Kia Goes Big with Digital Display in Tiny Crossover

Kia Motors Corp.’s new XCeed compact crossover will feature an optional 12.3-inch digital display, the first all-digital system the carmaker has offered in any model.

The 2020 XCeed will be the fourth variant of Kia’s Ceed range, joining the base five-door hatchback, sports wagon and the Proceed shooting brake model. Kia will publicly unveil the new crossover later this month.

Dubbed Supervision, the 12.3-inch instrument cluster integrates the traditional analog tachometer and speedometer with a digital infotainment unit. Other variants of the XCeed are fitted with either a 3.8-inch monochrome LCD infotainment unit or 4.2-inch color TFT LCD.

The new multi-function display is controlled via steering wheel buttons. Drivers can use them to choose turn-by-turn navigation directions, get vehicle and trip details, display audio information or manage phone calls.

The system also displays diagnostic alerts and the status of driver-assistance technologies. In addition, a driver monitoring system sends an alert if it detects signs of fatigue.

When the engine is switched off, a short graphic of the vehicle in motion is played along with a summary of the drive. The latter shows the time and distance driven, average fuel efficiency and the estimated remaining driving range before refueling is required.

Sales are due to launch in Europe and other markets later this year. There are no plans to sell the XCeed in the U.S., which is getting the new Seltos compact crossover instead.