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Multi-talented XCeed is the best of both worlds

Kia's XCeed blends hatchback style with crossover practicality. With powerful, efficient engines and a generous feature list, you can't ignore its company car potential.

Take a look around the Kia XCeed, and you quickly see that this isn't quite a hatchback, nor is it a run-of-the-mill crossover. It's taller (43mm), longer (85mm) and has a higher ground clearance than the Ceed hatchback, but it also has a svelte sloping roofline and sits lower than a regular crossover. And while it shares the Ceed family name, it only has its front door panels in common with the Ceed hatchback. The result is a distinctive, coupé-like appearance that gives the XCeed a more dynamic stance than a typical SUV.

Indeed, Kia calls it a CUV - a Compact Utility Vehicle - a car designed to bridge the gap between traditional hatchback and an SUV. As a result, passengers have more room, and there's a massive 426-litre luggage capacity - that's 31 litres more than the Ceed hatchback - and it grows to a capacious 1,378 litres with the 40:20:40 seats folded down. And while it's larger and more practical than the hatchback, Kia's engineers have worked hard to ensure it remains fun to drive. So if your business requires you to carry plenty of luggage, you no longer need to sacrifice style or dynamic ability for practicality.

An Engaging Drive

Go for a quick B-road blast and you quickly see that the muscular stance and athletic looks aren't a hollow statement, but an indicator of XCeed's impressive driving dynamics. It's superb ride and handling - in spite of the increased ride height - are the result of dedicated new suspension components, a lower centre of gravity an lightweight materials. For example, this is the only Ceed model to feature hydraulic rebound stoppers - in simple terms, they allow the XCeed to absorb even th largest shocks, so the ride is incredibly smooth, yet they also aid steering response. The result? A car that glides over the road like a traditional crossover, but has the pulse-quickening handling of a sporty hatchback. So whether you need a relaxing drive to wind down after a stressful day, or whether you're simply after a bit of fun, the XCeed can switch character to match your mood.

In fact, it's clear that Kia has gone the extra mile to make the XCeed relaxing and comfortable to drive. Company car drivers who cover plenty of miles will appreciate the new dynamic damper for the rear cross-member, which reduces road noise and vibrations, and makes the XCeed impressively comfortable when cruising. Then there are the subtle changes to the power steering, which is slightly lighter to reduce fatigue on long journeys.

Powerful and Efficient

Complementing the accomplished chassis is a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Fittingly, they each provide plenty of torque for relaxed, effortless acceleration, while also revving quickly and freely should you want to make extra swift progress. Petrol power comes from the 120PS 1.0-litre T-GDi or the 140PS 1.4-litre T-GDi engines, while diesel buyers can choose from a 115PS or 136PS 1.6-litre CRDi engine. All engines can be paired with the slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox, and the 1.4 T-GDi can be had with the impressively smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Fuel economy is excellent, too. 1.0 T-GDi is capable of 52.3mpg and emits just 124g/km CO₂ while the 115PS 1.6 CRDi returns a frugal 68.9mpg and 109 g/km CO₂ (combined NEDC 2.0). Those low CO₂ figures are great for keeping VED and BIK tax low, while impressive mpg figures should help keep running costs low.

Usefully Connected

Take a seat in the XCeed, and it's impossible not to notice the striking new 10.25-inch TFT LCD widescreen display, which, perhaps more excitingly, features Kia's new UVO CONNECT telematics system.

This clever new system introduces a number of particularly useful features for business users and fleet managers. For example, you can now connect to two mobile devices at once - great if you have both a work phone and a personal phone. You can also set up different user profiles - perfect for those who share a vehicle with a partner or co-worker.

It can provide drivers with invaluable real-time information, such as fuel prices at the nearest filling stations, live traffic updates, as well as parking prices and availability. Handy for avoiding unnecessary increases to running costs from extortionate car parks and costly fuel stations. It can do this because UVO CONNECT maintains a constant internet connection through its own sim card.

There's even a UVO mobile app (for Android and iOS) that allows you to send routes to your car, check its location, and perhaps most usefully for business users, you can access trip reports, monthly summaries of the car's usage and diagnostic information for the vehicle. UVO connect comes as standard on '3' and 'First Edition' grades.

Generously Equipped

In typical Kia fashion, the XCeed comes with a remarkably packed feature list. Every XCeed gets alloy wheels, LED bi-functional headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto^TM and Apple CarPlay^TM , and even a reversing camera - we all like to think we're excellent at parking, but it doesn't hurt to have some extra help and lower the risk of unnecessary repair bills.

The standard spec list doesn't stop there though. You also get a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, automatic lighting control, keyless entry, air conditioning and cruise control. You even get advanced safety technologies such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). So even if you opt for the entry level '2' grade, company car drivers can enjoy plentiful comfort and safety features.

Step up to '3' grade and you get 18-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass. But there are also features that boost comfort and productivity, such as the new 10.25-inch navigation system with telematics, black cloth and part faux leather seat upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. If like most company car drivers you spend a lot of time in your car, features such as these can be invaluable to keeping comfortable.

The range-topping 'First Edition' stands out with some unique styling features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a dark chrome mesh radiator grille with satin chrome frame and black gloss mirror caps.

You also get some advanced tech, such as the 12.3-inch TFT supervision cluster display that replaces the traditional dials, a smart power tailgate, JBL® premium sound system and wireless phone charger, which helpfully lets you know if you're about to leave your car without your phone so you don't unnecessarily miss an important call.

Industry-leading Warranty

As with all Kia models, the Kia XCeed comes with the signature seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Great for peace of mind, even better for keeping your SMR costs down.

Why not speak to your local Business Specialist Dealer or our dedicated Kia Business Centre to arrange a test drive?

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