The Kia XCeed joins the electrification drive with a mild-hybrid version

Kia has completely renewed its Kia XCeed. The model now has a much more sculpted design, has incorporated mild-hybrid technology and has added the GT-Line trim. The new front end is more aggressive thanks to the LED light units and the redesigned bumper. The grille has also been reduced in size. At the rear, the new light units and a gloss black diffuser can also be seen.

On the side, the 18-inch alloy wheels stand out. For its part, the new GT-Line trim of the Kia XCeed has a thinner grille surround and more pronounced air intakes on the bumper. Inside, the new trim includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a black roof, a perforated leather gear lever and sports seats.

Everything we know about the new Kia XCeed

The engine options for the rest of the XCeed range are completed by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder T-GDi engine producing 160 CV, but the new GT-Line crossover gets the same 204 CV and 265 Nm of maximum torque as the 1.6 fitted to the Ceed and Proceed GT. Combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive only, the larger engine is great for going from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.

You can also opt for the 1.0-litre T-GDi with 120 CV / 172 Nm, now equipped with MHEV technology, or a two-litre diesel mild-hybrid that produces 136 CV, plus 320 Nm when combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission. If you opt for the six-speed manual version of the MHEV diesel you will lose 40 Nm, but you will get the iMT manual gearbox from Kia, which has an electronically controlled clutch that allows the car to coast at speeds of up to 125 km/h to save fuel.

It is worth mentioning that the model is also available with a full-hybrid version that combines a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor. It delivers 141 CV of power and 265 Nm of maximum torque. It is linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery is quite small at 8.9 kWh, so the PHEV has a rated electric range of only 48 km on the WLTP cycle, but Kia claims it should manage around 60 km of city driving with zero emissions.

The changes inside are mainly limited to connectivity improvements, adding the latest version of Kia Connect, which offers integration with Google and Apple calendars and allows drivers to plan trips in advance and send navigation data to the car from their smartphones, or use their smartphones to locate their cars if they forget where they parked them.

Depending on the market, base XCeed models come with DAB radio units with a 5.0-inch screen, and mid-range versions get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trim models feature a 10.25-inch infotainment system with multi-connection Bluetooth that allows two people to connect their phones at the same time, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA XCeed14 versions · from 28,585 €