PROS Unmistakeable looks, great comfort, agreeable electric version
CONS You can't get a quick one. But it wouldn't work anyway
The Citroën C4 is very temptingly priced for a coupé SUV, while comfort and refinement also impress. You do pay for its cushiness with roly-poly handling, though, and there are more practical options.
PROS Comfortable ride Little wind or road noise Well priced
CONS Body lean in bends Boot is on the small side No alarm on entry-level model
PROS Ride comfort and general quietness Eager and efficient engines Spacious, minimalist interior
CONS Go elsewhere if you want sportiness No hybrid models available Divisive styling won't universally appeal
The Kia XCeed has a higher ride height, a range of cheap-to-run engines and lots of kit as standard. There are more comfortable SUVs with better rear space, though.
Pros Eye-catching looks Good range of engines Well equipped as standard
Cons Bumpy in town So-so digital dials Limited back-seat space
On the styling front, Kia has done a fairly good job.Despite what the cladding may suggest, the XCeed is still front-wheel drive only. it’s a Ceed hatch that has been raised by 44mm to create an almost-crossover. We say almost, because Kia already sells the Sportage as a crossover and the Sorento as a full-size SUV.
Pros Better looking than a Merc GLA and comparatively much cheaper
Cons Do you really need a coupé-ified crossover hatchback on stilts?
If the design, ergonomics and credible dynamics of the most recent Ceed demonstrate that Kia should now be considered alongside any other European maker of mass-market hatchbacks, then the Xceed is the derivative perfectly tailored to the current tastes of European buyers.
Pros More satisfying to drive than the class average, with good steering Attractive appearance gives the Xceed a good measure of personality
Cons Low-speed ride exhibits hard edges, despite the raised ride height Expensive compared with some rival cars
