THE Kia cee’d is no more.

Welcome, then, the Kia Ceed.

I’m not sure why it took them so long to realise that the previous spelling was stupid.

Perhaps it was the fact that Jeremy Clarkson used to mock it every time Star in a Reasonably Priced Car came on, calling it the ‘C apostrophe D’.

Anyway, a small point, but probably a good move.

In 2019 the Ceed continues to be a quality all-round choice, nowadays rightfully competing on equal terms with its rivals and not simply being the cheap or value option.

But, crucially, it remains a top value car on a pound-for-pound basis, generally giving you more as standard than a lot of competitors.

Base spec (slightly confusingly called Grade ‘2’), gives you cruise control, air con, electric windows all round, auto lights and alloys all as standard, as well as digital radio, Bluetooth, reversing camera, smartphone integration, lane keep assist and other safety gear.

Grade ‘3’ adds bigger alloys, auto wipers, privacy glass, fancier infotainment system including sat nav and more.

The GT-Line variants gives the car an all-round sportier look inside and out, with top-end GT-Line S getting 18in alloys, black leather interior, power driver’s seat and even the rear seats have heating.

Behind the wheel, it’s a pleasing drive, with sharp handling, and it’s comfortable on the cruise, as you would expect.

The engine we tested, the 1.0-litre, 118hp, petrol on Grade ‘3’ spec, was a little lacklustre, it has to be said.

It takes 10.7 seconds to get to 62mph, but it is efficient, with mpg in the 40s on a cruise and higher in country and town driving.

That compares pretty favourably with its on-paper figure of 48.7 on the combined cycle.

For those wanting a pokier petrol there is the 1.4, which makes 138hp for a 62mph time of 8.6 with combined MPG still in the 45 ballpark.

The 1.6 has 201hp and is good for 62mph in a satisfying 7.2 seconds, with MPG at 38 combined.

Kia’s diesels are decent and the 1.6 is on offer here with 114hp or 134hp, with MPG nudging 60.

Practicality-wise rear space is OK and the boot is a good size.

The Ceed is a competent and quality car even if, in this ‘3’ spec at least, it isn’t going to excite too much.

It remains competitively priced, from £18,295 to just shy of £28,000.