KIA has always made some of the best value cars on the market - now with the cee'd it adds quality and style to its list of attributes.
I'm desperately trying to avoid the pun 'cee'ds of success' - but there is no doubt the latest offering from the Koreans is a match for the best the European big boys have to offer in the small family hatchback sector.
This should be no surprise as the company has moved mountains to ensure this key motor appeals to its major export market - Europe.
However, before highlighting the attributes of the cee'd we should get one annoyance out of the way.
Kia launched the c'eed with the title 'A Car for Europe' but continues its irritating policy of putting the indicator and wiper stalks on opposite sides to where a European driver would expect them.
I lost count of the times when the wipers flashed across the windscreen when I was attempting to indicate - it's something you have to get used to.
Okay, rant out of the way, I found the cee'd to be an excellent, well-priced family car.
The replacement for the Cerato, being built in Slovakia, is equipped with a competent 1.6-litre diesel engine that offers outstanding fuel economy.
It's no slouch away from the lights either and the car feels quicker than the official 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds.
The oil burner is only available in the top of the range LS trim though, so you'll have to pay more than £14,000 to get it.
That said, the cee'd is very competitive when it comes to price and there's a sweetener that is guaranteed to have buyers smiling.
Kia's faith in the car's quality means it comes with an outstanding seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty that's transferable to subsequent owners.
Add to this the host of excellent kit included plus an average fuel economy figure in excess of 60mpg and all of a sudden the price-tag assumes the mantle of value for money.
Rear electric windows, climate control and part-leather seats are added to the LS trim which picks up a host of impressive features from cheaper models in the range.
These include front electric windows, a CD player with steering wheel controls, remote central locking, alloy wheels and electric door mirrors.
The car is pleasant to drive with light responsive steering that makes it easy to manoeuvre through city streets while the handling is conducive to fun times in country lanes.
The ride is generally smooth although the suspension does succumb to the rougher elements that pass for roads these days.
The cabin is well designed with plenty of leg and head room. It benefits from the use of good quality materials and the fit and finish rivals the best of its competitors.
The boot is also a good size and shape offering plenty of space for shopping or luggage.
The dashboard is well laid out and - indicator and wiper stalks aside - everything is logically placed and easy to use.
Drivers will have no issues getting comfortable as the steering wheel adjusts for reach and height, while the driver's seat can be raised or lowered and has an adjustable lumbar support.
Safety features are impressive with front, side and curtain airbags and active front seat headrests - which automatically move to counteract whiplash if the car is hit from the rear - fitted to all models. The LS also includes stability control.
So, with prices ranging from £10,995 for the entry model to £14,295 for the 1.6 CRDi I tested, the cee'd is a tempting alternative to more established rivals.
FAST FACTS
Kia cee'd 1.6 CRDi LS 5dr
Price: £14,295
Mechanical: 113bhp, 1,582cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 11.5 secs
Combined mpg: 60.1
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 125g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 7yrs/ 100,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust