The rather likeable Kia XCeed crossover has arrived in Ireland, with the range kicking off at €26,245.
Generously equipped across the board
Kia Ireland's pricing offer sees the XCeed crossover sold in K2, K3 and K4 specifications, with a choice of either a 1.0-litre T-GDi three-cylinder turbo petrol or a 1.6-litre CRDi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. If customer demand dictates, then other engines will join the range as required, while a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version will land in 2020.
The XCeed range kicks off with the €26,245 1.0 T-GDi K2, with 16-inch alloys, LED lights front and rear, privacy glass, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a number of safety features include Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, High Beam Assist and Speed Limit Assist. Stepping up to K3 (from €28,145 for a 1.0 T-GDi) adds 18-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with TomTom satnav and a reversing camera, half-leather upholstery, an electronic parking brake and wireless smartphone charging. K3 is the first level at which the 115hp CRDi diesel engine appears, for a price of around €31,000.
K4 specification (from €30,045 for a 1.0 T-GDi) is the plushest of all, bringing in heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a smartkey with push-button start, climate control and Blind Spot Detection.
'Distinctive and modern design'
Aidan Doyle, Head of Marketing at Kia Motors Ireland, said: "The Kia XCeed addresses the growing desire for cars which offer more emotion and dynamism than an SUV, both in terms of the way a car looks and drives. Yet these customers don't want to lose the practicality that a larger car offers them. Our new CUV meets these needs, with a distinctive and modern design wrapped around a spacious, versatile body. Merging the strengths of both hatchback and SUV, the Kia XCeed offers a refreshing and different alternative for Irish motorists."
The Kia XCeed PHEV, due to launch in 2020 (prices and specs for this have yet to be released by Kia Ireland), will team a 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDi petrol engine with a 44.5kW (60hp) electric motor and 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. Mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the powertrain delivers up to 141hp and 265Nm to the front wheels. Kia says this XCeed will be able to complete 'the majority of daily drives and short commutes' on electric power alone. Economy and CO2 emissions for the PHEV XCeed will be revealed closer to its on-sale date.