Kia XCeed hatchback - Interior & comfort

Kia continues to raise the quality of its interiors and the XCeed even improves over the latest Ceed hatchback, courtesy of a new infotainment system that’s bigger and sharper. Equipment levels are strong across the range, with digital instruments making an appearance on the top trim.

Kia XCeed dashboard

The high-spec ‘3’ and ‘4’ models get a new 10.25-inch infotainment display that's faster to load and has better graphics, but with familiar, clear menus. The '2' trim still comes with an eight-inch screen but gets a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard; features for which some premium manufacturers such as Mercedes charge extra.

Equipment

The First Edition launch trim has now been replaced by the ‘4’ model. It gets Kia's first iteration of digital instruments, and while the 12.3-inch screen is crisp and easy to read, it doesn't offer quite as much customisation as some rivals. There's also a panoramic sunroof, a different grille design and black door mirrors. Inside, it has yellow interior detailing, a JBL sound system, wireless phone charging and leather trimmed seats and a powered driver's seat with memory function.

Move down one rung to '3' and you still get 18-inch wheels (16-inch versions on the PHEV), tinted glass, part-leather seats, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, along with dual-zone climate control.

The '2' trim still gets 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control and roof rails. Kia has quietly introduced a new Connect trim level, which includes the larger wheels, three free-of-charge metallic paint colours and part-faux-leather upholstery. It seems quite good value seeing as it only costs £155 more than the ‘2’ trim on which it’s based but it’s only offered with the smallest petrol engine.

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Options

Kia tends to avoid extensive options lists, instead advising customers to pick the trim level that best fits their needs. Metallic paint costs £580, which most customers will choose given the ‘free’ colour is brown.

You can also pick from a range of approved accessories, including items such as silver door mirror caps, protective bumper trim, dashcams and even racing stripe decals.