Vehicle Description

Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 5dr Hatchback 72 Plate Review

The Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 5dr Hatchback (72 plate) is an excellent choice for those looking for a practical, stylish, and well-rounded compact crossover. Bridging the gap between a traditional hatchback and an SUV, the XCeed offers a higher driving position, a sleek design, and a surprisingly engaging driving experience. Packed with modern features and offering a strong balance of performance and efficiency, the XCeed stands out as a standout choice in its segment.

Performance and Efficiency
The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 offers a strong and efficient driving experience. Producing 158 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, this engine is well-suited to the compact crossover body, providing plenty of power for both urban and motorway driving. With a 0-60 mph time of around 8.4 seconds, the XCeed offers a sprightly performance that’s more than adequate for daily driving and longer trips.

This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which provides smooth, precise shifts. The ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system also helps improve fuel efficiency by shutting off the engine when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights, and restarting it seamlessly when the clutch is engaged. This contributes to the car’s combined fuel economy of around 45-50 mpg, which is a solid figure for the segment.

For those looking for a balance of power and economy, the XCeed 1.5T GDi offers a satisfying blend, making it an ideal option for families or individuals looking for a practical, everyday car that’s also fun to drive.

Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kia XCeed offers a spacious and well-designed cabin, with a modern feel and quality materials throughout. The ISG 3 trim offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, which is intuitive to use and includes features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and DAB radio. The system’s large screen is easy to read, and the interface is user-friendly, ensuring that drivers and passengers can easily access media, navigation, and connectivity options.

The front seats are comfortable, with ample adjustability and support, ensuring a relaxed driving experience even on longer journeys. The fabric upholstery feels durable and premium for the price, while the dual-zone climate control ensures that everyone inside the car is comfortable, no matter the weather.

The rear seats are spacious for a car of this size, with generous legroom and headroom for passengers. It’s a great option for families or anyone who often carries passengers. The car also offers a good boot capacity of around 426 litres, which is more than enough for a weekend getaway or weekly grocery run. The rear seats also fold flat to expand cargo capacity further, offering foldable practicality when needed.

Technology and Features
The Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 comes equipped with an array of tech features designed to enhance convenience, entertainment, and safety. The 10.25-inch infotainment system supports satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, providing seamless connectivity with your smartphone. The system is responsive and easy to navigate, allowing you to stay connected while on the road.

For safety, the XCeed comes with a wide range of standard driver-assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and cruise control. These features add peace of mind, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and make driving in urban and motorway conditions much easier. The rear parking sensors and reversing camera are also a great addition, aiding parking and low-speed maneuvers.

The digital instrument cluster is another great feature, with a clear display that shows essential driving information such as speed, fuel economy, and navigation instructions. It’s modern, functional, and adds to the high-tech feel of the interior.

Driving Experience
The Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 offers an enjoyable and well-balanced driving experience. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making the car easy to maneuver around town and stable on the motorway. The ride is comfortable, with the suspension soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road while still providing enough feedback to keep the driver connected to the road.

The car’s handling is one of its strong points. While it’s not a performance-oriented vehicle, the XCeed offers a more engaging driving experience than many of its rivals in the compact crossover segment. The front-wheel-drive layout, combined with the well-tuned suspension, allows for an agile and responsive feel, particularly on twisty roads. The XCeed remains stable in corners, and there’s a good sense of confidence when driving on more dynamic routes.

The 1.5T GDi engine delivers plenty of power for most driving situations, whether you’re commuting, overtaking on the motorway, or driving through winding country lanes. The car’s power delivery is smooth and refined, with enough grunt to make overtaking effortless without sacrificing efficiency.

Verdict
The Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 5dr Hatchback is a versatile and practical choice in the compact crossover market. With its stylish design, spacious interior, and impressive tech features, it’s a great option for families, commuters, or anyone looking for a car that’s both practical and fun to drive.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, providing strong power and excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of this size. The handling, comfort, and overall driving experience are all above average, making the XCeed a highly enjoyable car to drive, whether in the city or on longer trips.

The high-tech interior, including the large touchscreen infotainment system, driver-assistance features, and spacious boot, makes the Kia XCeed a practical and family-friendly vehicle. It’s also a solid choice for those who want a car that’s easy to live with on a daily basis, with enough space, comfort, and tech to cater to most needs.

Overall, the Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 3 is an impressive offering that ticks many boxes in terms of style, practicality, and value for money. It provides a great alternative to traditional hatchbacks and compact SUVs, and if you're after a well-rounded, efficient, and fun-to-drive car, the XCeed is definitely worth considering.