Later this year, Kia will introduce the new XCeed urban crossover to the European market, available with the brand’s first fully digital 12.3‑inch Supervision instrument cluster. The high‑tech Kia XCeed will be unveiled on June 26, 2019, and at launch will rank among the most technologically advanced compact vehicles on the market.
Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, said:
“Our new Supervision digital instrument cluster is one of several new optional technologies available for the Kia XCeed. The digital cluster offers a wide range of functions, particularly in higher trim levels, and plays a key role in presenting critical information to the driver in a clear and non‑distracting manner. In the future, we will introduce it in adapted form across other Kia models and apply the insights gained into the effective display of useful and important driving information.”
New High‑Resolution Display – Maximum Clarity
The new 12.3‑inch Supervision instrument cluster in the Kia XCeed has been designed to present information with maximum clarity. The high‑resolution digital display (1920 × 720 pixels) replaces the traditional speedometer and tachometer. This seamless digital panel displays vehicle speed and engine revs with exceptional sharpness. Thanks to its high refresh rate, it responds smoothly and instantly to changes and driver inputs.
Between the two digital dials is a multifunction display, operated via the multifunction steering wheel. Here, drivers can view clear navigation guidance directly within their field of vision. The display also shows information related to the audio system, phone calls and contacts, as well as detailed driving data such as current and average fuel consumption. The system provides diagnostic alerts and notifications on the operation of various active safety and driver‑assistance systems, along with live traffic data and navigation information. The central display also presents prompts generated by the Driver Attention Warning system, which recommends taking a break if signs of driver fatigue are detected.
After parking and switching off the engine, the instrument cluster displays a short vehicle animation with a summary of the journey, including driving time, distance traveled, average fuel consumption, and estimated remaining range based on the current fuel level.
The Supervision digital instrument cluster will be available in the new Kia XCeed as an optional feature, depending on market and vehicle specification. It replaces the physical circular dials with either a 3.8‑inch monochrome LCD or a 4.2‑inch color TFT LCD, used in different specifications.
Drive Mode Display
As with other models in the Ceed family, selected versions of the Kia XCeed will feature Drive Mode Select. By choosing Normal or Sport mode—each with different steering characteristics and throttle and transmission responses—drivers can tailor the vehicle’s driving dynamics and performance to current conditions.
The new Supervision digital cluster adapts its graphics to the selected drive mode. When the driving mode is changed, the instrument cluster displays detailed information related to that mode. In Normal mode, the display shows fuel consumption data alongside traditional circular speed and rev counters and general driving information. When switched to Sport mode, the speedometer and tachometer are emphasized, with larger and clearer displays of speed and engine rpm. Less critical information is suppressed in Sport mode to minimize visual distractions.
Digital Instrument Clusters in the Vehicles of the Future
The development of a digital instrument cluster represents an important milestone for Kia in terms of the future application of advanced automotive technologies. The digital cluster is a key component in processing and displaying data from multiple sources, positioning Kia well for the development of next‑generation safety and powertrain technologies.
Thanks to its advanced graphics capabilities, the display is ideally suited to clearly presenting information related to electrified powertrains, which are being introduced across an increasing number of Kia models. In the future, the digital instrument cluster will be adapted to display eco‑driving indicators, drive‑mode information, and on‑board computer data, and can even visualize energy flow between the battery and the electric motor. In some models, it will also serve as a distinctive visualization element for Eco driving mode. Kia plans to deploy the new instrument cluster across additional mild‑hybrid, hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles in the future.
