- So, what has Kia changed for the XCeed’s facelift?
- You mentioned a sporty model. What’s that about?
- Any other engines I should know about?
- Any change to the XCeed’s practicality?
Kia XCeed facelift range
Kia XCeed facelift rear seats
Kia XCeed facelift front seats
Kia XCeed facelift dashboard
Kia XCeed PHEV facelift charge point
Kia XCeed PHEV facelift charging
Kia XCeed facelift grille detail
Kia XCeed facelift rear detail
Kia XCeed facelift front detail
Kia XCeed facelift front
Kia XCeed facelift rear
Kia XCeed facelift side
Kia XCeed
Kia XCeed
Kia XCeed
Kia XCeed
Kia XCeed
Kia XCeed
Kia XCeed
► Kia’s compact crossover gets updated styling…► … and a sporty new GT-line trim level
► European sales set to start in September 2022
This is the facelifted Kia XCeed. Upgrades to the crossover include fresh styling, a tweaked interior and a new GT-Line trim level, complete with the same 201bhp engine found in the Kia Ceed GT.
Kia first launched the XCeed in 2019, hoping to capitalise on the booming family SUV market. It was a good move, because the company has sold more than 120,000 examples across Europe, making it the most popular model in the Ceed range. However, the niche has since expanded – and the XCeed now has an army of rivals to see off.
Key competitors include the Toyota C-HR, Volkswagen T-Roc, MINI Countryman and Mazda CX-30. There are also several similarly sized, premium-badged SUVs such as the BMW X2, Mercedes GLA and Audi Q2 – and that’s before we mention lifted hatchbacks like the Ford Focus Active.
So, what has Kia changed for the XCeed’s facelift?
The styling, for starters. The updated XCeed gets new LED headlights, reshaped front and rear bumpers, a new radiator grille and a fresh pair of taillights. Kia has also moved the fog lamps into the XCeed’s main headlamp unit, which has made space for a pair of drag-reducing air curtains on the front bumper. Apparently, that benefits the car’s fuel economy.
Changes to the XCeed’s cabin are a lot less noticeable. The more expensive versions get the same 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system as the outgoing model, while analogue gauges and a smaller eight-inch infotainment screen are offered on entry-level cars.
Kia has changed up the XCeed’s interior, though, swapping the old model’s colourful trim and upholstery for monochrome replacements. It’s likely better for residuals. There’s a new black surround for the gear selector, a fresh sliver panel under the touchscreen and a range of new seat fabrics in cloth, suede, synthetic leather or real leather.
You mentioned a sporty model. What’s that about?
Kia’s marketing department says the XCeed GT-Line “speaks directly to those customers who balance their heart and head.” Basically, it’s a slightly sportier version of the standard car fitted with the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the Kia Ceed GT warm hatchback. It produces 201bhp and 195lb/ft of torque, which Kia says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 7.5 seconds.
It certainly looks the part. Buyers get more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a different radiator grille, gloss black door mirrors and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there’s a perforated leather gear knob, black headlining and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Prices are yet to be confirmed for the car, but it’ll almost certainly claim the top spot in the crossover’s line-up.
Any other engines I should know about?
A couple, yes. The XCeed is available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power, as well as a choice of both manual and automatic gearbox (depending on the engine). The range kicks off with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit, which produces 118bhp and 126lb/ft of torque.
Above that, there’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 158bhp and 187lb/ft of torque, as well as the new GT-Line engine. If you regularly cover long distances, you can have a 1.6-litre diesel with 134bhp and 207lb/ft. However, if you opt for Kia’s optional seven-speed automatic gearbox, the torque output of the latter engine jumps up to 236lb/ft.
Unlike the petrol units, the diesel engine features 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance and comes as standard with Kia’s Intelligent Manual Transmission. The electronically controlled gearbox is designed to improve efficiency, as it allows the car to coast with the engine off even when it’s in gear.
It can coast to a halt with the engine off and, when operating in Eco mode, it can coast at speeds of up to 77mph. The engine reactivates when the driver presses the throttle, brake or clutch. Kia says the technology helps reduce CO2 emissions by around three percent in real-world driving conditions.
Like before, buyers can also specify a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The system mixes a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 8.9kWh battery pack and a 44.5kW electric motor for a combined output of 139bhp and 195lb/ft of torque. Kia also says the battery pack can store enough energy for an electric-only range of around 30 miles.
This is a bit of an aside, but the XCeed’s suspension is quite trick. Rather than fixed rubber bump stops, it features hydraulic rebound stoppers in the dampers. Kia says this change allows the suspension to progressively absorb massive bumps rather than hammering the dampers at the end of their travel and sending a jolt through the cabin.
Any change to the XCeed’s practicality?
Not that we can see. Boot space remains the same at 426 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,378 litres with the rear bench stowed. The same 40:20:40 split-folding bench has been carried across the facelift and the amount of space inside for people hasn’t changed.
There’s also a handy adjustable boot floor which can be mounted in two positions. Kia says the lower setting allows taller items to be transported more easily while the higher setting makes it easier to lift heavy items into the boot. Also, when the boot board is in its higher setting, you get a hidden storage area underneath it.
Keyword: New 2022 Kia XCeed facelift launched with 201bhp GT-Line specification