After selling over 120,000 units in Europe, Kia's highly successful XCeed compact crossover has received a series of product enhancements including a bold new exterior design, an enhanced interior and a new GT-line trim that brings the emotions of the Ceed GT to the popular model. These changes will make the XCeed an even more enticing proposition in the popular C-Crossover segment. The XCeed has been a hugely popular car for Kia in the UK, accounting for 10 per cent of total Kia sales in the country. The exact UK specification, technical data and pricing information for the new XCeed will be revealed nearer the on-sale date. The new XCeed integrates a number of design changes alongside a competitive powertrain line-up that includes mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel versions. Both the exterior and interior have been enhanced to better match the sporty urban nature of the XCeed and make it an even more distinctive member of the wider Ceed model family. The inclusion of a sporty, GT-line specification for the first time, combined with a petrol engine that produces 204ps, offers an exciting and dynamic driving experience. This dedicated sporty model captures the imagination and evokes an emotional reaction by appealing to customers who want the rational benefits of a larger vehicle without compromising on their sense of style or sportiness. A standout model in the XCeed range, the GT-line defies expectations with its unique sporty design and GT-inspired performance.
Exterior design
Stylish, expressive and modern in appearance, the new Kia XCeed builds upon its predecessor's iconic design. A product of the brand's European design centre in Frankfurt, Germany, the XCeed's updated design has been crafted under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Europe. Guillaume commented: "The XCeed is our most popular model within the Ceed range and it was important that we took this opportunity to further refine its styling and progress the Ceed design language. The changes we have made further highlight the sporty, urban and adventurous nature of the XCeed." The new Kia XCeed features new LED headlamps and a revised grille, front bumper and innovative air intake design. By creatively integrating the fog lamps into the headlights, the designers were able to include air curtains on either side which guide air smoothly around the vehicle's wheels to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The new XCeed rides on dedicated 18-inch alloys designed specifically for CUV-segment appeal. At the rear, targeted refinements include a new diffuser with a gloss black skid plate and a discreet 'exhaust-look' design for a refreshed sporty look across the XCeed range. In profile, the XCeed's relatively long bonnet flows into the A-pillars aft of the front wheels, lending the car a sporty, swept-back silhouette. While the wheelbase remains the same as other models in the Ceed line-up at 2,650mm, the XCeed's front and rear overhangs have been extended over the five-door hatchback by 25mm at the front (to 905mm) and 60mm at the rear (to 840mm). The only body panels carried over from its five-door hatchback sibling are the front doors.
Interior design
Inside, the new Kia XCeed's sculptured centre console is oriented slightly towards the driver. With a commanding seat position and raised ground clearance over a conventional hatchback, the Kia XCeed provides drivers with a sportier driving position while also allowing for a better view of the road ahead. A 'floating' touchscreen infotainment system stands apart from the dashboard, while the lower portion of the instrument panel provides a set of touch-sensitive buttons, dials and switches to control audio volume, heating and ventilation. Highly ergonomic in layout and functionality, these controls have been redesigned to improve interaction and enable drivers to make quick changes to the cabin environment without taking their eyes off the road. The new Kia XCeed comes with engaging new graphic themes for the 12.3-inch Supervision digital instrument cluster, the designs of which can be linked to the vehicle's Drive Modes, while a gloss black transmission panel and a new thin bezel-edged rear-view mirror improve both form and function. The interior is finished in sophisticated soft-touch materials throughout, with a satin chrome dashboard trim presenting a refined, upscale ambience. Buyers can choose from a range of cloth, suede, synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery finishes for the seats. The interior also receives a GT-line treatment, with a host of improvements to match the sporting feel of the exterior including a motorsport-inspired 'D-cut' steering wheel, black headliner, a gear knob wrapped in perforated leather and a special GT-line seat design.
Advanced powertrains
The new Kia XCeed is powered by a range of fast-revving, turbocharged petrol engines, the majority of which feature mild-hybrid technology, while an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain enables drivers to benefit from extensive emissions-free mobility. Three turbocharged petrol direct injection (T-GDi) engines are available in the refreshed XCeed line-up. A three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi engine delivers 120 ps and 172 Nm of torque, while a four-cylinder 1.5-litre T-GDi engine produces 160 ps and 253 Nm of torque. A high-power 1.6-litre T-GDi engine, the same unit found in Ceed and ProCeed GT models, is also available for the most powerful XCeed variant. With a 204 ps power output and 265 Nm of torque across a broad range of engine speeds, the muscular 1.6-litre T-GDi engine perfectly matches the car's ability to thrive in a variety of driving situations. It can accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 7.5 seconds when equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ideal for those who regularly cover long distances, the new XCeed is also available with a frugal diesel mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. This 1.6-litre diesel engine can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission to deliver 136 ps and 280 Nm of torque, or 320 Nm with the seven-speed dual-clutch version. A highly efficient plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain option is once again available in the new XCeed, combining an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, a 44.5 kW electric motor, and an efficient 1.6-litre 'Kappa' four-cylinder GDI engine. Paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT), the PHEV transmits up to 141 ps and 265 Nm to the front wheels, while drivers will also benefit from an all-electric range of 48km, equating to 60km of city driving. This will enable drivers to complete the majority of daily drives and short commutes solely on electric power.
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