Few brands bet so much on the C segment as Kia. From a Shooting Brake, the Proceed to the Ceed (in hatchback and van versions), passing through the new XCeed. No wonder: the C-segment represents the largest share of the European car market.
But let's go by parts. The most recent member of the Kia model family, the XCeed represents, like Proceed, an approach by the South Korean brand to the premium universe, emerging as an alternative to Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X2, or even “our” Volkswagen T-Roc.
Developed based on the Ceed platform, XCeed only shares the front doors with it. In terms of positioning in the range, it is placed above the Stonic and below the Sportage, a model which, curiously, has a greater height to the ground (184 mm against 172 mm).
In aesthetic terms, XCeed fulfills – in its fullest – the role of approaching the premium. With a look that stands out from the crowd and makes heads turn, I must admit that I like Kia's CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) as it manages to combine a robust look (typical of SUVs) with a certain sportiness (associated with coupé models).
Inside Kia Xceed
If on the outside the differences between XCeed and the other brothers in the range are notorious, the same doesn't happen on the inside, where, with the exception of the notes in yellow, practically everything has been kept the same.
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By adopting an interior identical to the other Ceeds, the Xceed also has a very ergonomic cabin that combines well the traditional physical controls with the increasingly common tactile controls.
If on the outside XCeed overshadows models from premium brands, on the inside it's not far away. The build quality is in good plan, although the most pleasant materials to the touch (and to look at) appear only at the top of the dashboard.
As for the infotainment system with 10.25”, it is worth mentioning the high number of features available. The 12.3” 'Supervision' digital instrument panel bets everything on simplicity and ease of reading.
The infotainment system was renewed.
As for space, it's more than enough for four adults to travel in comfort (the almost flat floor at the rear helps), even though the roof's descending line hinders entry and exit from the rear seats. All in the name of style.
The trunk (which has two levels) has a capacity of 426 l, a very acceptable value and even higher than the Ceed's (31 l more to be precise).
At the wheel of Kia Xceed
Despite having a higher ground clearance than the Sportage, the driving position in XCeed is much closer to what we find in a hatchback than in an SUV.
In dynamic terms, the Kia XCeed aligns with what the South Korean brand has become accustomed to: competent in all situations.
The suspension (which on the XCeed uses hydraulic shock absorbers) fulfills its role, combining good rolling comfort with a good capacity to contain body movements.
Also in the dynamic chapter, the XCeed has a cooperative rear axle when we increase the pace, a well-calibrated ESP and a communicative steering with a good weight. I would even say… with a Germanic tact.
As for the engine, the 1.4 T-GDi with 140 hp and 242 Nm, is not a sprinter but does not disappoint, always available and sufficiently elastic. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has proved to be fast.
Speaking of consumption, to achieve consumption in the region of 5.4 l/100 km it is possible, but if we get excited, we should count on consumption between 6.5 and 7 l/100 km. In cities, the average was 7.9 l/100 km.
Is the car right for me?
The best compliment you can pay to the Kia XCeed is that the South Korean brand's first CUV results in two strands. As an exercise in style and approximation to the premium universe and, naturally, as a rational product designed for families.
With a different styling, a height to the ground that offers additional versatility, a good level of equipment, an interesting dynamic behavior and habitability dimensions that more than match the segment, the XCeed is a good option for all those who are fed up SUVs but don't want to give up the extra ground height.
Compared to Ceed, XCeed stands out thanks to a much more distinctive look that allows it to capture attention wherever it goes, especially when painted in the contrasting yellow —Quantum Yellow — of the unit we tested.
Summing up. The Kia XCeed could just be an exercise in style but it isn't. It is a mature product, well finished, well equipped and with a very important attraction: a highly competitive price and a 7-year warranty.
Kia is currently running an XCeed launch campaign that allows you to save €4750 on the purchase of your new CUV.
Update: Added new images on December 5, 2019.