MOTORS REVIEW: Kia XCeed

Not only was it the Korean carmaker’s third-best seller in a range that boasted brand-new versions of its best-selling Sportage SUV and Niro range, which boasts a full complement of alternative fuel drivetrains, but it also claims to have the happiest owners of any car in the UK.

That is right, according to survey responses compiled by Auto Express, XCeed owners are the UK’s most satisfied motorists.

Why? Auto Express’ responses covered everything from performance, comfort, practicality, safety and running costs, so it appears to be an impressive all-rounder.

Prices start at £23,395 (just £850 more than an entry-level Ceed) in a range that includes 2, 3 and GT Line S trim levels. That aligns it with the considerably smaller (in cabin terms) Ford Puma, Vauxhall Mokka and VW Taigo.

There is a choice of the 160PS 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol – tested here in £25,895 3 grade with a six-speed manual gearbox – or the 141PS 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option which is only available in 3 grade, priced from £32,995.

Previous experience of the PHEV is that it lacks performance when shorn of its electric assistance, though the incentive of around 30 miles of pure electric propulsion (which somehow equates to a 201.7mpg average fuel economy claim) and tax-friendly 32g/km CO2 emissions are a bonus.

In more straightforward petrol-powered form, the front-wheel-drive XCeed claims a more sensible 44.8mpg combined fuel economy figure and 141g/km CO2 emissions.

Kia claims it will reach 62mph in a fairly unremarkable 8.7 seconds on the way to a potential top speed of 129mph.

In reality, it’s a workmanlike engine that feels stronger than these stats suggest. The soundtrack is uninspiring and a little busy – the old 1.4 had a fruitier timbre – but its not intrusive inside the XCeed’s cabin.

Those seeking a little extra space than a C-segment hatchback will find that the space gains are fairly marginal over the Ceed hatchback, but there is plenty of room for a family of four nonetheless and a useful 426 litre boot extends to 1,378 litres with the rear seats folded.

Of more significance to many may be a 48mm taller stance, which raises the seating position by a useful 44mm.

In daily use this does make access easier and brings marginal improvements to the view down the road.

The XCeed’s suspension is also seven per cent softer at the front and four per cent softer at the rear than the Ceed hatchback and the more pliant ride is apparent.

This does not seem to compromise handing, however. While the marginal gain in comfort is apparent, the XCeed feels like a car with a wide track, offering in-corner composure that surpass that of more SUV-aping crossovers.

Roof rails and extra ride height apart, here is more of the hatchback than the SUV about the XCeed and this results in a welcome layer of agility.

Those familiar with the Ceed will see plenty of familiar architecture inside the XCeed’s cabin, despite being a space that succeeds in feeling a little wider and airier.

Black faux leather with suede effect seat upholstery looks good and there are touches of satin silver and gloss black trim that add just enough variety to a cabin that features plenty of soft-touch plastic trim.

It might not have the visual appeal of a Peugeot cabin, but it is a functional space and the quality feels good.

Standard kit on the 3 trim tested here included Kia’s latest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a four inch colour instrument display.

The system is intuitive to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring tech.

I just hope the system’s ‘haptic’ – rather than physical – shortcut buttons are not a sign of things to come. The VW’s group of touch-sensitive gloss black panels instead of real buttons is a real frustration on the move.

Elsewhere all the XCeed’s other key controls are accessed via proper push buttons, with dials for the climate control.

Keyless entry and push button start, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, cruise control and LED headlights are among the other key features.

As ever, Kia succeeds in serving up a strong standard level of kit for its customers.

For some car buyers the XCeed might not lean far enough towards the popular SUV segment.

But I can see why it wins points as an all-rounder. That taller driving position, improved accessibility and added space all serve to elevate it above a standard C-segment hatch in other ways, without unduly compromising dynamics.

For the Korean brand, it is yet another car in a vastly-talented range that demonstrates its skill at identifying and meeting motorists’ needs.