KIA’s Ceed has been central to the South Korean manufacturer’s transition from cheap and cheerful to value-packed quality.

And so it was probably inevitable that a crossover version would join the hatch, coupe and wagon in the range.

Named the XCeed, it’s here and it wants a slice of the action in an ever-popular market.

Kia says the aim is to provide a sporty alternative to larger traditional SUV models and that aim is apparent in the looks – it has fastback-style lines to it.

Spec-wise even entry-level ‘2’ spec gets cruise control, air con, electric windows all round, keyless entry, alloys, reversing camera, digital radio, smartphone integration and more.

Grade ‘3’ adds an uprated 10.25in touchscreen sat nav, heated front seats and the like.

Top end ‘First Edition’ gives you the Smart Park Assist System, remote folding rear seats, panoramic sunroof, JBL premium sound system and lots of safety kit.

And inside it’s another step forward in quality and tech for Kia.

The cabin feels quality and our First Edition had lots of colourful touches matching the exterior colour.

That won’t be to everyone’s taste – this is certainly a car for those with a bit of an outgoing nature and adventure in them.

The dash is fully digital on this spec and the infotainment system has moved up a notch, with a hi res wide screen that looks very good indeed.

It drives nicely, with our 1.4 petrol giving a good amount of poke through an automatic box that was smooth, although a touch revvy at times.

It’s a comfortable cruiser and we managed mid-40s on a long motorway journey.

That compared favourably with the on-paper figure of 40.9.

Other options are the 1.0 petrol, which makes 45.6 MPG and the 1.6 diesel, which gets to 53.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid to come.

The boot swallowed up plenty of stuff for our long weekend away and rear space is good.

Kia has come up with a crossover here to match the best in the segment, packing it with value, as ever, and of course it’s still got that seven-year warranty.

Prices range from £20,795 to £29,195.