Kia’s first electrified Ceeds get 139bhp petrol-electric drivetrain, promising an EV range of about 37 miles
Kia has unveiled two frugal new petrol-electric additions to its range: the Xceed and Ceed Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid.
The new models represent the first time Kia has electrified its family hatchback mainstay. They come at a time of increased popularity for the Ceed range, with Kia claiming a 40% increase in year-on-year sales in the first half of 2019. One in seven Kias sold in Europe is now electrified in some way.
The Xceed and Ceed Sportswagon are both powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 44.5kW electric motor and 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. Combined total outputs are 139bhp and 195lb ft of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 10.8sec for the Ceed Sportswagon and 11sec dead for the Xceed.
Both are mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission rather than the traditional CVT transmission found in most hybrids. Kia claims this makes for reduce powertrain losses from energy conversion, and offers a more enjoyable driving experience.
Combining the above with regenerative braking that harvests kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost, Kia claims it is targeting an all-electric range of 37 miles. Full homologation details, including fuel economy and emissions figures, will be released nearer the car’s market launch in early 2020.
Both models get minor design tweaks to mark them out from other versions, including a closed-off version of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille to aid aerodynamic efficiency. Unique wheel designs also feature, while the Sportswagen gets the more aero-friendly bumpers from the GT-Line spec. The charging port is integrated into the left front wing.
Specific instruments, new infotainment features and a charging indicator on top of the dash are the main changes inside, but boot spec is also reduced on both models. In the Sportswagon it’s down from 600 to 437 litres when the rear seats are in use, the Xceed’s figgure dropping from 426 to 291 litres. Both models have a dedicated space beneath the boot floor for the charging cable.
Options include a Towing Pack: not often a feature of a hybrid car, although Kia doesn’t quote the towing capacity of either model. Although not officially confirmed, it’s expected a PHEV version of the standard five-door Ceed also will also arrive in 2020.
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Source: Autocar
