Kia is to add a new crossover variant to its Ceed line-up, bringing a rival to the Volkswagen T-Roc.

Previewed in a design sketch, the crossover will join the Kia Ceed range this year as the fourth variant

Due to arrive later this year, the crossover will become the fourth Ceed variant alongside the five-door hatchback, the Ceed Sportswagon and the ProCeed, which has evolved from a three-door hatch into a shooting brake estate to bring added versatility.

Kia is yet to reveal the name but is reported to be using the XCeed moniker.

The brand added that it’s explored options for many potential bodystyles since the Ceed line-up was first launched, and the new crossover – which will sit between the Stonic and the Sportage – is expected to shake up the range.

Gregory Guillaume, vice president of Design for Kia Motors Europe, said: “There’s another style, another type of vehicle, that we feel very strongly deserves to be a new member of the Ceed family. It will the play the role that’s needed to make the Ceed range stronger and even more exciting, more appealing, to European consumers. The design will be nothing like you’ve seen in the Ceed family so far. This will be the next big surprise from Kia.”