THE quality of Kia's cars has improved in leaps and bounds and with the cee'd, it caught up with the European and Japanese competition.

It has won many awards and beat models from BMW, Audi and Skoda to take the Parkers New Car Award in 2011.

The models built from 2007to 2012 are very good, reasonably priced alternatives to the Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus, with a range that includes a five door hatch, an estate and a three door called the Pro_cee'd.

They are designed for European buyers, with neat styling, good interior space and high quality interior finish.

Best of all, they come with a seven year, 100,000 miles warranty, which is transferable to subsequent owners - you have to be sure of your cars with an offer like that.

Petrol engines are 1.4 or 1.6-lites with 104 or 120bhp, diesel choices are two 1.6 units with either 89 or 113bhp and a 2.0-litre with 138bhp.

Best buy is the 113bhp 1.6 CRDi diesel, which has smooth, punchy performance and excellent economy.

All five door models have a comfortable ride but some three-door pro_cee'ds have stiffer, more sporting suspension and do not take poor surfaces as well.

The pro_c'eed handles better but they all take the corners well, with strong grip and good power steering.

The driving position is comfortable for all and the simple dash layout makes it very easy to live with.

There is plenty of space for five with good legroom front and rear and a huge boot.

Safety is excellent but stability control was only an option in some. The CD player has aux imput for other devices and other equipment includes air conditioning, a cooled glove box, electric front windows, 60/40 split folding rear seats, height and reach adjustable steering and wheel-mounted audio controls.