From a few months ago, were pretty clear that Kia were already working on SUV or ruggerized variant of its recently launched European Ceed, in order to compete against Ford Focus Active, Subaru Crosstek (in Europe called as XV) and future competitors that also will arrive in 2019 and today we known the name and official debut date.
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The Kia XCeed crossover will slot between the Kia Stonic and Kia Sportage, being the latter the one that will grow for its next generation (codenamed as NQ4).
This XCeed will kept almost the same look as the hatchback, and despite the level of camouflage, we only expect a different rear tailights as well as stronger front & rear bumpers. Plastic accents will cover the wheel arches & side skirts in other to emphasize it’s SUV look.
Based on the Ceed, it will also share most of its engines and gearbox options with the Ceed but it’s still unclear if Kia will offer this crossover with all-wheel-drive. For sure GT-Line variant could add a more sporty look to the SUV.
Speaking with Artur Martins, Kia Motors Europe’s vice president of marketing, he identified the Ceed’s market (the C-segment) as an area for potential growth for Kia. He said: “We over perform in D-segment and SUVs – we have around 7 per cent market share. We have a chance to increase volume but we have to change the recipe, we have to come with a different proposition, something more relevant”.
So the Kia XCeed will arrive in order to empower the C-segment with SUV look hatch trying to take another piece of the european market. XCeed is scheduled to be showcased at 2019 Geneva Motor Show held in March, with sales starting on Summer.
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Pictures courtesy of SHM Studio.
