Kia XCeed breaks cover as a compact crossover

-Kia has taken the wraps off the all-new XCeed for the European market.

-The CUV is based on Ceed and is positioned above the Stonic but below the Sportage.

-Not expected to arrive in India any time soon.

Kia has extended the Ceed family with the introduction of the all-new XCeed compact crossover. It joins the hatchback, Sportswagon and Proceed shooting brake in the Ceed line-up. Kia has positioned the XCeed between the Stonic and Sportage and it will be exclusively sold in the European markets.

The CUV is wider, taller and longer than the Ceed hatchback upon which it is based. The jacked up appearance is enhanced by 16/ 18-inch alloy wheels and body cladding all around. Sleek headlamps flank the Tiger-nose grille and the bumpers are decorated with fog lamp extensions and faux skid plate. The raked tailgate has sculpted bumpers and stylish taillamps. Kia is also providing a special ‘Quantum Yellow' paint scheme with the XCeed.

The increased dimensions translate to added space on the inside. There’s also powered tailgate and 426litre boot space which can be expanded by folding down the 40:20:40 rear seats. Apart from that, all the equipment and layout inside the cabin has been carried over from the Ceed hatchback without any changes.

The same can be said about powertrain options. So there’s the usual 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre units apart from the bigger 1.6-litre petrol engines from the Ceed and Proceed GT. There’s also a couple of oil burners which can be had either with a six-speed manual or DCT automatic. Apart from these, Kia will surely include hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains as options for the XCeed from next year.