Kia Strike With New Ceed Special Editions

As well as announcing it's new 2010 pricing structure Kia also launched two special edition models based on the Ceed 5door and sporty 3dr Pro Ceed hatch.

The new Ceed Strike 5dr will be available in three colours including a unique Byte Blue metallic paintwork.

Based around the entry level Ceed 1 with a 1.4 petrol engine, the Strike Limited Editions will include additonal equipment such as 16inch 'Dark' grey alloy wheels as well as Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Other key features include remote central locking, body coloured door handles and air conditioning. Prices start at £10,995 OTR.

The Pro Ceed Strike will feature the same equipment as the 5dr hatch but with the addition of a rear boot spoiler. Available in unique Byte Blue metallic, Infra Red and Arctic white the Pro Ceed Strike will set a new entry price point for the Ceed range at £10,695 OTR.

With the VAT rising back to 17.5%, car manufacturers are desperately trying to keep the cost of vehicles down. To ensure they remain competitive Kia have set the Ceed Strike's price point by fixing the dealer margin, and like all its special editions, will not be supported by additional bonuses. As much as its network of dealers would like to make money, a lot are in favour of this strategy as it prevents desperate discounting which ultimately hurts the resale value. Not that Kia need any help shifting metal right now.

As they always say in motoring circles 'today's discount is tomorrows depreciation'.

Ceed Gets Driver Power

You know times have changed when so called 'lesser brands' like Skoda and Kia beat more established and posher marques from VW and Mercedes-Benz for driverbility.

Of course we all know the Skoda is really a Volkswagen but the Kia Ceed story is one deserving of merit.

In the latest AutoExpress Driver Power survey the Ceed came 6th overall and number one in the C-Segment class beating the VW Golf which came in at a lowly 22nd.

The Driver Power survey measures the views of over 21,400 new car drivers across the UK. The cars they drive are scrutinised and scored on their performance in a number of key areas, including practicality, build quality, reliability, and running costs.

The Kia dealer network was also under scrutiny and, amongst others, was measured on helpfulness and attitude, standard of workmanship and value for money.

In these hard economic times drivers are looking at alternative vehicles which give more value for money and the likes of VW can't rest on their laurels and assume brand snobbery will win the day. The bottom line is the Kia Ceed has a dynamic design, high build quality and frugal engines, all backed by a seven-year 100,000 mile warranty and all for much less wonger.