Car review: Kia XCeed

The Kia XCeed might have one of the daftest model names in recent history, but that shouldn’t put you off it.

Kia describes the car as having the look of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) without all of the four-wheel-drive features. Actually, this handsome car has an almost coupe-like profile, vaguely reminiscent of the Mazda 3, and lacks the steroidal, pumped-up vulgarity of some SUVs.

This sure-footed aesthetic continues inside. The cabin uses good quality materials and is nicely detailed, with controls and instruments that are well laid out and easy to use. The car has soft, comfortable seats and is genuinely spacious, with the rear seat area being particularly commodious, and the boot a decent size too.

There are currently three engines, a 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol, a 1.4 four cylinder and 1.6 diesel (a petrol/electric hybrid should arrive next year). All three are quiet and refined. The little engine is more than capable of punting this Golf sized vehicle without thrashing hysteria. Only when setting off from rest does it require a bit of gear lever rowing to get things moving.

The diesel is the most easy going, and the 1.4 petrol is somewhere in between. The XCeed handles adroitly, with light, direct steering, aided by independent rear suspension. The ride is firm-ish, but comfortable, and the XCeed is a thoroughly pleasant car to drive.