Kia has announced details of its new XCeed model, revealed last week as a sporty crossover addition to the Ceed line-up.

Order books are now open for the Kia XCeed

On sale now, the XCeed marks the fourth model in the Ceed line-up, joining the five-door hatchback, Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake, and bringing a rival to models such as the Ford Focus Active.

Priced from £20,795 – some £2,000 more than Ceed hatchback – the XCeed is intended to bridge the gap between hatchbacks and SUVs, bringing higher ground clearance and measuring 85mm longer and 43mm taller than the hatch but sitting lower than an SUV to give a more dynamic look. It’s also said to be more engaging to drive than a typical family SUV due to its bespoke suspension tuning, more compact exterior dimensions, lower centre of gravity and reduced overall mass.

UK engine line-up brings a choice of 114bhp 1.0 T-GDi and 138bhp 1.4 T-GDi petrols plus 114bhp and 134bhp 1.6 CRDi diesels. All get a six-speed manual while a seven-speed auto DCT is offered with the higher-powered petrol. Fuel and CO2 figures are yet to be announced. 48-volt mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options will arrive early 2020.

Trim levels cover ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘First Edition’ designations. Grade ‘2’ models feature 16-inch alloy wheels, LED bi-functional headlights, front projection fog lamps, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, and rear fog lamps, along with automatic lighting control, keyless entry, manual air con, cruise control, lane keeping assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. It also features an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, together with a reversing camera system.

‘3’ specification models add in 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, electric and heated folding door mirrors plus 10.25-inch navigation system with telematics, black cloth and part faux leather seat upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, smart key and button start. Pedestrian detection is added to the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system on manual models and is an optional extra for DCT versions.

The top-of-the-range ‘First Edition’ models come with a panoramic sunroof, smart power tailgate, JBL premium sound system, wireless phone charger, 40:20:40 split folding rear seats and bespoke interior details. Driver assistance features add in blind spot collision warning, intelligent speed limit warning and a high-line tyre pressure monitoring system with tyre pressure display.

Deliveries start from September and all models come with Kia’s usual seven-year warranty as standard.