Kia Ceed Joins PHEV Party
Kia will introduce a PHEV powertrain into its compact family range of Ceed and XCeed for the first time in line with expanding its electrified line-up.
Both the new Kia XCeed and Kia Ceed Sportswagon models will include a PHEV powertrain combining an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, a 44.5 kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. The powertrain’s total power and torque output is 139 bhp and 195ft-lbs of torque, enabling the Ceed Sportswagon to accelerate from 0-to-62mph in 10.8 seconds and the Kia XCeed in 11.0 seconds.
Kia has chosen to use a six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission (6DCT) arguing that allowing drivers to shift gear for themselves is both more enjoyable and efficient to drive than the usual electronic continuously-variable transmissions (e-CVT) transmission used on many other hybrids in the market. Standard regenerative braking technology is employed to allow the cars to harvest kinetic energy and recharge their battery packs while coasting or braking. The carmaker is claiming an all-electric range of about 37 miles for both vehicles.
Both models will be built in Žilina, Slovakia as the first plug-in models built by the brand in Europe and will include a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard, extending to cover the new powertrain’s battery pack and motor. European sales will begin at early 2020.
Emilio Herrera, chief operating officer at Kia Motors Europe, said: “These two models represent an important next stage for Kia as we introduce advanced, next-generation powertrains to our wider vehicle line-up. In the first half of 2019, electrified models accounted for around one in seven Kia cars sold in Europe, a trend which is only accelerating.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
