KIA’S quirkily-named Cee’d is now two years old and has been given its first update.

The popular Korean has proved itself in estate, hatch and coupe (or Pro_Cee’d) guises and has sold more than 17,000 in the UK to date.

The new flavour benefits from modest aesthetic tweaks, particularly to the front grille, and improvements to the cabin materials and associated comfort levels.

But most important are the changes under the skin. The Cee’d has already proved itself as a fine quality and good value all-round family car, and the handling was surprisingly rewarding for the “keener” driver.

But that was at some cost to the ride quality, which could be harsh at times.

Now Kia has completely re-engineered the suspension to allow an even more engaging drive for those who enjoy “pressing on”, while absorbing dodgy road surfaces and providing a gentler experience for everyone else.

The canny company brought its handling experts over here and let them loose for many miles on British roads to improve the ride quality and steering response.

That was particularly noticeable on some of Kia’s test drive routes through central Liverpool.

The Cee’d rode very comfortably on the well-surfaced, tree-lined boulevards and tried manfully to neutralise the pothole-strewn streets full of deserted terraced houses; the improvement was tangible.

(And full marks to Kia for suggesting “proper” routes to allow real-world appraisals of their car).

The Cee’d’s cabin retains its easy switchgear and chunky controls – particularly the solid column stalks – while encompassing up-to-the-minute connectivity for communications and entertainment gear; but I thought the instruments were rather dull compared to the bright delights of many modern-day counterparts.

There’s a smartly-designed centre console and I particularly liked a large, easy-to-use multifunctional dial to control radio and CD player main functions.

The large stowage compartment between the front seats passed the “camera test” by swallowing my digital SLR with zoom lens (few cars of this size do) and there are plenty of other useful cubby-holes, bottle-holders etc.

The cabin is of a quality befitting a more expensive car and the seats are comfortable.

On the road the Cee’d is a comfortable and easy drive, with fine, accurate variable-weight steering, a slick and light gearbox and potent brakes (perhaps a little over-assisted at low speeds).

Prices start at £11,595 for the 1.4 petrol pro_Cee’d in standard (or 1) spec; rising to £16,495 for the 113bhp, 1.6 petrol in top-of-the-range 3 spec. Add a grand for auto boxes.

•Contact Westover Kia on 0800 276 1041 or visit westovergroup.co.uk/kia.