Kia XCeed review

• For: Styling, interior quality, equipment
• Against: Ceed does almost as much for a cheaper price
• Verdict: Looks and feels more premium than the Ceed, but is that enough?

The Kia XCeed slots into the price gap between the Ceed and Sportage, with the potential to offer the best of both worlds.

Although it’s based on the Ceed, all panels except the front doors are bespoke, which goes a little way to explaining why prices start from £21,000.

It’s an inch and a half higher than a regular Ceed, giving nearly seven inches of ground clearance and a taller stance. The suspension brilliantly cushions the worst of Britain’s roads.

Meanwhile, in the context of other SUVs, it feels like a hot hatch, thanks to its agile handling.

There are four trim levels: ‘2’, Edition, ‘3’ and First Edition. Power is sourced from a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.4 turbocharged petrol engines, plus a 1.6 diesel.

Standard specification is high, even on the entry-level version, and the quality of the interior is superb for a car at this level.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2019
• Facelifted: TBC
• Due for replacement: TBC