Kia has announced a further two plug-in hybrid models to join its extensive electrified range.
From the start of next year, the Ceed Sportswagon and new Xceed compact crossover will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will be the first time Kia has offered such models in the family car segment.
Using the same plug-in hybrid setup as the current Niro PHEV, the powertrain combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 139bhp and 265Nm of torque – enabling a 0-60mph time of under 11 seconds.
An 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for an electric range of around 37 miles, though Kia has not yet confirmed fuel economy or CO2 emissions.
Small styling changes separate the cars from the standard model, with each featuring a new closed ‘tiger-nose’ front grille, revised badging, and a charging flap in the front wing. New alloy wheels are also offered on both the Ceed SW and Xceed, with the estate model coming with bumpers from the GT-Line version (not offered in the UK currently) that are said to be more aerodynamic.
The interiors largely remain unchanged, though several specific electric features come with the plug-in power such as a charging indicator on the dash. An optional 10.25-inch touchscreen is also offered, which brings improved connectivity and displays unique to these PHEV versions.
One of the few downsides of these electrified models is set to be a loss of spaciousness, with the Ceed SW’s boot shrinking from 625 to 437 litres, while the Xceed’s load bay drops from 426 to 291 litres.
Full pricing and specs will be revealed nearer to when the model goes on sale at the start of 2020.
