Thinking of getting a Kia XCeed?
The style of the car
The XCeed looks similar to the Ceed hatchback and while it’s closely related, it sits higher off the ground, the roof has a more pronounced slope towards the back and there’s tough-looking black and silver trim on the front, rear and sides. The interior is user-friendly and feels well made.
How it drives
The XCeed is easy to drive, with light steering and a smooth manual gearbox. The ride height means you sit higher than in a conventional hatchback, giving you a really good view. Parking is a doddle, aided by standard sensors. Some models have cameras, too. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid, some of which are available with an automatic gearbox. All get up to speed rapidly enough. The XCeed is quiet and comfortable on long journeys and good fun on a curvy road. It’s ride height helps if you drive along a rough track, but this isn’t a proper off-roader like a Land Rover. Diesel models can tow 1200kg.
The interior
The XCeed is a small SUV with five doors and five seats that’s about the same size as a Ford Focus Active or Toyota C-HR. It has a user-friendly interior with a high-quality feel. There’s lots of equipment, too, including a wide-screen display for the driver on some models. All models get smartphone connectivity, air con and parking sensors. Four adults fit comfortably, though some similar cars have more back-seat headroom. Growing children will have plenty of room. The boot’s a good size for this type of car, with space for four medium suitcases. The back seats fold down for more space.
Running costs
The least efficient petrol engine available in the XCeed gives average fuel economy of 40mpg, according to official figures, which is still pretty good. The EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid diesel, launched in 2021, is the most efficient option, giving around 60mpg. The plug-in hybrid has a claimed range of 36 miles on battery power and takes a couple of hours to recharge from a domestic ‘wallbox’. Road tax costs are low and insurance should be inexpensive.
How it compares with similar cars
The XCeed’s rivals include the Ford Focus Active, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. The XCeed isn’t as much fun to drive as the Ford, as spacious as the Honda, or as futuristic as the Toyota. But it’s a strong all-rounder that’s very good value, looks good and has a practical interior.
