What's all this about?
It’s Kia’s popular XCeed, but with a few subtle changes. The jacked-up version of the Ceed hatchback has received a handful of minor visual updates and some fresh kit, but the changes aren’t massive. In fact, you’ll have to look closely if you want to find them.
Looks the same to me...
Yeah, it does. But if you know the old car inside out and you really concentrate, you’ll notice the most minor changes. First up is a new front-end design with modified bumpers, an updated grille and new headlights. Kia has also integrated the fog lights into the headlight clusters, allowing the designers to fit new “air curtains” that direct air down the sides of the car to reduce drag.
With the new bumpers (there’s one at the back as well), the XCeed is now slightly longer than before, but the wheelbase is unchanged. All the extra length is found in the front and rear overhangs, with an extra 25mm in front of the front wheels and 60mm behind the rear axle. And speaking of wheels, the XCeed also gets some new wheel designs and some extra colour options.
What about the interior?
If you thought the exterior changes were subtle, they’ve got nothing on the interior. The architecture is essentially the same as that of the old XCeed, but there’s some new technology. There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on offer, which works in tandem with a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. However, more basic versions get smaller screens with less functionality.
In essence, though, the only real differences come from the tech. There’s a Sports feature for the touchscreen that adds live updates from sports events, and you get the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technology. There’s even a calendar system that can set the navigation according to the events in your diary.
Finally, Kia has given the XCeed the latest iteration of the Kia Connect system, which interacts with a smartphone app to provide remote access to vehicle functions and data.
That it?
Not quite. Perhaps the most important change is the inclusion of the GT-Line trim for the first time. The sportily styled trim level is already popular among Ceed customers, but it’s now carried over to the XCeed, offering a more aggressive front grille, a sportier air intake and side bumper cladding.
GT-Line models are also marked out by their hexagonal LED tail lights and body-coloured rear diffuser, as well as glossy black roof rails and door mirrors. Inside, there’s a D-shaped steering wheel and black roof lining, while the seats have a special GT-Line-specific design.
What's under the bonnet?
As before, there’s a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the 1.0-litre petrol representing the cheapest option. The turbocharged engine produces 120hp, and is joined by a 160hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine that provides a bit more poke. And for maximum performance, there’s a 1.6-litre petrol with 204hp and a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which gives the XCeed a bit more get-up-and-go.
Those petrol engines are joined by a 1.6-litre mild-hybrid diesel with 136hp, although that comes with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes. And there’s a plug-in hybrid option, with a 44.5kW electric motor, a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an 8.9kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. With a total of 141hp, the system is not the most powerful option in the XCeed range, but it will manage around 30 miles on electric power alone.
How much is it?
Kia hasn’t said yet. Full prices and specifications are expected later this year, but we’re predicting a marginally higher price tag than the existing XCeed.
James Fossdyke - 18 Jul 2022