New Kia XCeed is a Focus Active rival with a seven-year warranty

Kia has launched its new XCeed as an 'urban crossover utility vehicle' set to take on the Ford Focus Active when it goes on sale later this year - with prices expected to start at around £21,000.

The only body panels carried over from the five-door Ceed are the front doors, suggesting the XCeed is a bit more than a jacked-up hatch in the same vein as the Focus Active. The Korean manufacturer claims it offers comparable interior space to an SUV, along with a more sporty drive than conventional crossovers.

The XCeed sits up to 42mm higher than the standard Ceed. It's also slightly longer than the hatchback and shorter than a Sportage, while its boot is bigger than the Ceed's (426 litres compared to 395 litres). An adjustable two-step boot floor along with a hidden underfloor storage compartment sounds promising for buyers seeking practicality.

Inside, the XCeed's cabin looks largely the same as the standard Ceed. A yellow colour pack can be selected in a bid to appeal to a younger audience. This features vibrant yellow highlights throughout the cabin, including trim around the air vents and stitching on the seats and doors.

There's also an optional 10.25-inch navigation system perched on the dash, along with the brand's first 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in place of conventional dials.

Engineers have been tasked with making the XCeed handle better than a typical family SUV. Its fully-independent suspension is softer than that used in the regular hatchback, yet Kia claims it doesn't lean any more in bends.

There's the same engine line-up as the Ceed, including a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrols. The range is topped by the 1.6-litre turbo used in the Ceed GT, while a 1.6-litre diesel is available with 115 or 136PS.

Electrified engines, including 48V mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, will be offered in the Kia XCeed from early 2020.

Production of the Kia XCeed will start at the firm's Slovakia plant in August, with UK deliveries expected late in the year. Prices will be confirmed at a later date, expected to start at around £21,000. The XCeed will be sold with the company's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.