Kia XCeed: a BMW X2 for the masses

After the Ceed hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon and ProCeed shooting brake, Kia now launches yet another Ceed derivative: the XCeed, a sporty-looking low-riding crossover positioned between the Niro and the Sportage. Unlike the others, the sleek newcomer clearly puts design and dynamics before practicality and terrain skills.

As such, it seems to take the same approach as Mercedes with the GLA and BMW with the X2. The price-tag will of course be less exclusive than these German premium cars, but still a few thousand euros more than the basic Ceed. Indeed, the XCeed is to create more margin for its maker and further expand Kia’s European customer base.

Petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug in hybrid

Besides its pleasurable design, it has a handful of additional trumps up its sleeve. For starters, it offers a very wide range of engines, from a frugal yet nippy 1.0 petrol to a state-of-the-art 1.6 diesel. Most of these can be paired with an automated 7-speed dual clutch transmission. All-wheel drive won’t be offered.

Next year, Kia will expand the offer with (several) mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The latter will probably be carried over from the Niro. A fully electric model is not planned, but Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, told Fleet Europe at yesterday’s press conference that he is pushing for an all-electric version of the Ceed. That could eventually open the door to BEV versions of all Ceed derivatives.

UVO Connect with live data

As to the connected chapter, the Kia XCeed is among the first vehicles in Europe to offer the brand’s UVO Connect telematics system. Featuring Kia Live services, the system uses its own eSIM card to retrieve and update live data including live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking (including price, location and parking availability).

The second element of the UVO Connect diagnostic data about owners’ cars and the trips they take, enables drivers to send route directions to their car before a journey, and enables them to check the location of their vehicle at any time.

Built in Europe, for Europe

Production of the new Kia XCeed will commence this August at Kia’s Žilina manufacturing facility in Slovakia, on the same production line as the Kia Ceed hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon and ProCeed shooting brake. Created exclusively for Europe, deliveries of the Kia XCeed will commence in September. Every model will be covered by the company’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty as standard.

Picture and video copyright: Dieter Quartier/Nexus Communication, 2019 (video soundtrack by Bensound.com)