Facelifted Kia XCeed now on sale from £22,995

• Interior and exterior updates
• New Dynamic GT-Line trim
• Plug-in hybrid and petrol powertrains available from launch

The facelifted Kia XCeed is now on sale, with prices starting from £22,995. The updated car features a refreshed design, the latest technology and a new sporty Dynamic GT-Line trim level.

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As before, Kia is offering the XCeed with both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. First customer deliveries of the new car are expected in September, with the XCeed looking to renew its rivalry with the likes of the Toyota CH-R and Mazda CX-30.

2022 Kia XCeed: pricing and specifications

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From launch, the Kia XCeed can be configured in one of three distinct trim levels: ‘2’, ‘3’ and the all-new ‘Dynamic GT-Line’.

Starting from £22,995, the Kia XCeed ‘2’ acts as the entry point into the range. Despite its base-model status, ‘2’ cars boast a strong level of standard equipment which includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen supplemented by a 4.2-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a reversing camera.

The mid-spec XCeed ‘3’ is likely to be the most popular model in the range and is priced from £25,495. This builds on the foundations set by the entry-level ‘2’ and adds luxuries such as larger 18-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with built-in sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, rear parking sensors and tinted windows.

You can only specify the efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain in ‘3’ trim. However, to sweeten the deal, Kia is also throwing in a model-specific set of 16-inch alloys, a black grille, adaptive cruise control and a drive mode selector. The plug-in XCeed will set buyers back £32,595.

The range-topping Dynamic GT-Line starts from £29,995 and adds several sporty styling touches; this includes a more aggressive bodykit and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. On the inside, Dynamic GT-Line cars get fully-digital dials, leather and suede upholstery, an electric driver’s seat with memory function, heated rear seats, an upgraded JBL speaker system, a powered bootlid, blind spot monitoring, self-parking and speed limit assist.

Exterior and interior

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The refresh will include revisions to the LED headlights to integrate the fog lights, making space on the bumper for a new design that’s more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient. A prominent upper grille area now spans a wider section of the bumper, and the new Kia badge is set just above it. The refresh also brings a new set of 18-inch wheels, in addition to the existing 16-inch and 17-inch designs.

At the rear, the new Kia badge is significantly larger, and an additional curve is visible underneath the rear window. The LED tail-lights adopt a new honeycomb design, and the lower portion of the bumper is body-coloured to contrast to the silver skid plate.

Vice president of Design for Kia Europe, Gregory Gulliaume said “it was important that we took this opportunity to further refine its styling and progress the Ceed design language. The changes we have made further highlight the sporty, urban and adventurous nature of the XCeed.”

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Kia has also improved its infotainment system, which now incorporates a 10.25-inch ‘floating’ central touchscreen with the brand’s latest software. Sharp new graphics will be a noticeable change for existing Kia owners looking to upgrade, and it’s joined by a 12.3-inch ‘Supervision’ digital instrument panel. 

Sports fans can access a new feature that shows live scores and match highlights updated by the minute on the central screen. Kia Connect allows your diary to be shared with the car for reminders on the move, and it’s possible to plan journeys on a smartphone phone, then share the route to the navigation system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard.

Inside, a sporty feel is matched with soft-touch materials to help maintain an upmarket atmosphere. Buyers opting for GT-line specification get a series of further interior upgrades, including black headlining and a unique seat design.

Engines and powertrains

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At launch, buyers can choose from one of two powertrains: a petrol and a plug-in hybrid. The petrol engine comprises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit which produces 158bhp. Kia claims this will get the XCeed from 0-62mph in under nine seconds and return around 45mpg. Petrol XCeeds are only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The plug-in hybrid is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission and will be the most popular choice for company car drivers due to its low Benefit in-Kind tax rating. This utilises a 1.6-litre petrol engine, alongside an electric motor and battery to output 139bhp. Given the extra weight and lack of power, the PHEV is slower to reach 62mph, taking 10.6 seconds. On a more positive note, Kia says the plug-in XCeed has an electric driving range of 30 miles, which equates to around 38 miles of city driving.

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