Kia has updated its XCeed compact crossover with a refreshed look, enhanced interior and new trim level.

Prices start from £22,995 and first deliveries of the new XCeed are expected by the end of September.

The new XCeed has received a range of mid-lifecycle updates three years after it first went on-sale.

In that time, it has become the best-selling variant in the four-strong Ceed model family, and now accounts for 51% of all Ceed sales in the UK.

It has also made up 10% of total Kia UK sales so far this year, with 5,652 units registered in the UK in the first half of the year.

The updated model features new LED headlamps and a revised grille, front bumper and a redesigned air intake. By integrating the fog lamps into the headlights, the designers were able to include air curtains on either side which guide air smoothly around the vehicle’s wheels to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. 

Two powertrains on offer to UK customers

In the UK, the new XCeed offers the same choice of two powertrains as found on the pre-facelift model, including a plug-in hybrid model.

The anticipated best-seller in the line-up is the 1.5-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, paired with a six-speed manual and producing 158 bhp and 253 Nm torque.

The new XCeed PHEV carries over the same plug-in hybrid system, based on a 1.6-litre GDi (gasoline direct injection), paired with a 44.5 kW electric motor and 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

It applies its combined 139 bhp and 265 Nm torque to the road with a six-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT). The new XCeed PHEV is capable of travelling up to 30 miles on electric power.

WLTP fuel efficiency and emissions data for all variants, as well as (Benefit-in-Kind) BIK information for the business-friendly PHEV model, will be revealed closer to the car’s on-sale date.

Kia revises UK grade structure

The new XCeed offers a similar grade structure to earlier versions of the XCeed, but with the outgoing ‘4’ model replaced with the new ‘GT-Line S’ version.

Versions with the 1.5-litre T-GDi engine are available in ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grades.

All four grades are available in a choice of eight paint options, with ‘Spirit Green’ new to the line-up and never seen before on UK roads.

These are offered alongside existing paint options, which include ‘Phantom Black’, ‘Penta Metal’, ‘Lunar Silver’, ‘Infra Red’, ‘Fusion White’ and ‘Blue Flame’.

From launch, ‘Splash Lemon’ is offered as standard, with all other premium colours priced at £580.

The entry-level XCeed 2 features the following standard equipment: 

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED bi-function headlights
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 4.2-inch Supervision driver instrument cluster
• Seven-speaker audio system
• All-round electric windows with front auto up-and-down function
• Reversing camera system
• USB-C and USB-A sockets in the front cabin, and a USB-C socket in the rear
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with city, pedestrian and cyclist recognition
• Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG)
• Cruise control and speed limiter
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel and faux leather-trimmed gearshift
• Black cloth upholstery
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats