Kia has lightly revamped its XCeed crossover with some tweaked styling features and an updated cabin, as well as a new high-end trim level that brings the car into line with the Ceed hatchback on which it's based.
Updated exterior design
The most obvious changes are found at the front, where the XCeed features new LED headlights and an updated grille, as well as a new bumper design. The fog lights are now integrated into the headlights, which has allowed the designers to create "air curtains", guiding air around the wheels to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Speaking of wheels, the new XCeed now gets unique 18-inch alloys (although these may not be standard), while there's a new diffuser-look bumper at the rear of the car. There's also a gloss black skid plate and a "discreet exhaust-look design" for the rear bumper, which is designed to give the XCeed a "sporty look". As a result of these changes, the new car is now slightly longer than its predecessor, thanks to a 25mm increase in front of the front wheels and a 60mm stretch behind the rear wheels.
Otherwise, the XCeed looks much the same as before, with a 44mm increase in ride height over the Ceed hatchback, as well as wheel arch and side sill cladding. The XCeed will also come with satin chrome roof rails as standard.
Almost identical cabin
Inside, the updated XCeed gets much the same interior as its predecessor, although there's some new technology on board. There's an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system, although an eight-inch screen comes in for mid-range models. Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed.
The infotainment system has some new functions, including a Sports feature that adds live updates from sports events, and there's the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technology. There's also a calendar integration system that can access event locations and set the navigation system accordingly.
In addition, Kia has fitted the latest version of its Kia Connect connected car technology, offering real-time data on the driver's smartphone. The car can tell the driver whether it's locked or where it's parked, as well as offering details of potential parking spaces (depending on local infrastructure of course).
New GT-Line trim
In addition to those updates, the XCeed now gets a sporty GT-Line trim level that's carried over from the Ceed hatchback. Fitted with a new design for the front grille, a sporty lower air intake and side bumper cladding, it's designed to look more aggressive than the standard XCeed.
At the back, there are new hexagonal-shaped LED taillights and a body-coloured diffuser, while gloss black roof rails and door mirrors have been added. The whole thing rides on 18-inch alloys to give it "athletic appeal".
Inside, the GT-Line comes with a D-shaped steering wheel, black roof lining and perforated leather on the gear knob. There's also a special GT-Line seat design.
Range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines
Under the skin, the new XCeed is more or less identical to its predecessor. Elsewhere in the world, there's a wide range of engines, including petrol, diesel and hybrid options, but it's expected that Kia Ireland will continue to offer the XCeed solely in plug-in hybrid guise. This combines an 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a 44.5kW electric motor and a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Together, they produce 141hp and offer an all-electric range of up to 48km, according to the official figures.
All this will sound familiar to owners of the outgoing XCeed, but Kia claims it has tuned the car's "ride and handling characteristics", with an apparent focus on comfort.
The updated Kia XCeed is expected to go on sale at the end of 2022.