The Korean automaker is on a roll with electrifying its lineup.
Kia has just revealed two new plug-in hybrids for its European range. The manufacturer currently only sells the Niro as a PHEV on the Old Continent, but now it’s added plug-in versions of the XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon.
Both models feature the same powertrain, which is comprised of 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that together with an electric motor makes 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet (265 Nm) of torque. Unlike many other electrified vehicles, all Kia (and Hyundai) PHEVs have six-speed dual-clutch gearboxes, bucking the continuously variable transmission trend.
The on-board 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives the XCeed a claimed pure-electric range of 36 miles, while the Ceed Sportswagon is quoted as being able to travel one mile further before the engine has to kick in to replenish the battery.
Both the XCeed crossover and Ceed Sportswagon plug-in hybrids have subtle design differences to tell them apart from the rest of the range. Their trademark “tiger nose” grille is closed off to improve airflow, they have unique badges that say “eco plug-in” and they both have a charge port located on the left front fender.
Inside, they don’t differ too much from the regular XCeed and Ceed load lugger. However, the infotainment does have screens that show how the powertrain is working, energy usage, as well as battery meter too. The navigation system has also been changed for the PHEVs, so it now shows charging points and it can calculate your route based on their location (useful if you want to reach your destination on battery power alone).
Range and battery information is also shown in the digital gauge cluster and Kia says it’s fitted the two models with a driver only heating function (that’s activated via a button on the dashboard that is not present in non-PHEV models). This heating mode is designed to conserve energy by closing off all vents aside from the ones directly blowing air onto the driver – it even switches off the fans themselves when they are not needed to maintain the desired temperature.
Gallery: Kia XCeed PHEV und Ceed SW PHEV (2019)
19 Photos You can already order both models in the United Kingdom. Kia is asking from £29,995 for the Ceed Sportswagon and £30,695 for the high-riding XCeed; both have an above average standard spec that includes a fully-digital gauge cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), six standard airbags, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, hill start assist, as well as forward collision avoidance tech. Source: Read Full Article
