Why the KIA XCeed 1.5 MHEV iMT (CV) is the Perfect Choice for Urban Adventures

The KIA XCeed is one of the most beloved models within the Korean company. We have been able to put its mid-cycle renewal to the test together with the 160 CV 1.5 MHEV gasoline mechanics. This, thanks to its electrical support, proudly wears the long-awaited DGT ECO label.

KIA is a company that has managed to win the hearts of countless followers. A good example of this is its own sales figures, which are, year after year, some of the most outstanding in the general automotive sector. This has led the brand to declare itself on numerous occasions as the best-seller among private customers. A banner of which to feel special pride.

And what better way to continue satisfying customers and potential buyers than continuing with the legacy that has won many hearts so far. The Korean company has carried out numerous changes and updates to its leading models, such as the tuning of the entire range of the KIA Ceed or the KIA Proceed. A brother of these two models is the KIA XCeed, the crossover variant of these compact models and which has now received its first facelift to continue to be as young as it has been until now.

Exterior and interior renovation

As we say, the KIA XCeed has been tuned to continue being one of the kings of its segment. The model has inserted a series of modifications that do not evoke groundbreaking lines at all, but simply these have been updated. Among its main innovations are its new headlights, which now have different shapes and LED technology as standard.

At the same time, it inserts some new moldings and decorations, such as its so-called "tiger nose" (the small grill). The bumper also welcomes new, more modern, and striking shapes. This may include aluminum parts, thus denoting the adventurous character of the car.

Wheels of up to 18 inches with a completely new design are now inserted into the profile. These go hand in hand with the appearance of the car along with the exterior colors, of which this facelift debuts three new ones: Yuca Steel, Lemon Splash, and Celadon Spirit Green.

Finally, its rear stands out mainly for the new light groups with a very particular design that reminds the eyes of a fly. Finally, it also slightly modifies the bumper which, in certain finishes, has moldings similar to exhaust outlets.

The cabin has received a small revision, although, in general terms, it remains practically immaculate with respect to the outgoing version. As the only main change, it debuts a new steering wheel (in the specific case of the GT-Line trim) with new buttons and the trim logo on the vertical radius. It also adds new upholstery in certain versions.

Generally speaking, the interior living space is still more than remarkable. The occupants of the front seats will travel very comfortably in their seats. In addition, as an option, you can have heating in them. On the dashboard is a double digital screen (instrumentation and infotainment). The first one is located behind the wheel and has a diagonal of 12.3 inches; the second crowns the center of the front panel and can be 5, 8, or 10.25 inches, depending on the finish. Of course, it has connections to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The second row of seats also provides more than good space for people of medium and tall height. However, despite being a car approved for three passengers in the rear, the truth is that, in this case, they will travel a fair amount of space in width. Therefore, the central square is better left for emergencies or specific occasions.

Finally, the cargo space has a minimum volume of 426 liters of capacity in all mechanical variants, except in the plug-in hybrid version, which is reduced to 291 liters due to the space occupied by the battery. However, our unit adopts the gasoline engine, so there is no such loss in space.

Finishes, mechanics, and prices

The new KIA XCeed has four well-differentiated finishes. In the first place, and as access to the range, is the Concept, which can be equipped with a 120 hp 1.0 T-GDi engine and manual transmission; alternatively it has the diesel 1.6 Mild-Hybrid and 136 CV and manual transmission. Above this is the Drive finish, which, in addition to those already mentioned, incorporates the alternative 1.5 Mild-Hybrid with 160 CV and a manual gearbox.

Next, the two top finishes are represented by the Tech and the GT-Line. In both, you can choose almost the entire range of engines and manual or automatic transmissions. At the top of the range is added the 1.6 T-GDi with 204 hp. The starting price of the Korean crossover is 22,300 euros for the Concept with the 120 CV block.

Our unit incorporates the GT-Line finish (new in this update) together with the 160 HP 1.5 Mild-Hybrid engine and the 6-speed manual gearbox. Its starting price, with this configuration, is 30,242 euros, according to the official configurator of the brand, and without including any type of discount. Thanks to its electrical system, the model has the long-awaited DGT ECO label.

Driving test

Many things can be said about the KIA XCeed, but one of the main ones is that it has barely changed compared to its previous variant, and this is a good thing. The first version already moved really well, with great dexterity, at the same time that it presented a high level of comfort for its occupants. We were able to put it to the test a few years ago together with the 120 hp 1.0 T-GDi engine and we even made a video during its coming out.

As we have already mentioned before, we put ourselves behind the controls of the new GT-Line finish, however, and although it is the one that arouses the most sporting feelings in the entire range, the truth is that it does not present variations in elements such as suspensions or steering So, after all, it is still a "KIA Xceed" to use, in dynamic terms. In aesthetics, it does add all the sections that we have previously listed and that gives it that younger and more dynamic appearance.

As a first point, as soon as we sat down for the first time in the KIA XCeed, it stands out for presenting a high driving position and really comfortable and soft seats. Being a car with a not-too-large interior, everything falls to hand (central screen, buttons...) without stretching the arm too much, and the general feeling of finishes is quite good. We started and left.

Being the gasoline block, the start is quite noticeable in terms of sound, although as soon as the revolutions are optimized, the sound subsequently becomes almost imperceptible. The main controls have a perhaps excessively assisted touch, especially in the field of pedals. The clutch, in particular, is so soft that it's hard to even get hold of its travel, something that can be really uncomfortable at times, especially in urban areas where you have to step on it many times.

However, in contrast, the manual gearbox has a really good feel, so it differs markedly from the aforementioned clutch. His marches are very well directed and the movements are very forceful. Very good in this regard. However, the steering also suffers from being softer than we would like, although you get used to this quickly and later tends to go unnoticed.

Leaving aside the touch of its controls, the car is very comfortable in all types of traffic, both urban and extra-urban. Its suspensions have a very stable setting to "eat" a good part of the bumps and thus generate that feeling of comfort on board. Visibility around the entire vehicle is also quite good, only being somewhat improved through the interior mirror, although nothing too pronounced.

Regarding consumption, for its part, even being one of the most powerful engines in the range, it has left more than positive records, since after a week of use, it has not exceeded 7 liters on the average total. On the motorway or extra-urban environments, its average consumption is really correct, since it is around 6 liters, so we can say that we have completely correct power, while its "thirst" is very restrained. In the city, as is normal, this average rises until it is common to see figures of 7.5 liters.

Finally, its engine behaves as well as one would expect, the thrust is very linear in a good part of the revs. There are alternatives or driving modes in which to select what type of driving you want to carry out; the most advisable will always be the "normal" mode, since in the ECO the car remains quite subdued and delivers its potential with a certain "delay", while in the Sport it may launch too much on certain occasions, which can be uncomfortable at times.

Conclusion

The KIA XCeed seemed to me to be a very complete car in most aspects, especially those referring to interior comfort and adequate consumption. However, I would have liked a little more tact in its controls, especially with regard to the pedals and their steering. Would you recommend its purchase? Of course. The set seemed quite good to me and it presents a pleasant relationship between quality and price.