Spotting a previous generation Ceed recently made me appreciate how much better looking the current model is.

The old Ceed makes the words ‘bland’ and ‘conservative’ come to mind whereas the new model appears classy, with a nod towards sportier models thanks to its lower ride height and a coupé-like roofline.

Kia has also redesigned the badge and shifted it from the ‘tiger nose’ grille to the bonnet.

The most striking feature, though, is the wrap-around lamp clusters housing LED daytime running lights, which gives the Ceed a much more modern look.

A colleague agrees that the new model is much more upmarket. His verdict: “It wouldn’t look out of place next to a Volkswagen Golf.”

Inside, the premium feel continues with soft-touch plastics and high-quality materials, confirming that the brand is shaking off its budget image.

The price tag certainly isn’t budget although, as noted in the previous test, the Ceed comes with plenty of standard equipment.

The  design changes are likely to be influenced by ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer who oversaw the entire creation of the new Ceed.

Kia admits that when Schreyer joined he was only able to make his mark on “the smallest design details” of the previous Ceed.