Kia Xceed 1.5T GDi ISG 138 GT-Line S 5dr DCT

Ten Second Review

Kia's XCeed has proved useful for this Korean maker in giving the brand yet another option to meet the needs of buyers seeking a stylish, well-equipped compact SUV. Hence the care taken in creating this updated version, which has a revised trim line-up and a more efficient choice of powertrains. You might feel that this bulging segment doesn't really need any further options but Kia was determined that the Ceed family should offer one and has engineered this smart Crossover contender with characteristic thoroughness.

Background

It's easy to see why Kia is offering this XCeed compact SUV; sales of Crossover models like this are going through the roof just at present. It's less easy to see where it fits within the Korean maker's model line-up. After all, at much the same price point as more affordable XCeed variants, Kia has its Stonic small Crossover. And plusher XCeed derivatives overlap with the brand's Niro SUV hybrids and some versions of the company's mid-sized Sportage SUV. What is clear is that the Xceed, launched in 2019, has been a strong seller for the Korean brand, accounting for over 10% of its overall sales. It got a mid-term facelift in 2022, then a further update in mid-2025 which has created the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

It's all change with XCeed powertrains as part of this update. Out go the 1.5 T-GDI petrol and 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid units (and the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel is long gone). In place of all these, the line-up's now primarily based around a more efficient 1.0-litre three cylinder T-GDI petrol unit with 113bhp and the benefit of 48V mild hybrid electrified assistance. This produces 113bhp and 200Nm of torque and is available with a choice of either 6-speed manual or 7DCT auto transmission. Considerably less efficient is the only other powerplant available, the unelectrified 1.6-litre T-GDI 177bhp petrol unit exclusively offered with the top 'GT-Line S' variant, which has to be had with 7DCT auto transmission. That makes 62mph in 8.5s en route to 130mph. Across the XCeed line-up, not much has changed with regard to ride and handling, though over the last few years with this XCeed, Kia says it's improved the ride over poorer surfaces by adding front hydraulic rebound stoppers. These rubber bump-stops float in hydraulic fluid, absorbing even large suspension shocks with a smooth and progressive response, preventing the body from bouncing as the suspension settles itself after rapid compression. Softer spring rates help in this area too. At the time of the previous XCeed update, Kia took the opportunity to try and improve steering feel, tuning the power steering motor to deliver a quicker initial response to driver inputs. As before, there's a 'Drive Mode Select' system with 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' settings so that drivers can fine-tune steering weight, throttle response and (on auto variants) gear shift speeds. And as usual, all XCeeds get lane keep assist and forward collision warning fitted as standard.

Design and Build

There are no visual revisions as part of the changes that Kia has made to this updated version. The front end was renewed at the time of the last XCeed product update in 2022. As before, the dedicated 16 or 18-inch alloys are segment-specific and draw attention to the ground clearance - which is 182mm on the 18-inchers. Wheel arch and side sill cladding, along with satin chrome roof rails, lend the car a tough presence. While the wheelbase remains the same as other models in the Ceed line-up at 2,650mm, the XCeed's front and rear overhangs have been extended over the five-door hatchback by 25mm at the front (to 905mm) and 60mm at the rear (to 840mm). The only body panels carried over from its five-door hatchback sibling are the front doors. It's much the same inside as before too, though Kia has now standardised the larger of its two available central touchscreens, this one 10.25-inches in size. Disappointingly though, you still have to stretch to pricey 'GT-Line S' trim to get the 12.3-inch Driver Display Screen for the instruments; otherwise, your XCeed will have to make do with a little 4.2-inch screen read-out in th middle of the instrument cluster. The central monitor's satisfyingly sophisticated on all models though, including navigation and linking into 'Kia Connect', a system that links drivers to the world around them by providing invaluable information via the in-car touchscreen or through the Kia Connect app. Featuring Kia Live services accessed through the vehicle's infotainment system, Kia Connect uses its own eSIM card to retrieve and update live data during a drive. As before, the sculptured centre console is angled slightly towards the driver and both the ergonomics and the driving position here are difficult to fault. Kia says there's a 'sportier' driving position than you get in the Ceed hatch. Rear seat space is similar to that of the Ceed hatch, but at 426 litres, the boot is 31-litres larger than it is in that more ordinary variant.

Market and Model

XCeed pricing kicks off from just over £25,000 and rises up to just over £33,000 in conventional form, offered with a choice of 'Pure', 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' trim levels, all primarily featuring Kia's 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine. There's an £1,100 premium if you want toi swap the 6-speed manual gearbox for the 7DCT auto. The top 1.6 T-GDI 177bhp 'GT-Line S' model prices from just over £33,000. All versions are well equipped, with even base 'Pure'-spec versions getting 16-inch alloy wheels, LED bi-function headlights and a 10.25-inch central screen with navigation. this incorporates the 'Kia Connect' range of online services so that you can interact with your XCeed via a provided smartphone app. There's also cruise control with a speed limiter, a reversing camera and a 'Forward-Collision Avoidance Assist' system with city, pedestrian and cyclist protection. Move up to 'GT-Line'-spec and you get 18-inch wheels, a body kit, privacy glass, heated front seats and dual-zone air conditioning. Top 'GT-Line S'-spec gives you a panoramic glass roof, keyless entry and a powered tailgate. Inside, there's an 8-speaker JBL premium audio system, a 12.3-inch Supervision instrument cluster, heated rear seats and upholstery in a combination of black leather and suede. There's also a Blind-spot Collision Warning set-up and a Smart Park Assist System, which can automatically steer you into tight spaces.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the WLTP figures. For the 1.0 T-GDi petrol, expect up to 47mpg on the combined cycle and up to 135g/km of CO2 from the manual version. Many XCeed buyers though, will want the 7DCT auto version of this 1.0 T-GDI model. This delivers 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and 137/km of CO2. A strong buying incentive is much-trumpeted 7 year / 100,000 warranty which, like the 'Care-3' servicing packages, is transferrable to future owners. However, it is worth pointing out that the warranty only offers unlimited mileage for the first three years you own the car; thereafter, you'll have a 100,000 mileage restriction. If in future, the car is sold through a Kia Used Approved Dealership when less than 18 months old or with less than 18,000 miles on the clock, the warranty will be topped up to match that of a new model. You might also want to note that roadside assistance cover is limited to one year, but you do get a long 12 year bodywork warranty.

Summary

Life is certainly a great deal more interesting for someone wanting to buy a family hatchback-sized car these days. Say what you like about the current SUV craze but it's certainly delivered up much more of a 'want one' factor when it comes to the purchase of a 'C-segment' model like this. And the XCeed delivers this with the kind of smart styling you'd normally expect to have to stretch to a premium brand to get. Especially in this updated form. Likely XCeed buyers will like the looks; they'll appreciate how it's so easy to switch into this car from something more ordinary; and they'll value the long 7 year warranty. In short, if you're shopping for this kind of car, there are plenty of reasons why you might want this one.