Kia's new hatchback is destined to be a common sight on our roads.

The esoterically-named cee'd has been designed with Europeans in mind and the company seems to have done its research well, although every person I've mentioned it to wants to know what "cee'd" means.

So, to get the name thing out of the way, the Kia people go to some lengths to explain it. Apparently, to emphasise the Euro-ness of the car, they took the initials of the EEC (or more commonly across Europe, CEE) and added ED for European design.

But they thought that "ceeed" was a bit strange so took out an e and inserted an apostrophe, hence cee'd, see?

And cee'd sounds like "seed" as in "of growth in Europe".

No, I don't believe it either. But before you search for your English/Korean dictionary let's get back to the point - namely that this is a very good family car.

It's eminently Europe-focused - even though it's Korean - which is a good thing because it was designed, is built and is sold only in Europe.

The C-sector of the market is responsible for a quarter of all car sales in Britain and that sector includes the mega-selling Focus and Astra, so it needs to be good.

The 1.6 LS ME petrol version tested develops a lively 122bhp with a combined cycle 44.1mpg. 0-62mph time is 10.8 seconds.

There's also a 1.4 petrol with 109bhp and a 1.6 diesel offering either 90 or 115bhp.

This all-new twin-cam engine provides a torquey performance with a combined fuel consumption of 60.1mpg. I know which I'd buy. But then I'm a bit of a diesel devotee I immediately liked the smart and chunky looks and practical lay-out of the test car, it felt well bolted together and was roomy enough on the inside. The driving position was comfortable for a 450-mile round trip to Donington Park, and the instruments are well-located and easy to read.

Road and wind noise were reasonable at 80, er, 70mph on the motorway, with the engine note being noticeable but not excessive.

I think the unit could happily accommodate a sixth gear which would drop the revs and make mile-munching even more relaxing.

The stiff chassis gives assured cornering and minimal roll which make the car enjoyable to drive, but I'm particularly looking forward to a 140bhp, 2.0-litre diesel appearing shortly. Nice.

The boot is capacious and will swallow a family's holiday chattels, and there's plenty of legroom in the back.

All models come with air-con (with cooled glove box), active front head restraints and iPod compatability (whatever that is).

The LS version gains automatic climate-control, rear electric windows, front fogs and half-leather upholstery.

The car also recently received a top, five-star rating in Euro Ncap safety tests and, with prices starting at less than £11k, underlined by Kia's amazing, transferable seven-year warranty, it's an excee'dingly good family buy. cee what I did there?