What is it?
According to Kia, the Xceed is a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) that slots between its conventional Ceed hatchback and more traditional SUV models such as the Sportage and Stonic. At a glance it looks very much like a standard Ceed that’s been treated to a raised ride height and a smattering of tough-looking plastic body cladding in a bid to sate the appetites of buyers who seemingly can’t get enough of the whole off-roader vibe. So far, so predictable.
Yet look closer and you’ll discover that there’s actually very little carryover - in fact, only the front door skins are the same. The rest of the sheet metal is all new and the coupé-tinged Xceed breaks the measuring tape at 4395mm, which is 85mm longer than the Ceed. Much of that extra length is aft of the rear axle, resulting in a healthy 426-litre boot, which is 31 litres up on the Ceed. That said, the wheelbase remains the same, meaning there’s no more space for occupants - although the Kia is hardly cramped in this regard, easily matching most in the family hatchback class. As you’d expect, the Xceed is taller than its five-door counterpart, with the raised ride height delivering between 172mm and 184mm of ground clearance depending on whether the car is fitted with 17 or 18in wheels.
Mechanically the Xceed is less bold, with perhaps the most intriguing addition being the adoption of hydraulic bump stops for the front suspension. These have been added to boost comfort and control, allowing the spring rates at the front to be lowered by 7% (those at rear are dropped by 4%) - the usual trick on cars where the ride height and centre of gravity have been raised is to stiffen the suspension to counter the extra roll. This emphasis on comfort is further enhanced by the addition to the rear suspension crossmember of a new dynamic damper, which promises to quell both noise and vibration. The rest of the all-independent set-up’s hardware is pure Ceed.
Join the debate
xxxx
In's and out
Outside looks a high quality item, almost dare I say it PREMIUM, so it's a shame it's let down by such an uninspiring cheap'ish looking interior.
si73
xxxx wrote:
I agree re the exterior, a nice looking car, but I don't see what it is about the interior that you think is cheap ish looking, as to me it looks as good as anything else out there. The reviewer seems to agree with you but I don't get it, it looks, to me, as premium and as well laid out and styled as anything from VW/Audi BMW etc.
The yellow of the test car inside and out isn't my preference but overall I like it.
superstevie
si73 wrote:
I agree, I don't think the interior is bad at all. In fact, I think it is one of Kia's best.
tuga
Dehli Escort S
.
What a strange car to revive ( i'm assuming its a late 80s to mid 90s Escort )
Anywho, if you discount the pricing, i have no idea why anyone would choose a standard 5 door Ceed over one of these ( Or a Ceed SW over a ProCeed ). It's not like the standard Ceed is a masterpiece in driving dynamics, and this ( and the proCeed ) at least look pretty damn good.
As for the interior, it may not look as exciting as some of the other compacts on sale today ( A Class, 308, upcoming Golf ), but from what i can remember from sitting inside one it looked and felt pretty solid to me. And the more conventional looks may appeal to an older and/or more conservative audience.
abkq
Kia & Hyundai styling are too
Kia & Hyundai styling are too similar. They need to look more individual, like Toyota & Lexus, or between different VAG brands.
superstevie
abkq wrote:
VAG? All of their cars have a similar theme. Skoda and SEAT SUVs are very similar. I am not disagreeing with your point, just think there could be a better example. Peugeot and Citreon at the moment would probably be better.
Takeitslowly
abkq wrote:
You clearly do not understand the different sectors that Toyota & Lexus operate in and if you did, you would not expect this to exist between K & H...
FastRenaultFan
Stunning car
This looks really great. Moight consider one for the next car. Hve sat in the Kia Pro Ceed as well as the new e-Soull and the quality and dash all around in them is top notch. The dash features pleanty of squishy soft plastics and they are far more stylish noth inside and out compared to say a boring VAG product. My sister recently bought a new car and looked at the Seaat Ateca but in the end bought a Hyundai because she is a busy Mum who just wanted a nice stylish car and one with a proper handbrake not them silly electric ones.
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