AN updated version of the Kia XCeed crossover will be on the road later in the year as the Korean car maker refreshes its popular model.

With sharper looks including a redesigned grille and LED headlights, the latest XCeed will also be available in a new GT-line specification powered by a 204ps turbo petrol engine.

Since its launch in 2019 the XCeed has become a key model for Kia and currently accounts for ten per cent of its total sales in the UK.

The newcomer has a powertrain line-up that comprises a range of engines including a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of around 25 miles.

The GT-line follows on from the Ceed GT and is capable of 0 to 60mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds and comes with a seven-speed DCT semi-automatic transmission.

Sjoerd Knipping, vice president of marketing and product at Kia Europe, said: "The XCeed has become the best-selling model in the wider Kia Ceed line-up. It provides the commanding driving position and comfort of an SUV with the dynamic handling and manoeuvrability of a compact European hatchback."

With a total length of 4,395mm, the new Kia XCeed is 85mm longer than the Ceed five-door hatchback and 120mm more compact than the Sportage. Its maximum roof height of 1,495mm also means it stands 48mm above the Ceed and 155mm below the Sportage, providing drivers with a lower centre of gravity than its taller sibling.

Boot space ranges from 426 litres to a maximum of 1,378 litres with the rear seats folded.

The new XCeed has a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system which features Bluetooth multi-connection as standard, enabling occupants to connect two mobile devices at once, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality are also standard.

Depending on vehicle specification, users can also choose between a 5.0-inch DAB-radio system or an 8.0-inch audio display touchscreen system featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Drivers can also opt for a fully-digital 12.3-inch Supervision instrument cluster that benefits from a number of new graphical themes which alter in response to the selected driving mode; Eco, Normal or Sport.

With a high-definition 1920x720 digital display, vehicle and engine speed dials are displayed in pin-sharp clarity, while a multi-function display communicates turn-by-turn navigation instructions, audio information, in-depth trip information, vehicle diagnostics alerts and pop-up notifications linked to the car's various active safety and driver-assist technologies.

Kia says further details including pricing will be announced before the new model's launch in September.