Kia XCeed previewed ahead of full reveal

The first details of the new Kia XCeed crossover have been released ahead of its official launch on June 26.

Created to bridge the gap between the smaller Stonic and larger Sportage SUV, the small Kia XCeed is closely based on the current Ceed hatchback available in Europe but not imported to Australia.

Instead, Kia's Australian arm has committed to the newly-named Steltos SUV to plug the small SUV gap in its current line-up.

Like its closest rival, Ford's Focus Active, the XCeed features a jacked-up ride height, tougher plastic body cladding but remains entirely front-wheel drive.

Only one image has been released so far, but our first glimpse of the 'real' car suggests the XCeed delivers (just) on its promise of possessing more coupe-like styling with a more rakish rear window line.

Going up against other rivals like the Volkswagen T-Roc and MINI Countryman, Kia hopes its sportier stance and cheeky roof-mounted rails and spoiler will give it the edge in the looks department.

Sharing a platform with the Hyundai i30 and the Elantra, the XCeed is almost certain to be offered with the same turbocharged 150kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder and the base 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre.

In some markets the pint-sized 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder may also join the range while in Europe an efficient plug-in hybrid is rumoured.

Inside, the XCeed will get the car-maker's all-new 12.3 digital instrument panel that's set to be rolled out to other Kias in the Korean car-maker's line-up shortly.

There's no word yet if the Kia XCeed has been officially confirmed for Australia buyers. The car's Australian prospects could well be ruled out due to confirmation the Steltos will be here before year's end.