Having responded to the success of CLA Shooting Brake with ProCeed, Kia decided it was time to reapply the formula, but this time against the GLA. To this end, he set to work and created the new XCeed, his first CUV (crossover utility vehicle).
Positioned between the simpler (and cheaper) Stonic and the larger and (more familiar) Sportage, the XCeed is, according to Kia, "a sporty alternative to traditional SUV models", presenting itself with a lower profile where it stands out the steeper roof line.
Compared to the Ceed hatchback (with which it only shares the front doors) the XCeed is 85 mm longer despite having the same wheelbase (2650 mm), measuring 4395 mm, it is 43 mm taller (measures 1490 mm), more 26 mm (1826 mm) wide and has a 42 mm higher ground clearance (174 mm with 16” wheels and 184 mm with 18” wheels).
Technology on the rise
Inside XCeed practically everything remained the same as the “brothers” Ceed and ProCeed. Even so, there is a new (and exclusive) style package for the interior that brings several yellow accents to the fore.
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Thanks to the increase in the rear span, the XCeed now has 426 liters, 31 liters higher than the value presented by the Ceed. Also inside, it is worth noting the adoption of the UVO Connect telematics system, which provides Kia Live services and is equipped with an (optional) 10.25” screen.
An 8.0” touchscreen audio system (according to versions) is also available. In addition to the technological wealth, the XCeed will feature (as an option) Kia's first fully digital instrument panel: the 12.3” Supervision.
News also in the suspension
Despite sharing the suspension components with the Ceed hatchbacks, ProCeed and Ceed Sportswagon, the XCeed debuts hydraulic shock absorbers, offered as standard on the front axle. Also in terms of suspension, Kia engineers softened the stiffness coefficients of the springs, both at the front and at the rear (7% and 4%, respectively).
XCeed Engines
As for the engines, the XCeed uses the same thrusters as the Ceed. Thus, the gasoline offer comprises three engines: the 1.0 T-GDi, three-cylinder, 120 hp and 172 Nm; the 1.4 T-GDi with 140 hp and 242 Nm and the 1.6 T-GDi of the Ceed GT and ProCeed GT with an output of 204 hp and 265 Nm.
Among the Diesels, the offer is based on the 1.6 Smartstream, available in the 115 and 136 hp variants. With the exception of the 1.0 T-GDi (only equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox), the other engines can be combined with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
In these models it is possible to see the differences between XCeed, ProCeed and the truck version of Ceed.
Finally, from the beginning of 2020, XCeed will receive 48V mild-hybrid options and plug-in hybrid solutions.
Security doesn't lack
As usual, XCeed did not neglect security. Thus, Kia's crossover comes with safety systems and driving aids such as the Intelligent Speed Control System with Stop&Go, the Blind Spot Detection System, the Head-on Collision Warning or the Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.
With the start of production scheduled for the beginning of August, the XCeed should start shipping in the third quarter of 2019, with prices for the new crossover not yet being known.