Kia continues to make best use of its versatile Ceed floorpan with its latest offering – a plug-in hybrid version of the excellent XCeed SUV.
The Kia XCeed PHEV gets a 59 kw electric engine to give an electric boost t its 1.6 104 bhp petrol engine. The PHEV XCeed has an all-electric range of 36.6 miles, so keeping the battery charged can give you cheap motoring over short distances. The XCeed’s combined miles per gallon is 201.8.
All this adds extra appeal to the Frankfurt-designed crossover, which is building a loyal customer base. The XCeed is sportier than most SUVs, has striking design cues and is very comfortable and well-specified, with the sort of extras you expect to find on a much bigger car.
The XCeed makes a strong statement in design terms, with its aggressive silhouette and striking shark-like front end.. A purposeful stance, black and chrome radiator grille and roof rails, along with smart 16 inch alloy wheels further enhance the sporty credentials of this classy performance SUV.
From the front you have the XCeed’s a low, broad bumper and air dam, wide central air intake and feline headlights. From the side the XCeed has smooth, flowing lines with bold side mouldings, and from the back the car is nicely sculpted, with angled tailgate glass. Whichever way you view it, this car is a good looker.
The inside is attractive too. The heated nicely-trimmed front seats are very comfortable with a good range of adjustment. There are plenty of storage spaces around the interior and all instruments are clear and accessible. The GDi specification which I tested includes an 10.25-inch touch-screen with satellite navigation and reversing camera as well as a seven-speaker premium sound system, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and voice control.
The 1.6 petrol-powered GDi which is powered by a smooth but gutsy engine which has a 0-60 mph time of 10.4 seconds.. This engine has good acceleration and flexibility. Mated to a smooth six-speed DCT automatic gearbox you also get good power delivery throughout the range.
Ride and handling are excellent thanks to a lightweight chassis, sharp steering response and good suspension.
Specification on the GDi PHEV level is generous. Standard equipment on top of the satnav and reversing camera includes lane-keeping assistance, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights with high-beam assist, front fog lights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, smart cruise control and hill-start assist . On the road price for this spec is £30,695 which ight sound a lot but for a plug-in hybrid is certainly competitive.
You also get the very substantial bonus of a seven year, 100,000 mile warranty, which means the third or even fourth owner could still benefit from a manufacturer’s warranty.
I found this well-equipped, sporty hybrid Kia pleasing in every way.
