Kia has pulled the
wraps off its new plug-in hybrid versions of the XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon,
which are set to go on sale in Europe in early 2020. Both of the new
electrified Kias use a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-liter
four-cylinder petrol engine with a 60 HP electric motor and a 8.9 kWh for a
combined 139 HP and 265 Nm of torque.
Unlike most compact
hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in the market which come fitted with a CVT
gearbox, the new Kias feature a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which
according to the company allows for the full output of both the engine and the
motor to be transferred in parallel to the wheels.
The new Kia XCeed
and Ceed Sportswagon PHEV target an all-electric range of 60 km, as
both of them will be homologated in the coming months. A so-called Virtual
Engine System is also present, emitting an audible warning sound to pedestrians
when the vehicle is moving under electric power alone.
Visually, the
plug-in hybrid versions of the XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon are separated from
their siblings thanks to the new closed-off ‘tiger-nose’ front grille. The
charging port is mounted on the left front fender.
Inside, the new Kia
models can be fitted with an optional 10.25-inch infotainment system that
features model-specific functions, like showing the location of the available
charging points in their vicinity and other hybrid-related information.
Customers can also opt for a digital, 12.3-inch instrument cluster as well. The
new Kia XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid models will be built at the
company’s factory in Žilina, Slovakia, exclusively for the European market.
