VW T-Roc, I own a Kia Ceed 1.5 GT Line for almost two years. I' not coming back to the VAG.

[@ladalout245]

Ordered one of these last November thru a broker and got a really good discount, delivery should be in a few weeks. Test drove a golf and focus and already have a Leon and believe me when I say, the build quality is better than all of the above on this car and I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to the oily bits. I didn't expect it to drive almost as well as the focus and arguably better than the VW clones and when you look at the overall package (7 year warranty, better telematics, user friendly controls, better reliability and things like standard heated seats etc) it's a strong buy, the included extras would cost a fortune on the competition. If you stick your head underneath you'll see it has fully independent rear suspension and it was engineered mostly in Germany by a famous (ex BMW) engineer, the engine benefits from technology that took 9 years to develop! All in all a very underated car. Shame they yielded to the current trend of vile fake exhausts and fitted crappy halogen projector headlights on the UK version although the lights are fairly easy to fit LED or upgraded halogen units...

[@trevorharrison1434]

I watched this review over 7 months ago and immediately ordered a Kia Ceed GT-Line in orange. It's a really good car.

[@tonydarby9096]

Thank you, your video cleared up a point even my local Kia dealers could not answer. Namely which models have a digital dashboard. Some said it would come with UK Sportswagon 3 in 2022. But as they have no actual showroom stock I could not look for myself.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

What world are you in where the super bland Golf looks better this? For a hatch back this is a stunning looking thing, maybe the most handsome hatch out there right now.

[@terrydactyl6751]

Love your videos Tim 😍 I bought one of these on Saturday thanks to your brilliant video 📹 🙌

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Hooray - hope you enjoy it Terry, thanks for watching and the comment!

[@extreme8808]

Tim saw his shadow - 6 more weeks of winter 😜😂 Love the Ceed, but then KIA has upped its game significantly in the last few years. Eventually, people that are not taxi drivers will start buying them.

[@karmanline2005]

They had a record UK volume in January and outsold every other brand. They are a leader in electric cars. You are at least 10 years behind the times.

[@lflyr6287]

I've been asking myself the exact same questiom since 2007 when the first Ceed was released :-). And yes VW-s are of lower build quality and have much much worse reliability.

[@PomaranczaPoczestujSie]

Asia won

[@ivansostarec2564]

really like the reviewing style of this guy :D

[@danielrooms4203]

Great review, thanks. Did you get to try the ProCeed? Looking into possibly getting one of those.

[@isaachunt5799]

buying my son one for his 18th birthday in 2 weeks time. dont forget very important a big reason to buy one of these is it uses a camchain..no belt to change every 4 years.

[@dandylion1987]

Just got an e -niro as a run around so I don't have to keep throwing fuel in my E63 and I have to say I'm really impressed with it. The Koreans have come on leaps and bounds this past decade , and badge snobbery is really the only thing people have to say nowadays

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Kia: Justifying AMGs since 2009

[@dandylion1987]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff absolutely 😂

[@slugger7440]

Surprised almost no review of this refreshed Ceed comments on the fact they've completely removed the GT Line S spec from the top of the range, which is considerably better furnished than the GT Line. Previously you got a JBL stereo, pan roof, automatic handbrake, memory driver seat and digital cockpit to name a few. You also still get this top trim version on the Proceed so kind of a relevant point.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yeah, I did question why (I drove the Xceed on the same day as this video and it had a digital dash). Basically they think the digital dash made the normal Ceed too expensive for UK buyers 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lukehawksley6232]

It has a digital dash now

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

@@lukehawksley6232 ​ I wish they'd stop updating their cars and making my reviews out of date

[@ukpenguin2385]

Hello, Mr Goaty G.O.A.T. 🐐 intuitive vid, keep 'em rollin' (literally) 👍

[@24YT07]

Are the seats in the gt line bigger than the other trims, or are they all the same but different material?

[@Ambienfinity]

45 mpg is better than I get in my little Honda. It looks like a nice solid motor. I do like the way Kia do things.

[@brianyoon916]

I’ve got the 2019 1.6 diesel variant and it’s fantastic for what it is. Can easily get 55mpg and get it up to 67mpg on good days, which is more difficult with petrols. I’m sad that there aren’t any diesel models now for the ceed 😢

[@carbonara2144]

If you want to pay thousands every couple of years to keep the crappy Tsi and DSG working then, by all means buy a Golf.

[@martinwood9014]

Most amusing, I shall subscribe

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I enjoyed this comment

[@Jestersson]

I’ve got my gt line on order. Can’t wait to get it!!

[@PetarChakarov]

Mine just made 2y, inside is the same as this one (albeit automatic and better central console, but older outside styling, still very sporty and nice). Very happy, zero technical issues and annual check by Kia is quite complete. Which color you ordered?

[@Jestersson]

@@PetarChakarov I’ve ordered mine in pearl white. The standard colour here Is blue. The other colours are extra £500 so I was happy to pay that. Glad to hear you like your ceed. I’ve got a 3yr old picanto 1.0 T and it’s been faultless in 30,000 miles.

[@PetarChakarov]

@@Jestersson if you ordered the gray one I would have recommended you get also these super epic alum graphite rims. Sooo nice

[@robsmall6466]

Maybe a better comparison is the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra? Rightly or wrongly VW and the Golf have a perceived quality and up market image. Anyway. Looks ok in this footage

[@scarboroughhammer9684]

I work for Kia and to be honest they have slightly ruined the spec of the Ceed across the board, unfortunately it isn't priority especially when you compare it to the x-ceed and even the proceed which are available in better specification.

[@crustynuggets1]

We've just ordered the Proceed (GT Line) in this colour and manual gearbox. I would had laughed if anyone ever suggested and orange car, but both my wife and I thought it looked absolutely stunning, especially in the shooting brake body. Got a fantastic 3-year lease deal through Kia too. Only 16 weeks to wait....... 😭🤣

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

16 weeks!!! The orange will be worth it. Will you have to change your YT username though?

[@crustynuggets1]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff No chance. I'm a die-hard Honda fan (as in the two wheeled versions 🏍️😁)

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

​@@crustynuggets1 Aha! I used to have a Blackbird - one of the few bikes I miss. I have a bike channel too - Tim Rodie Rides Motorbikes! #plug

[@crustynuggets1]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff I shall take a look. Guess what I have..... Yep, a Blackbird! 🙌🏻

[@slezsiD]

So nice review, good gear for shooting but please clean the lens and sensor. From 3:10 you can see every dust piece that sit on the lens or filter 😅🙈

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Haha yes I do say this in the video!

[@gower23]

Deep puddle in the lay-by caused a bit of a barrier in the walkaround section. Someone tell Tim to put his wellies on before he deposits his Ceed.

[@garylyons101]

here in new Zealand we have the cerato instead of the ceed...

[@arnoldtabor3767]

Hate digital dashes, would prefer instead of them being standard if they were a cheap optional extra like £100

[@TheHGBone]

You guys get bad speced ones in the UK. In the EU the difference is even bigger same price, digital dash, pano roof, sport seats, leather interior and more stuff like that on the same line.

[@paulbrown4850]

Why is the gt line in Europe got more kit on it compared to the uk version?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yeah I’m not sure! A few people have pointed that out

[@TheHGBone]

brexit

[@oliverstemp9132]

Because it’s easier to sell the XCeed or Proceed to uk customers. UK customers generally like flashy cars

[@MatkoKutina]

driving ceed for almost 3 years, next car will be kia again :-)

[@bondjamesbond9041]

I remember having a look at a KIA Shuma and Pride back in the day and they were terrible cars. Fast forward to the 21st century now Kia build well made very good cars. The German brands have gone backwards. They used to build very well made reliable cars whereas today their vehicles tend to be overpriced and unreliable cars as backed up by reliability surveys. Mercedes, BMW, VW group take a look at what Hyundai and KIA are doing and you may learn something!!

[@damianleah6744]

I had a keyless car before my recent car, tbh I prefer to use the key, far too many cars being stolen atm this way, imho, it not exactly difficult to turn a key surely or am I missing something?

[@Xiongfxs]

I park my car 5 floors below my flat. And why would anyone steal my KIA? There are far more desirable cars in our garage. Benefits are obvious. I can get to my car with both hands full and get my trunk open just by standing behind it. That is the best for me as it is my daily situation.

[@damianleah6744]

@@Xiongfxs I think you will find thief’s are not too fussy.

[@ilyamerzlyakov5540]

Golf 7 was unquestionably better than any of its competitors. I had both the golf 7 and hyundai i30 (ceed's sister car) , and they are miles apart in Golf's favor. But the current generation Golf is a huge disappointment, ceed is much better.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I agree

[@descarroll2039]

Pity you can't get an electric tilt and slide sunroof as an option....

[@shaunr9057]

I wish this was sold in australia

[@kennethblack6237]

Safety rating is a big one

[@Andrei-kh6kr]

everything minus the driving feeling. no thank you, I drove the previous versions of ceed you can't change my mind. there are quite some important differences. of course, on the whole they are both good cars.

[@tzuamourshihtzu9871]

Ya perverts 😂 that had me on the floor laughing 😂 I just got a new polo on a 3 year lease in October but now I want a Kia, always wanted a Sportage but I have mobility issues and my crippled arse can’t get into cars that big 🙄 so this is my new probably a (temporary) dream car 🤷‍♀️

[@Cjbx11]

I’m sorry I just don’t get this obsession of fiscal buttons. The system on the Golf for the climate controls requires the press of one hot key at which point all the usual controls appear as large clear icons on the large touch screen it also has direct touch buttons for front and rear window demist. In cars that have actual buttons the climate controls are often relatively small lower down and difficult to see without looking down at the row of buttons. I do get the impression that a lot of car reviewers are simply jumping in cars they are not familiar with and don’t bother to find out how the systems can be used and instead go on a rant about how they prefer buttons.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

My hatred of non-physical buttons has been caused by living with modern VWG cars with infuriating infotainment systems that lock you out of the heating controls for 30 seconds on a cold start

[@rene9582]

VW lags behind the competition quite significantly. Also the EV’s have inferior specs compared to their rivals. I wonder why they keep selling so much? Is it really the badge or will it change in the near future?

[@jackt7331]

They keep selling so much because people can't be bothered to actually compare cars and prices, so they actually go for the brand they know, because it's "german quality".

[@Chris-yc3mm]

No spare tyre 😢

[@muffindell]

The Kia Ceed is better put together than the Golf and has a 7 year warranty, whereas the VW had a miserable 3 year warranty

[@Sto79Be]

Only £3k less? That's really disappointing. As someone who keeps cars for 5-10 years before selling them on I'd take the Golf for the resale value as a used Golf a few years old goes for over £3k more than a Kia Ceed of equiavalent age. And I haven't ever owned a VW before.

[@oKOMAPo]

Yo have a decent entertainmet system and auto gearbox? Dont get me wrong, i bought my wife a 2014 ceed, had 2010 myself before. Driving skoda superb 2017 now, and kia feels like a "good attempt" at a vag group car.

[@dmitrijusciubinskis5156]

Kia ceed sw 2016 is a clear leader. It have evrything you would expect from a family estate. I owned 1.6 crdi GT line where it lacks it is ride comfort, dinamics and sound isolation here kia is horrible. Golf on the other hand gives more pleasant ride and better performance.

[@Brian-om2hh]

Why would you buy a Golf? Perhaps those buyers whom regularly place the Golf in the Top 5 UK best sellers could answer that? Might it possibly be because it's a known quantity with 40+ million sales behind it? Solid residuals? Perceived image? Whatever the reason, it keeps selling..... And yes, there's a Golf Mk7 in my garage, alongside a Kia eNiro...

[@nickhildebrandt9475]

. Pay a lot of money for cheap quality And then you have a Golf. Superb.

[@martingilvray06]

I own the Kia GT Proceed and I own the M1 Ghost heavy modified VW The Kia build quality is far beyond VW .

[@viliuspalsis498]

Because when we went to local KIA partner we received such a poor service that I registered it as a worst shopping experience in my life. They are not only cheap automaker...they are also cheap on sales ppl. Scarping the barrel.

[@antonispetrides]

When i see a family car without air vents for the rear passengers, i dismiss it immediately.

[@DontPanicDear]

Fist 👊🏻

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Felch

[@danielbevan9024]

Not in to this car, they haven't updated the infotainment enough.

[@mudskipper0075]

People will still through extra money at the Golf….for no justifiable reason…🤔

[@beachamgroup2482]

Why dont reviewers take the cars out at night

[@MLife1972]

Because you can't get them in Australia. Thanks Kia :(

[@bubumic2971]

Kia should test cars in Romania ... The suspensions will die in a month or earlier :)

[@DontPanicDear]

It’s amazing how tolerable basic family cars are these days 🤓 I don’t like the coasting thing in a Manuel car though 🤔 Goat 🐐? Your mind really did draw a blank then didn’t it 🤣

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yep, I’d filmed another video on the same day and my brain was grinding to a halt. Not my most enthusiastic video!

[@DontPanicDear]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff I think it was a good job. Adding erection jokes to KIA nonsense is sufficiently enthusiastic 😂 You can’t be squealing with delight and shedding a tears of joy all the time 🙃

[@chrisswildlife7166]

Well I’d buy a golf instead because I just prefer volkswagen lol

[@Watson1973]

I think the biggest charge Is the badge it makes the owner of a Kia proud as the old badge was awful hence why u see Kia owners driving with masks still on inside their own cars by themselves 🤭

[@tomislavklauski5060]

People buy the Golf for the after sale value. Kia is still not in that category

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

True

[@oliverstemp9132]

The Ceed is still too boring, but since the EV6 every Kia has been much better. For now, I think the Toyota Corolla or SEAT Leon are better. That Corolla is secretly a really strikingly good looking car.

[@ZoranBacic]

All very nice, but it's not a usable car for summer holidays. No air/airco vents behind, so imagine the horror of kids or whoever is there on 35+ C, relying on a bit of a breeze from the front. If they wanted to do a family car - this is not it. I had to go once with a car without back-vents from The Netherlands to Spain, for a summer holiday. On my side it was okay, but backseat passengers went crazy, precisely because of it. Everyone is talking about absence of USB ports in the back. One can fix that in at least five ways, but summer heat you cannot. Not a family car.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I hadn't thought of that - good point, and thanks for the comment :)

[@mlensment]

European GT line version has vents for the rear passengers.

[@sidrens5292]

Golf looks a lot nicer, performs better, better build quality and brand is in a league of its own - in my opinion! Also, why do manufacturers use fake chrome window trim - never a good look (black always!!!!). Great video as always 🙌🏼

[@PinKeeDJ]

It's good you added "in my opinion" - because I think that the latest Golf looks crappy as hell especially if it's not in this nice golden paint. The interior is a mistake with all those touch pads. If I was to buy a VW group compact, it'd definitely be Octavia.

[@sidrens5292]

@@PinKeeDJ I agree on the front head light design of the new Golf - what were they thinking? However, the rest is all good!

[@DontPanicDear]

@@sidrens5292 In your opinion 😂 I think the Golf now looks a droopy nosed chunky blob of a car 🧐 The touch screen only interior is also a deal breaker for me. I’ve always been a nearly Golf owner, then at the last min opted for an alternative.

[@Rnaudts]

The brand is in a league of its own? LMFAO vw is SO overrated the mk7(.5) was a good car not very good to drive tho but the new is just junk in every way possible i drive a focus vignale the golf does not even come near the quality of my car let alone a mazda 3 ..

[@sidrens5292]

@@Rnaudts your opinion buddy 🙌🏼

[@bogadebkdahl3960]

The interior looks outdated

[@robertwillis9988]

The myth has been busted. Germans cars,overrated,overpriced,overhyped. Badge snobbery

[@drtwest]

Because the Kia is ugly!!

[@Brian-om2hh]

It is an improvement on Kia's of old though. I just can't get my head round why some cars from that part of the World were always styled like Buddhist Temples - Ssangyong still being a prime example of this........ Ghastly.... I guess our differing societies often mean we have contrasting tastes in many things....

[@user-et2qt8ri2u]

You are very patronising and quite annoying in your presentation

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Well what sort of person are you likely to be if you’re leaving comments like that Paul 😂 🔔

[@andreakialkaminniti916]

Got the 2019 model, worst car I’ve ever owned. The cabin noise in unbearable, steering is imprecise, seats are uncomfortable. There’s nothing positive to say about it.