Kia still XCeeding expectations

The Kia XCeed follows the trend for SUV style with low running costs.

Essentially, it’s a Ceed hatchback that’s been given the crossover treatment – a slight raise in ride height and more rugged styling.

Almost half of cars in this segment are now what’s called “crossovers” so it was inevitable Kia would release such a version of its successful Ceed sooner or later.

The good news is that it’s a very likeable car that makes sense on a lot of levels. It’s well styled, with a sleek, slippery shape that belies its surprising practicality.

Prices start at £20,750 and the model I spent time with was the top-of-the-range First Edition version. It costs just north of £29,000 but comes lavishly equipped, with a panoramic glass roof, sevenspeed DSG automatic transmission, power-opening boot, digital dashboard and all the other gizmos and gadgets you would expect from a high-spec car. There’s also Kia’s superb seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

There are three engines to choose from: two petrols and one diesel. My car came with the larger and more powerful of the petrol engines, a 1.4 litre with 138bhp. It gets from 0-62mph in a zippy enough 9.2 seconds and returns 40mpg. Unless you do high mileage – in which case the diesel is worth a gander – it’s the one to go for. A plug-in hybrid option will join the range later this year.

Despite those tough-looking wheel arch protectors, the XCeed isn’t a car that’s meant for off-roading and there’s no four-wheel drive option.

Its natural habitat is on the road and here it does well. Ride height has only gone up 40mm, so you’re not at a level with Range Rover drivers but you do have a good view of the road ahead.

On a long drive through Fife and Angus it coped well with a variety of road surfaces, and it handles nicely too.

The exterior colour is picked out inside, with body-coloured trim and seat stitching. It’s one of many neat touches in a high-quality interior that’s brimming with technology. Everything works well – the heated seats and steering wheel are almost hot enough to leave scorch marks – and feels built to last.

There’s room for four, with enough headroom for six-footers in the rear, and the boot is a spacious 426 litres.

Kia continues its remarkable transformation from budget brand to quality car manufacturer. The XCeed is another first-rate product.

“The good news is that it’s a very likeable car that makes sense on a lot of levels