Kia will expand its already diverse Ceed line-up with a fourth bodystyle, the Xceed crossover, which has been shown in an image ahead of its unveiling later this month.

The Xceed will sit alongside the existing Ceed hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon estate and Proceed shooting brake when it goes on sale later this year. More of a Ford Focus Active rival than a fully-fledged SUV, it sits between the smaller Stonic and mid-size Sportage.

The new Kia Xceed has now been revealed in full. Click here for the full story

The side profile shot reveales that the Xceed is similar to the hatchback fore of the B-pillar but has more prominent shoulders, a chunkier rear-end and a sloping roofline. It also features the typical plastic lower body cladding and larger wheels.

Kia claims the new Xceed "represents a sporty alternative to traditional larger SUVs", with an elevated ride height but a lower hip point than cars like the Sportage giving a sportier driving position and better handling.

Kia Motors Europe COO Emilio Herrera said the Xceed is "more innately desirable than many taller, larger SUVs". He continued: "Yet it offers this without compromising on versatility, with its intelligent packaging achieving the cabin and storage space of an SUV in a sportier body and more compact footprint".

The Ceed and its crossover offshoot share the same fundamental underpinnings and powertrains. Technical details are unconfirmed, but we expect engine options will include Kia’s turbocharged 118bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol, 138bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 114bhp 1.6-litre diesel. It's not clear whether the Ceed GT's 201bhp turbo petrol unit will also be offered.

The Xceed's utilitarian design elements are unlikely to be matched with four-wheel drive, because the Sportage 4x4’s drivetrains aren't currently offered in the Ceed.