Kia XCeed, Audi RS7, Mini Clubman JCW
It’s the ‘urban crossover utility vehicle’ version of the Ceed. It’s good, whatever it is
New-car-niche klaxon: the Kia XCeed is an ‘urban crossover utility vehicle’ that aims to combine everything every car buyer seems to want. The claim from Kia is that it has sporty looks mixed with some SUV style, plus a practical interior, and it drives like a hatchback. Wow. That’s quite an achievement if it’s even close to being true.
In reality it doesn’t quite live up to that ambitious billing, but it’s a very impressive all-rounder. It has the advantage of being based on the same accomplished underpinnings as the rest of the Ceed family: a regular hatch, a practical estate, a slightly less practical estate – all available with a range of impressive engine options, from sensible diesels to turbo petrols.
Most powerful for the UK will be this 138bhp 1.4-litre turbo – we miss out on versions with the Ceed GT’s eager 1.6. Still, it’s a good fit in the XCeed, providing ample shove to get you around town, and the legs to keep you out of trouble on the motorway. Combined with the DCT transmission it feels a little slower than its manual counterpart, but the auto ’box makes for an easier life and fewer jerky gearshifts. The suspension has been tweaked compared with regular Ceed models, and it manages to strike an excellent balance: firm enough to feel engaging in the bends, but soft enough to soak up most bumps. It should deal with the worst UK roads with ease.
Whatever the notion of an ‘urban crossover utility vehicle’ leads you to imagine you’ll find in the car’s interior, you won’t be disappointed so long as you’re expecting it to be a lot like any other Ceed. There’s a big boot, good room for adults in the back seats and it’s very easy to get (and stay) comfy if you’re driving, thanks to excellent seats. The dials and central screen are new for the XCeed, and on our First Edition test car the dash has been beautified with a few nicer materials and details.
Whatever the trim, the XCeed does manage to cram a lot of car into a compact body. But if you don’t buy into the whole ‘hatchbacks looking a bit like SUVs’ craze, chances are you’ll be just as happy with a regular Ceed.
First verdict
A thoroughly accomplished Kia with the style and tech to challenge established crossovers ★★★★