I've just made the switch from a rear wheel drive Mercedes C-class that I'd driven for the last 7 years into a Ceed Hatchback.
I too would have gone for a 4x4 version of the Sportage if I could have afforded one. But then again if I could REALLY afford it I'd have ordered a Range Rover Evoque (come on lottery win!)
Only had the Ceed since Thursday, but not regretting it. It's a totally different type of car and a different driving experience but by no means a bad one!
I made the switch to cut my motoring costs... gone from £260 road tax, 32mpg and zero warranty to £30 road tax, 50-60mpg and 7 years of warranty.
I considered going for the SW estate, but as the hatchback boot was large enough for most of my needs I decided the 3 spec of this made more sense as it has better fuel consumption and falls into the £30 road tax bracket unlike the same spec estate version.
If the Cee'd hatch or SW is on your consideration list, I'd get down your Kia dealer quickly as they have an amazing offer on the C'eed range at the moment until end December 2011 - Zero VAT. That makes it dirt cheap for a new car - I still can't believe I got a brand spanking new car so cheaply... I've seen six month old ex demonstrators for sale costing the same/more than I paid for a new one!!!.
Edited by: micman