It’s no secret that Kia has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years. Almost every vehicle it puts out has been at least a modest success, and the recent Stinger executive saloon did what most thought impossible and genuinely upset the established German favourites from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.

So industry experts and everyday drivers alike are keen to find out about the third generation Ceed. It arrives without the apostrophe pointlessly stuck in the middle of the previous two generations, and it’s clearly taking aim at the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, and Ford Focus.

Kia has obviously taken a hint of inspiration from the Stinger. Lower and wider than before, the new Ceed also includes a broader nose grille and swept back lights. Length hasn’t changed, but the boot has been enlarged. Overall, it’s a confident look.

Once you get inside, expect comfort on par with the VW Golf. It has a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen and soft surfaces over the top of the dash and the doors. Technology is strong, and you’re not likely to feel uncomfortable in the cabin. We don’t yet have a full feature list, but drivers should expect standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus LED lights and a score of autonomous driving features for added peace of mind.

But how does it drive? There’s a new 1.4-litre T-GDi petrol engine, two new 1.6-litre diesels, and a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol with 119bhp. Overall, performance is smooth and spirited from standstill, but the best thing is just how quiet it rides. It’s more engaging than it is comfortable, but sportiness never really gets in the way and overall the car hits the sweet spot.

The available seven-speed dual clutch auto box is a little sluggish, so there’s no real reason to deviate from the standard quick-shifting manual. Average fuel economy comes in just under 50 mpg, so it’s efficient into the bargain.

Perhaps best of all, there’s simply so much space. It isn’t quite the largest family hatchback around, but it should accommodate all passengers pretty well. The enlarged boot should be particularly impressive thanks to its 395 litres of space and handy lower load lip. If you flip down the fear seats, you’ll have up to 1291 litres. In case you’re wondering, both figures are higher than the VW Golf’s.