By Breda Corrigan
The all-new Kia XCeed is a new urban Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) from Kia Motors which combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging, and engaging handling of a hatchback. A sporty alternative to traditional SUVs, the new CUV nevertheless offers comparable levels of space for occupants and luggage. The Kia XCeed engages drivers with its sporty handling and a comfortable, assured ride, while providing a more commanding view of the road ahead than a conventional hatchback. The XCeed’s suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment features make it one of the most high-tech cars in the CUV class. A PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle) has now joined the XCeed range, and offers exceptional fuel efficiency from its petrol engine, along with the benefit of being able to drive up to 54km on electric power alone. Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine (GDI) in combination with a 360V, 8.8kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer battery, the new Kia XCeed PHEV really does offer the best of both worlds.
Emotional & Dynamic;
The new Kia XCeed is more emotional and dynamic in format and appearance than its taller rivals, while offering something different to the other models in the Ceed range. The only body panels carried over from its five-door hatchback sibling are the front doors. The front and rear of the car also represent a departure from the ‘face’ of the conventional Ceed model family, differentiating the Kia XCeed from its stablemates. The headlamps are newly-designed, with the Ceed’s ‘ice cube’ LED light signature sitting within a more angular shape, topped by a slim turn signal that flows back over the wheel arches. At the rear, new tail-lights emit a slim, highly-technical LED light signature which, when viewed from certain angles, appears to spear forward into the shoulders of the car. The heavily-creased lines running horizontally across the tailgate and rear bumper give the car a wider, more stable posture. The car’s elevated ride height and body also present the same robust image that attracts buyers to the other SUVs in Kia’s product portfolio.
Impressive Standard Specification;
The new Kia XCeed PHEV is extremely well equipped, with standard features such as Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance (car, pedestrian and cyclist), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, reverse parking sensors, dual-zone automatic temperature control, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, leather steering wheel & gear knob, split-folding rear seats, centre armrest, Bluetooth with voice recognition, 8” touchscreen with rear view camera, 4.2” LCD supervision cluster, Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, central door locking, cruise control, 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, rear privacy glass, LED front & rear lamps, drive mode selector, high gloss centre facia, cloth and artificial leather trim, two-tone interior, RDS radio, wireless phone charger, and a Smart Key system with push button start.
Review Car;
My review car was a new Kia XCeed PHEV in stylish Cosmos Blue metallic paint, which looked very stylish with its chrome coated front grille, satin finish belt line, and LED side repeater lamps on the door mirrors. Externally, and from every angle, you can tell this is a crossover with a difference. A daring lower front grille and subtle satin chrome skid plate add extra excitement to the mix, while the car’s bold shape, and playful persona, clearly indicate that the new Kia XCeed is designed for drivers who live for the next thrill ahead. Additionally, the XCeed’s rakish tailgate and sleek design hides an extremely practical and well packaged interior. Thanks to a wheelbase of 2,650mm, all occupants are treated to ample head, leg and elbow room, while a 291-litre boot (135-litres less than the XCeed petrol or diesel models due to the placement of the Lithium-Ion Polymer battery) ensures that passengers and their luggage can travel in comfort, and style. There are lots of storage area throughout the cabin too, while supportive seats and an ergonomically-efficient dashboard completes the high quality look, and feel, of the interior. The fastest you will be able to charge the Kia XCeed hybrid’s battery is 3.3kW – a speed you’ll see from a home wallbox or public charging point. A full top-up will take around two and a quarter hours at that speed, and while using a regular three-pin socket will take longer, you can still be assured of the car being fully charged overnight. As with other Kia plug-in hybrid and electric cars, charging can be programmed to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity tariffs.
On The Road;
On the road, my review car admirably demonstrated how well its 265Nm of torque translates into terrific pulling power – even in high gears, providing the car with competent cruising ability, along with excellent refinement on the move too. Capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 11.0-seconds, the XCeed PHEV can reach a top speed of 188km/h, while returning a fuel consumption figure as low as 1.3l/100km on a combined driving cycle. Overall ride comfort is great, while the car retains its composure through bends, and when driving over speed ramps or uneven surfaces. The raised ride height of the new XCeed, along with its rugged off-road appearance and striking good looks, will certainly appeal to families looking for a crossover with style and substance in equal measure. Low running costs promise to be a huge benefit too, with an annual road tax disc costing just €170.
Pricing;
The new Kia XCeed was created to exceed expectations in the highly competitive CUV market, and the addition of the PHEV powertrain adds a new dimension of desirability to the package. Priced at just €28,450 (inclusive of current PHEV incentives) it offers outstanding value for money too. Kia’s comprehensive 7-Year/150,000km warranty comes as standard across the entire Kia passenger car range, while an 7-Year/150,000km battery warranty is also standard.
Fact Box.
1) New PHEV Crossover
2) Emotional & Dynamic
3) High Specification
4) Easy Charge Options
5) Priced At €28,450 (T’s & C’s apply)
