2019 Kia XCeed 1.0 T-GDI - price, specs and release date

We test the tough-looking Kia XCeed fitted with the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol. Is it the one to have?...

2019 Kia Xceed 1.0 '2' silver front

Priced from £20,075 | On sale Now

A bit like Tony Stark putting on his Iron Man suit, the Kia XCeed has transformed the appearance of the regular Kia Ceed family hatch into something much tougher-looking.

Indeed, the SUV-esque body cladding appears ready to fend off the harsh and pointy flora of an equatorial forest, even though in reality it’ll more likely be fending off rogue shopping trolleys and isn’t available with four-wheel drive.

We’ve seen this trend of toughening up regular cars before, of course; everything from the Fiat Panda Trekking to the luxurious Audi A6 Allroad are examples of the breed. However, the XCeed’s closest rival is the recently launched Ford Focus Active.

When we first drove the XCeed abroad earlier this year, we were only able to try it in 1.6-litre diesel and range-topping 1.4-litre turbo petrol form. However, here we’re on UK roads and trying the cheaper, 1.0-litre turbo petrol for the first time.

2019 kia xceed 1.0 '2' silver side profile driving

2020 Kia Xceed 1.0 T-GDI driving

The 118bhp that the engine produces doesn’t sound like a lot, but in reality there’s more than enough zip to get you up to motorway speeds without much fuss, aided by a light and easy gearshift.

True, you might want to consider upgrading to one of the bigger engines if you regularly travel big distances with a full load of passengers. However, if most of your driving is around town, the 1.0-litre is pretty much ideal.

It sounds pleasingly sporty, too, even though it’s not as quiet at a cruise as the 1.4. But the amount of wind and road noise that enter the car is more intrusive.

Still, the XCeed takes big bumps such as sleeping policemen well, minimising the amount of jostle you feel. And while it doesn’t deal with sharper edged potholes as well as the Focus Active, it’s generally far from uncomfortable.

Similarly, the Kia XCeed steers well enough and grips reassuringly, but can’t match the precision and agility that the Focus provides.

2019 kia xceed 2 interior dashboard

2020 Kia XCeed 1.0 T-GDI interior

There’s a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment, so you should be able to find a driving position that works. However, while six-footers will just about fit in the rear, the Focus Active gives them more space.

On the other hand, the XCeed has a bigger boot than the Focus. And practicality is further boosted by tethering hooks, a 12V power socket and a height-adjustable boot floor.

If you want to know more about the XCeed’s interior, including what its infotainment system is like, have a look at our full 16-point Kia XCeed review. Or to see how much you could save on an XCeed without any haggling, check out our New Car Deals service.

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