That‘S XCeed accounts for 10% of the brand’s total sales in the UK, so it’s no surprise that the Korean company has chosen to update its best-selling product line. intersection for 2022, adding more interior style and technology, while keeping Dip into the mixture Powertrain options for this Citroen C4 and Mazda CX-30 competitor.
The design tweaks to the new XCeed are subtle and extensive as seen on the upgraded version. Ceed hatchback, was revealed last year. As a result, the XCeed gets new LED headlights and a revised front grille, and the emphasis is on making the car look sportier.
Silver sliding panels on the lower front bumper, plus new air vents that direct air down the sides of the vehicle (which can be done by integrating the fog lights into the new headlight assembly) help here, as does the option chunky 18-inch alloys and a new, more distinctive GT-Line trim level for the updated XCeed.
At the rear, the XCeed features new, slimmer LED lights, while the 44m increase in ground clearance compared to the standard Ceed 5-door hatchback gives the crossover a more off-road inspired look.
According to Kia, the new GT-Line trim adds a few extra touches for an even sportier look, with a “sharper” tiger-nose grille, sportier lower air intakes, side skirts, and a set of trims. body-colored diffuser at the rear and hexagon-shaped taillights.
Inside there are also some significant changes. Although the XCeed does not inherit the dual-screen setup from Kias, such as Niro and Sport SUV, it has a 12.3-inch ‘Supervision’ digital instrument panel with configurable themes linked to the vehicle’s driving modes. It is joined by a 10.25-inch ‘floating’ central touchscreen on higher-spec models, while lower-spec vehicles have an 8-inch setup.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is included, along with a new ‘Sports’ feature that brings live scores and highlights to an app on the central touchscreen. Kia Connect live services including traffic data and parking information at your destination are also available.
The XCeed also doesn’t inherit Kia’s Multi-Mode panel, so it retains the predecessor’s physical controls for the climate and audio controls located just below the touchscreen.
Kia claims the new XCeed’s cabin is “finished with sophisticated soft-touch materials throughout, with satin chrome dashboard trim embodying a refined, upscale atmosphere.” Buyers can also specify fabric, suede, imitation leather or genuine leather for the upholstery.
The GT-Line trim gets some sportier interior elements to set its cabin apart, including a ‘D-cut’ sports steering wheel, black headboard, perforated leather-wrapped gear lever and sportier seats.
Storage and space inside the upgraded XCeed should be the same as its predecessor, while the 426-litre trunk is a good size for the segment. This capacity increases to 1,378 liters with the rear seats folded in a ratio of 40:20:40 and has a movable boot floor as well as a smart back door.
Kia XCeed engine range
While the new XCeed will launch in Europe with a line-up of all-electric powertrains, Auto Express understands that UK offerings will reflect that of the upcoming car. This means we won’t be using the new mild-hybrid model; Instead, the UK will get a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 158bhp and 253Nm of torque for a 0-60mph time of 8.7sec when combined. with a standard six-speed manual transmission.
We understand that, in the near future, there is a possibility that the UK will also use Kia’s 118hp 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine.
The XCeed will retain the plug-in hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an 8.9kWh battery and an electric motor for a total of 139 hp and range. All-electric is 30 miles. Charging will take two hours and 15 minutes from a standard three-pin socket.
The XCeed is the only Ceed variant to feature hydraulic shock-stop on the front suspension, which is said to help deliver a tailored ride, while the car’s chassis has been tuned in Europe. Springs 7% softer than standard Ceed’s springs at the front and 4% softer at the rear also help increase comfort, while the power steering has been tuned to provide initial response. alert with inputs.
Steering weight, throttle response and, where the XCeed is equipped with an automatic transmission, gearshift response can all be adjusted as part of Kia’s Drive Mode system, with Eco, Normal and Sport.
Finally, there’s the level of safety systems you’d expect from a new family car, with a host of advanced driver assistance systems including Smart Cruise Control with navigation assist, speed control, and adaptive cruise control. vehicle speed limit. All the usual collision avoidance and warning systems are present, as well as automatic emergency braking and cross-traffic alert.
The XCeed accounts for 51% of Ceed’s total sales and was the top vehicle in Auto Express’ recent Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, so it’s no surprise that the brand overhauled the popular model. this variable.
With an increase in technology on offer, expect a commensurate price increase, with the new XCeed likely to start at just over £25,000 when it goes on sale later in the year.
Click here for ours In-depth review of the all-new Kia Niro…
