All-new Kia XCeed crossover 09 | 07 | 2019
KIA HAS RELEASE details of its all-new XCeed crossover. The newcomer, which is seen as a more cost-efficient rival to the Mercedes GLA, is available to order now from Scottish dealerships. Prices start at £20,795, with first deliveries expected in September. (Related: Kia e-Niro starts at £32,995)
Joining current members of the Ceed family — the five-door hatchback, Sportswagon estate and Proceed shooting brake — the XCeed has been designed to sit between the Stonic and Sportage. It’s what Kia calls a crossover utility vehicle (CUV). (Related: Roadtest — Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi)
The XCeed sits on the same 2650mm wheelbase as the Ceed hatch; it is though 85mm longer. The ride height and roofline of the XCeed have also been lifted by 42mm and 43mm respectively. It also gets more bootspace — at 426 litres, that’s up 31 litres when compared to the Ceed hatch — and can be further increased by folding the 40:20:40 rear-split seats. This brings the total to 1,378 litres.
At launch, buyers will have the choice from three trim levels. The entry-level XCeed ‘2’ includes silver roof rails, front fog lamps, LED headlights and 16in alloys. Inside the cabin there’s an eight-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear electric windows, a leather trimmed steering wheel and cloth upholstery. (Related: Kia Ceed GT-Line and GT prices)
Step up to the XCeed ‘3’, which starts at £23,295, and you add a 10.25-inch infotainment system, part-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an electric handbrake, plus heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Starting at £28,095, the range-topping XCeed ‘First Edition’ includes a 12.3-inch digital binnacle, panoramic sunroof, premium JBL sound system and electrically operated driver’s seat with memory function. It also includes smart cruise control, lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance assist within its comprehensive package of safety technology. (Related: Refreshed Kia Sportage range starts at £20,305)
As for engines, from launch buyers can choose from two petrol and two diesel units; a plug-in hybrid and 48-volt mild hybrid powertrains will follow in 2020.
While the petrol range includes a 118bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder T-GDi and a 138bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder T-GDi engine, the two diesel options are 114bhp or 135bhp versions of the Kia’s four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine found elsewhere in the Ceed range.
With the exception of the 1.0 T-GDi, the rest of the engines can be mated with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions; the latter carries a £1100 premium.
Kia has also introduced a unique chassis setup aimed at improving the car’s ride quality. Every model features hydraulic rebound bump stops to the front axle, plus softer spring and damper setup. The combination, Kia says, will absorb compressions better and ensure a smoother ride.
Every panel, apart from the front doors — which are carried over from from the Ceed hatch — have been designed specifically for the XCeed. The newcomer gets something os a unique look within the range thanks to its more prominent grille with lower air intakes. There’s also new LED headlamps, plus new tail lamps and bolder body panels.
Related: Refreshed Kia Sportage range starts at £20,305
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Jim McGill