Kia is readying a new member for the Ceed
family. Yes, it’s a new crossover and
it will be based on the Korean compact. We haven’t got an official name for it
yet, but chances are it will feature the Ceed moniker, with some sources saying
it will be called XCeed. These 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.
That also means it will go against models such as
the Ford Focus Active, Subaru XV and VW Golf
Alltrack when it goes on sale in Europe later this year. 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. 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.
Inside, 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.
The adventurous Ceed variant
could be revealed as early as in March at the Geneva Motor Show and arrive in
European markets in the second half of the year. A North American introduction
is unlikely at this point.
