Kia details UK specs for first plug-in hybrids

Kia has published full UK specification details for the plug-in hybrid versions of its XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon; the first plug-in hybrids in the Ceed range.

Plug-in hybrid versions of the new Kia XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon are now sale in the UK

Launched at the start of the year as the brand also announced heightened plans for fully electric vehicles – and ready to start deliveries as soon as the Covid-19 lockdown lifts, they’re also the first plug-in models built by the brand in Europe and feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol along with a 44.5kw electric motor and an 8.9kWh battery pack. This gives an electric-only range in City mode of 35 miles for the Ceed Sportswagon PHEV and 34-37 miles for the XCeed PHEV. The powertrain is covered by Kia’s usual seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard and extended to cover the battery pack and motor.

Both models get a six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission rather than an e-CVT and have a combined system output of 141hp and 265Nm, enabling the Ceed Sportswagon PHEV to accelerate from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds, and the Kia XCeed PHEV in 10.6 seconds.

Emissions stand at 32-38g/km for the Ceed Sportswagon and 33g/km for the XCeed, with fuel economy figures of 188.3mpg and 167.6-201.8mpg respectively.

Prices start at £30,695 for the Kia XCeed PHEV, available with a choice of ‘3’ or ‘First Edition’ trim levels while the Ceed Sportswagon PHEV is available exclusively in ‘3’ specification, priced at £29,995.

Both ‘3’ models offer alloy wheels (17-inch for the Sportswagon PHEV and 16-inch for the XCeed PHEV) plus privacy glass and rain sensing front wipers, in addition to dual-zone automatic air conditioning, electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rear parking sensors.

They also get a towing pack; both models can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,300kg, which is unusual for plug-in hybrids.

The new PHEVs also feature a brand-new 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom Live and UVO Connect telematics system – unique functionality for the new Plug-in Hybrid variants enables owners to locate available charging points in their vicinity, or en route to their navigation destination. The screens can also show relevant information relating to the powertrain, displaying remaining charge levels in the battery and energy usage graphics.

Owners can use the touchscreen system to schedule when their vehicle should charge when plugged in at home, enabling owners to take advantage of cheaper off-peak energy tariffs.

A reversing camera is also integrated into the touchscreen, with dynamic guidelines, and the system features DAB radio as standard, as well as steering wheel controls and seven speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with voice control is included, as well as multi-connection Bluetooth.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.