Owning

The Kia's length, width and stretched wheelbase provide excellent legroom in the rear. The boot is also generous, with a 420-litre luggage capacity. In the front, though, the cabin doesn't give you the same sense of space, because the driving position is flawed. Upper-range LS and V6 models get an electric driver's seat as standard, but it doesn't adjust low enough. The amount of reach and rake movement on the steering wheel isn't sufficient, either, so you end up feeling cramped. Seats don't offer much side support either. And although the Kia is very well screwed together, it is summed up by annoying touches such as the aftermarket-style radio and indicators that are on the wrong side of the steering wheel - which ruin the everyday ownership experience. The weighting of the controls could also be better. But equipment levels are very good indeed, though arguably they have to be, given some steep list prices. Depreciation will also be a bit steep, while returns of 38.8mpg from our diesel test car were disappointing - though it had very few miles on the clock. Looser engines often return better figures.

    See also:

    Vehicle identification number (VIN)
    Frame number The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the number used in registering your car and in all legal matters pertaining to its ownership, etc. The number is punched on the engine c ...

    Climate control air filter
    Filter inspection If the vehicle is operated in severely airpolluted cities or on dusty rough roads for a long period, it should be inspected more frequently and replaced earlier. When you replac ...

    Lighting
    Battery saver function • The purpose of this feature is to prevent the battery from being discharged. The system automatically turns off the exterior lights when the driver removes the ignition ...