THE problem with testing a stop-start car in the winter, and this winter in particular, is that when the temperature drops below a certain level it stops working.

This is for perfectly sensible reasons, after all you don't want the engine to stop and then not start again.

However, it does make a thorough appraisal somewhat difficult, so you will have to bear with me.

I was going to say that to the untrained eye the c'eed might look the same as every other one on the road. However, I had forgotten about the fluorescent inch-and-a-half high lettering on the boot spelling out 'ecodynamics'.

It might be a clunky term, but in short it means this car is fitted with fuel-efficient, emission cutting technology.

It is further evidence of Kia's huge advances in recent years and the company's bid to be ahead of and not just keep up with the Joneses.

In the not too distant future the company intends to launch hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles, so this car is just for starters.

ISG as Kia, has called its system, stands for Intelligent Stop and Go and works on the same theory as BMW's more long-standing system, among others.

When the car is stationary and the driver puts the gearstick into neutral and takes his foot off the clutch the engine cuts out, restarting immediately the pedal is depressed again.

There's a little bit of a shudder when the engine re-engages, but all in all it's pretty unobtrusive and likes all these things you get used to it in no time at all.

C02 emissions are cut by 9g/km to from 119g/km to 110g/km thanks to the introduction of ISG and Kia reckons fuel economy increases from low to high 60s.

In addition, the cee'd is fitted with low rolling resistance tyres and comes with a six-speed gearbox, both designed to aid economy.

Theres also a gearshift indicator which tells drivers the optimum time to change up or down.

In almost every other respect the ceed is what you might expect.

Good levels of equipment, though some materials are on the cheap looking side, plenty of room both in front and in the back and a decent sized boot.

The c'eed, which also comes with a seven-year warranty, is already an attractive proposition. Whether the ISG technology will increase that allure still further remains to be seen, but it's a good start nonetheless, no pun intended.