Test drive Kia Ceed Sportswagon 1.4 vs Skoda Octavia Combi 1.5
Two compact models in the compact class with a solid market position
The new Kia Ceed Sportswagon is based in Frankfurt, developed in Rüsselsheim and manufactured in Slovakia. And here in Stuttgart she will compete with the Skoda Octavia Combi.
Here Kia is launching the new Ceed Sportswagon – and what are we doing in the automotive and sports world? Naturally, without delay, we oppose the new model of the leader of compact station wagons.
Yes, we are very far from velvet gloves, because the fight for points against the Skoda Octavia Combi is no joke. Although it will soon be replaced, the model continues to successfully keep its competitors in check - and, as always, there is a chance to win. In the 2017 C-Class test, the Octavia was able to stay close enough to the Benz representative in the quality score to overtake it in the cost section.
Skoda Octavia: quality (almost) like Golf vs. Skoda prices
It is not easy to surpass the Czech station wagon in the quality ratings, because it offers a quality Golf at Skoda prices. However, Kia has a chance to win the test; however, the fast-back version of the Ceed performed well against the Golf and Astra, beating the Opel model and coming very close to VW. The Kia Ceed Sportswagon costs 34 euros in Germany and is 290 euros cheaper than the Octavia, taking into account the configuration. Is this enough to surprise the opponent and take the victory?
The test car provided by Kia is a fully equipped top-of-the-line version that can be customized with just a few clicks: by choosing one of nine colors (only Delux white metallic costs an additional 200 euros), you must decide whether the importer will add “high-quality additional engine preservation. coupe and the bottom of the car "for 110 euros - and that's it. LED lights, radar cruise control, JBL audio system, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot assistant are just a few of the Platinum Edition's standard features.
Kia Ceed: quality (almost) like Skoda compared to Kia prices
Seats upholstered in a combination of natural and artificial leather are also part of this equipment. True, they could be installed a little lower, but instead they offer a ventilation function and an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory for two groups of settings. Plus the seats are pleasantly soft. In general, the interior leaves no room for criticism and is practically on a par with competitors in quality. Okay, decorative stitching on Kia's plastic dashboard isn't everyone's taste, but we've seen worse design ideas, have we?
However, the ergonomic concept impresses with its clarity and the high-mounted eight-inch touchscreen, which can optionally be controlled via physical direct access buttons – an important feature that Skoda customers miss out on in the 9,2-inch Columbus infotainment system. high resolution screen. In addition, Kia eliminates a lot of mysteries when working with the on-board computer, which, when using the light switch or wiper lever, shows their current position.
Dimensions: more luggage space in the Kia, more legroom in the Skoda
At 4,60 meters, the Kia is almost seven centimeters shorter than its competitor. Behind the power tailgate, however, you'll find 15 liters more luggage space. And with a double floor, a rail system, remote release of the rear seat backs, a 12-volt socket and a luggage compartment net, the cargo area is at least as flexible as in the Octavia. The Czech model has everything except the rails, plus a lamp in the trunk that can be removed and used as a flashlight.
However, if you have to travel in the back seat, you will definitely prefer the Skoda model. Firstly, the seats are just as comfortable here, and their backs are located at a well-chosen angle; in some places there are ventilation nozzles and knee supports with cup holders. The big difference: the mid-range seat in front of the feet in the Kia versus the space in the E-Class for Skoda passengers. Expressed in numbers: 745 versus 690 mm for the standard seat.
Skoda: high driving comfort
When driving on the highway at a speed of 130 km / h, the noise from the air vortices in the area of \uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe front column is heard only in the Skoda model. However, here the noise sensation is more pleasant - less sound from the chassis and more muffled by the engine.
In terms of suspension comfort, Skoda has an advantage, as its adaptive dampers (€ 920, not available for Kia) provide a significantly wide operating range in different modes. With Comfort, the car smooths out bumps on the pavement, which works well on most German highways. On intercity roads with many bends and damage to the road surface, this is no longer always pleasant, because the soft suspension reactions cause body shaking. In normal mode, the chassis, although slightly tighter, remains calm in corners or on bumps. In a sporty position, the leaning tendency is reduced in exchange for limited comfort.
The Kia's chassis works like a competitor's in normal mode - only passing through short waves or joints becomes noticeably rougher. However, when driving more vigorously on a minor road, the Ceed shakes more and generally lacks the precision of the Octavia - also because its steering is another idea more informative.
Kia: very good braking performance
When braking, the Korean demonstrates a serious superiority - after all, 33,8 m of brake thrust per 100 km / h is far from a common thing even for cars with serious sports claims. The bad thing about the model's point balance is that the Skoda also stops well (at 34,7m) and accelerates more vigorously.
Subjectively, the difference in performance between the two four-cylinder engines is less noticeable than the measured values suggest; only at full throttle do they become more significant. It is gratifying that neither Kia nor Skoda suffer from stunted turbo lag at low revs. In some situations, Skoda puts special emphasis on more precise transmission settings.
Probably the biggest share of the Octavia's fuel savings in tests is the cylinder deactivation system and lighter weight. With the Czech model, the consumption of 7,4 l / 100 km is half a liter lower, which saves you 10 euros per 000 km in Germany.
Fuel economy is just one of many criteria in which the cheaper Ceed Sportswagon comes close, but not very close, to the high standard of the Octavia Combi. Because the experienced Czech racer knows the art of the car in everything from the space and drive offered to handling and comfort.
Text: Tomas Gelmancic
Photo: Ahim Hartmann
