These first spy shots don’t allow us to see too much
of the Ceed SUV’s design, but we can spot the similar headlights and
taillights, as well as the “Ceed-on-stilts” vibe. It looks more like a
jacked-up hatchback than an SUV and that’s likely going to benefit on-road
dynamics.
Like said models, the Kia
Ceed crossover will try to entice buyers by adopting an “all-in-one approach.”
The model will combine an agile compact car chassis with a reasonably roomy
interior, and increased capability off the beaten track courtesy of the higher
ground clearance.
The design will totally reflect the Ceed’s new-found
versatility with features such as the standard roof rails, plastic body
cladding around the wheel arches and side sills, front and rear skid plates, as
well as more rugged-looking bumpers. The distinct alloy wheels will complete
the package.
As for the rest of the bodywork, expect a Ceed-like
front-end design featuring the “tiger-nose” grille, as well as a slightly
similar but not identical treatment of the rear end compared to the Ceed hatch
and wagon. The window line will also look quite different than that of the Kia
Ceed hatchback. The lower part of the rear windows starts to rise towards the
back, and the heavy padding behind the C-pillars doing a good job of hiding the
vehicle’s third lateral windows.
We don’t have any shots of the interior but that
should have Ceed written all over it too. The new, driver-oriented center
console with the “floating” touchscreen display is a given. Practicality will
stand to gain from the SUV’s taller and larger body than the Ceed’s.
When it comes to the engine lineup, the upcoming
crossover should get the same turbocharged gasoline and diesel power plants as
the Ceed. Unlike the smaller Stonic, it might also get an optional
all-wheel-drive system although there’s nothing official from Kia on that.
Expect the more adventurous Ceed variant to arrive in European markets towards
the end of 2019 or in early 2020.
