THAT well worn saying 'time flies' certainly came good during a recent road test.
The car in question was the latest edition of the Kia cee'd and, while it seemed almost like only yesterday that I recalled reviewing the Mark I version at launch, it turned out that a quite unbelievable over two years had actually passed by.
Since that launch day in 2007 more than 17,000 of the first generation Kia cee'ds have been sold in Britain, the European designed range with its modern styling, fine quality and outstanding dynamics plus low cost buying and operating costs having won the day for buyers.
The unique in Europe seven year/100,000-mile warranty also had more than a hand in winning over many family motorists and now those qualities have been made even more irresistible, the latest Kia cee'd having been refreshed inside, outside and underneath.
Unusually for what is, after all, just a little more than a mid-life tweak, Kia has also spent time effecting changes to the metal. This has been done to enable the design teams to incorporate the new Kia family look in the latest cee'd that is fast becoming evident across the range. The pace having been set originally by the Soul, Kia's urban runabout with a decidedly SUV attitude.
In fact, the front end design changes have resulted in a more sporty look, guaranteed to attract the attention of the head-turning brigade and complement revisions to the suspension set-up, which was a direct result of customer feedback, but more of that later.
The cee'd is now badged 1, 2 and 3 indicating a three tier line up while a revised 1.4-litre 89bhp petrol unit plus a trio of 1.6 petrol engines and a 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel driven here complete the line-up.
Kia has done an agreeable upgrade on the cee'd interior, introducing some plush new trim materials which, although quite effective as you sit and muse over progress along the way and is certainly a step up from its predecessor, the Korean carmaker's bid for premium grade recognition here has perhaps a little way to go yet.
However, the cee'd interior has a solid feel to it with easy on the eye and soft to the touch plastics and fabrics. Interior layout has also been well thought through in a cabin with a simple to use feel to it, proving ergonomically easy to get on with.
Seats are comfortably supportive and an agreeable driving position easily arrived at while standard kit includes the likes of air con, electric windows, i-Pod connectivity, good sound system with CD and 16-inch alloys all featuring as standard. Further attention to detail also includes indicators with an overtaking function which requires just a light touch on the left hand stalk to get called up.
The cee'd also gets the Kia Soul's four spoke steering wheel with integrated switches to control the audio equipment. The centre console has also been reworked and, with upgraded trim, it all looks extremely effective.
For a mid-sized estate car the Kia cee'd SW driven here is a handy and very practical carrier. With all seats taken, some 534 litres of baggage room is available while with the rear seats folded flat, cargo room in the hold becomes a massive 1,664 litres, a class leading figure in anybody's language.
The 1.6-litre 113bhp diesel comes with a healthy level of torque and paired with a six-speed manual gearbox it gets the best out of the reworked all independent suspension set-up.
Some clever work with dampers, springs, anti roll bars, bushes and steering has smoothed out a somewhat harsh original ride and resulted in much more nimble and assured handling at high and low speed than its predecessor.
Overall the Kia cee'd SW is yet another fine effort as the Korean car maker continues its aim for top three status in the motorworld bringing spacious practicality to the mid size estate sector to keep company with that example of fine build quality, confidence and reliability, its seven-year/100,000 mile warranty.
FAST FACTS
Kia cee'd SW 1.6 CRDI FL2
Price: £16,495
Mechanical: 113bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 11.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 57.6
CO2 emissions: 128g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 7yrs/ 100,000 miles