Soft-touch materials on top of the dash are also found on the top section of door trim and the Cee’d’s dashboard is clear, with controls that are easy to use – the steering also adjusts for height and reach. Grab handles and the glovebox opening have damped movements making the Cee’d feel as if it is finished to a much higher standard than its predecessors.

One disappointing aspect is the cheap finish on the door control panel and the instrument binnacle – in bright sunshine it creates an annoying reflection. The interior was given an upgrade in late 2009 with improvements to the materials used as well as the instruments and dials, giving the Cee’d SW a more upmarket feel. The air conditioning controls were also moved up the central console, making them easier to use on the move.

There’s plenty of room all round with ample space in the back for two adults or three children. Leg and headroom is impressive and it’s pretty quiet on the move too – only noise from the 1.6-litre petrol engines is really noticeable under hard acceleration. The seats could do with more support, especially lower down, but the interior is bright and pleasant, plus all cars come with air conditioning as standard.