A look at leasing options: Kia Ceed vs Toyota Auris

For years, the European hatchbacks, especially the likes of Vauxhall and Volkswagen have dominated the market. However, in recent years, other car firms have been improving more and more. Now Toyota and the Kia have hatchbacks that are ready to take on their European counterparts. In fact, these cars are worth considering if you are looking to get a hatchback on car lease deals.

We have the Kia Cee’d and the Toyota Auris up for review. Do you think these cars are worth it?

The engines

Both hatchbacks offer you a variety of engines to choose from, so here are the cheapest, the fastest and the greenest models available for the Cee’d and Auris.

The cheapest Toyota Auris engine is the 1.33 VVTi Active model. It has a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 99 bhp. It develops a top speed of 109 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 12.6 seconds. When it comes to fuel efficiency, this Auris has a combined fuel economy of 51.4 mpg. It has an extra-urban fuel economy of 60 mpg making it a decent, low-cost-to-run car for motorway drivers. It also has an urban fuel economy of 40 mpg.

Kia Cee’d’s opening gambit is the Cee’d 1.4 1 model. It has 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine developing 98 bhp, so less powerful than the Auris. It does have a higher top speed of 114 mph and is slightly faster from 0-60 mph in 12.3 seconds. Fuel efficiency is lower across the board with the Kia. The combined fuel economy is 47.1 mpg, whilst the extra-urban fuel economy comes out at 58 mpg. The urban fuel economy is a lowly 36 mpg, making it lower than the Auris.

So, which is greener?

For the greenest Auris, you find yourself with a hybrid car. It is a 1.8 Hybrid Active to be exact. This 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid engine produces 136 bhp. More importantly it has a combined fuel economy of 80.7 mpg, ensuring you have low running costs for this Auris. For those motorway drivers amongst you, the extra-urban fuel economy is 83 mpg as well. It also has an urban fuel economy of 83 mpg. It also has a top speed of 112 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 10.9 seconds.

The greenest Kia is the 1.6 CRDi ISG 1. This model comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It develops 134 bhp, ensuring it is still less powerful than the Auris. It is faster though thanks to a top speed of 117 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds making it quicker as well. It is again lower on fuel efficiency, but then again it is diesel vs hybrid so that is to be expected. This Cee’d have a combined fuel economy of 78.5 mpg, ensuring you still have lower running costs. The extra-urban fuel economy is the same as the Auris at 83 mpg and has an urban fuel economy of 67.

Let’s talk speed

This is where the Kia comes into its own against the Auris. The Toyota’s fastest mode is the 1.2T Business Edition. It has a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 116 bhp. This allows it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 10.1 seconds and hits a top speed of 124 mph. If you are looking for speed, the Auris isn’t the car to choose on that respect. It also has a combined fuel economy of 58.9 mpg.

The Cee’d’s fastest model is the 1.6T GDi GT. It has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 201 bhp. It is more powerful than the Auris this time around. It is also dramatically faster with a top speed of 143 mph and quicker as it sprints from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. However, if you are looking for speed, you aren’t focused on fuel efficiency. This model has a combined fuel economy of 38.2 mpg, an extra-urban fuel economy of 48 mpg and an urban fuel economy of 29 mpg.

The Auris and the Cee’d offer you a variety of engines so if you know what you are looking for, then check them both out.

Inside the cars

When you slip into the Auris, you find an adequate and well-built interior. The dashboard is made up of piano black plastic, with an infotainment screen and climate controls. The materials and plastics used to make the interior are of good quality and the buttons on the dash are well set out and easy to use.

With regards to space, the passengers in the rear get plenty of legroom and headroom, ensuring they are sat very comfortable. You can fit three in the back at a squeeze. In the front, passengers are very comfortable thanks to their legroom and headroom available. In the boot, the Auris has a decent amount of space. It has a boot capacity of 360-litres, which isn’t affected by the batteries in the hybrid models.

Kia’s interior

The interior in the Kia Cee’d is close to its more expensive rival, the Volkswagen Golf, but not quite making it to the same level. That said, it is an excellent interior. The controls are very easy to use and are surrounded by chrome highlights to ensure they stand out. It also comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. You don’t have to use the touchscreen as there are buttons making it easy to navigate whilst driving.

Let’s talk space. The driver has a chance to adjust both his seat and steering wheel in order to get the best driving position for them. The front passenger has plenty of legroom at the front so they can stretch out on the longer journeys. In those rear seats, you will find adequate amounts of space, especially for six-foot passengers. In the boot, the capacity is 380-litres, which is bigger than the Auris.

Driving and performance

The main priority for most people is whether their car drives comfortably and is easy to handle. The Auris delivers well on this front. The manual gearbox is smooth and direct, without any real fuss with each gear slotting into place easily. The steering is accurate and light, making it great for city and country road driving. The only issue is there is a slight vagueness when driving straight, so, on the motorways, you may find yourself making small corrections.

With regards to the ride, the Auris is for the majority of the time and on most roads, comfortable and smooth. On some of the rougher roads, you do feel the vibrations throughout the car, however, for the expected larger bumps, the suspension gets rid of these with ease. When it comes to cabin refinement, the Auris keeps you insulated from the road, wind and overall noise of driving.

Driving the Kia

This Kia has been updated since it was first launched. The suspension has been adjusted, ensuring you have a more comfortable drive. It is its most comfortable when at a simple cruising speed. It is also excellent when tackling rough and poor road surfaces as it just absorbs the bumps.

There is body roll when you go into a corner, but the steering is accurate and there is plenty of grip. If you throw the Cee’d into a corner, you will have the confidence and the comfort to come out the other side.

Both these cars are challengers that can take on their European rivals like the Golf and the Peugeot 308. Leasing deals are available on both cars right now without needing a deposit. We just need to know your monthly budget and what car you would like to lease.

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