Raising and dressing an existing model to create a kind of crossover is far from new. However, the trend has recently been reviving strongly. Kia takes a different course and turns the lifestyle Ceed into a separate Xceed. You can judge for yourself whether that is worthwhile.
A car manufacturer that does not offer crossovers and SUVs is actually doomed these days. It is therefore not surprising that many brands also provide their existing models with some extra ground clearance and sturdy decoration. This creates an extra model with relatively little effort for those who find a regular hatchback too low and an SUV too high or too expensive. The trend started in higher segments, with the Subaru Outback and Volvo V70 XC. With their sturdy bumpers and four-wheel drive, those cars were also really capable, but as with SUVs, few people turned out to use them, so the “cross package” became a purely optical affair for many brands.
In this test we highlight the Kia Xceed. The new Xceed may look like an elevated Ceed, but it is a completely new model, sharing only its technique and name with the other three variants on this theme. That seems very expensive, but it does mean that the Xceed could be designed as a crossover from the first pen strokes. The car shows that: the large wheels and wheel arches fit seamlessly into the design and the reclining rear window and high butt accentuate the toughness of the model. The result is a car that looks nice and coherent and as a bonus looks a lot more robust than a regular Ceed. This is supported by the figures: in addition to being higher, the Xceed is also longer and wider than Kia’s hatchback.
Topper
The inside of Kia’s latest is also specific to the Xceed. This allows the car to demonstrate that it is just a little younger than the Ceed, including with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instruments. The latter is nice, but limited in configuration. For example, a full screen map is not an option. Fortunately, the new UVO infotainment system makes up for a lot. The previous Kia system has already excelled in speed and ease of use, but this version takes it a step further. Adjustable “tiles” as a home screen, a very easy-to-understand menu structure, many setting options and the presence of the well-known connectivity options for mobile phones make this one of the highlights in this segment. The only serious complaint is that many (setting) functions are disabled while driving. That seems safe, but in practice it is mainly annoying. The non-digital part of the interior was also successful. The Kia interior is certainly not of a premium level, but material use, finish and ergonomics are well-matched for a car of this caliber. The design is also a nice mix between some creativity and timeless, well-organized business.
Warning beeps
Rear passengers are given plenty of leg and headroom, but no excess. In the luggage compartment, the Xceed offers space for 426 liters, considerably more than a regular Ceed. Those looking for sportsmanship do not have to knock on the door of the Xceed. That is not our idea, but that of the manufacturer itself. After all, Kia makes the positioning of the Xceed clear by not offering a GT line or GT version. The 204 hp engine of the Ceed GT is available, but does not get the sporty label. This makes Kia a clear choice, which is underlined by the comfortable chassis. Yet the Xceed is certainly not a heaving waterbed. Suspension and damping are nicely coordinated and sturdy enough to offer stability and predictability even in fast corners. The controls are remarkably heavy for a Kia, although the gym subscription does not yet have to be canceled. If you want to waste as little energy as possible, you can build on the standard Lane Keeping Assist, which keeps the car neatly in the middle of the track. Still, there is something to criticize, because in our opinion Kia is talking about warning beeps. Hands on the wheel are often not registered and the blind spot detection can also be heard well. This is justified in an emergency, but often not with the Kia. The only remedy is to switch off the entire system and that is a pity, because Kia’s safety aids work great.
The turbo engine of the Kia makes little noise and performs instinctively and smoothly according to the figures. The 140 hp 1.4-liter fits perfectly with the Xceed and helps it to achieve adequate performance without drama. The seven-speed DCT automatic transmission that brings the power to the front wheels also does its job nicely. The Kia we drive is loaded with luxury for € 38,995. From leather to seat ventilation and from a panoramic roof to JBL audio, it’s all standard.