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Developed on the same platform as the five-door variant, it only shares with it the wheelbase and the two front doors. The rest of the body elements are new, with very different proportions and style . Thus, it measures 4.39 meters long -8.5 centimeters more- and 1.49 meters high -4.3 cm more. Data are clearly inferior to those of the Sportage and superior to those of the Stonic, so it would be placed between these two SUVs, although with a different philosophy, since it becomes a mixture between a high-body tourism that ends with a rear Coupe style. This also responds to details such as plastic protections that run throughout the lower part of the body and the wheel arches.

This makes its natural rival a Ford Focus Active , which is also an alternative to a Subaru XV (much more capable in the field) and even, if the price does not matter, to the previous Mercedes GLA . In the future, the Cupra Formentor and the clone that the Seat matrix makes of the latter, will have a very similar formula.

Aesthetic aside, this approach makes us sit 4.2 cm taller than in the saloon, an aspect that many will appreciate and will not dislike those who reject the throne of an SUV. Access is also more natural and improves visibility, penalized backwards by the small rear window.

Precisely in the driving position we have another of the great innovations, since it is the first Kia with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (only in the upper finish) plus the central multifunction display of 12.5 inches. They are two elements that place him at the forefront of the segment and that will gradually reach the rest of the brand.

As all the growth of the XCeed is in the overhangs, there are no improvements in habitability. Thus , in the rear seats we find a good leg room , a gap just wide for three adults and only loses some height for the heads due to the fall of the roof that part. Instead, it improves the trunk, which reaches 426 liters to reduce the differential with the most capable SUVs in this regard.

From the range of versions - which will be extended from this year with microhybrid and plug-in variants - we tested the four-cylinder petrol and 140 horses with a very nice six-speed manual transmission (for about 1,600 euros there is a double clutch box with seven gears). It is a set that moves the car easily, has many lows and allows overtaking safely, but lacks character. As for consumption, without being exaggerated -7.4 liters on average- it is close to what was promised if we make a very efficient use . And we forget the Sport program, if we have that option.

In the behavior, suspension (with hydraulic shock absorbers and softer springs) and steering have been calibrated to give it an agile behavior (less than the Focus Active) but at the same time comfortable, aspect that only betrays with some dry bounces in large potholes or reducers of speed

As for prices, the cheapest XCeed starts at 18,895 euros with a 1.0 horsepower engine of 120 horses and a Concept finish. The one we tested had the superior Emotion and 20 more horses, with a fee of 25,427 euros with which it brings practically everything. Or everything (including digital instrumentation and a JBL sound system) if we add the Premium pack, which is another 2,900 euros.

Data sheet

Price. 25,427 (1.4 T-DGI EMOTION) DIMENSIONS. Length / width / height / battle: 4.39 / 1.83 / 1.49 / 2.65 meters. Boot: 426 / 1,378 l. MECHANICAL Petrol, four cylinders. 1,353 cc and 140 hp. Six-speed manual gearbox Front-wheel drive. SECURITY. Nine airbags, ESP. PERFORMANCES Maximum speed: 200 km / h. 0 to 100 km / h: 9.4 sg. From 80 to 120 km / h on 4th / 5th / 6th: 8 / 10.3 / 14 sec. Consumption: 7.4 l / 100 km. CO2 emissions: 152 gr / km (WLTP cycle).

Assessment

Drop down

Total: 7.5

MECHANICAL .............. 7

BEHAVIOR. 7.5

PRESENTATION ....... 8

HABITABILITY ......... 7

VALUE / PRICE .......... 8

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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