Introducing the all-new Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) combines the best of both worlds - in more ways than one. As well as giving you all the benefits of a hatchback and an SUV in one conveniently sized package, the hybrid powertrain makes use of both an electric motor and a combustion engine to drastically reduce emissions and use as little fuel as possible.
It's a compact and sporty model that allows you to make short journeys - or commutes - on electric power alone but gives you the versatility and convenience of a petrol-powered model.
None of the practicality or driving pleasure has been lost, meaning you can enjoy low-cost and environmentally friendly motoring with no drawbacks whatsoever.
Based on the Ceed hatchback, the XCeed delivers an extra dose of sporty SUV styling as well as the all important increase in ride height and additional practicality. Though it sits on the same platform as the Ceed, the only body panels that are carried over are the doors - this is a very different beast to the family hatchback in Kia's range.
The brand-new Kia XCeed enhances its dynamic looks with sharp design characteristics on the front and grille, introducing updated front and rear LED lights, Kia's brand-new logo, and a new bold Celadon Spirit Green colour.
The boot is bigger, and the tailgate is electrically operated on higher grade models too, for an extra little bit of convenience. Split-folding rear seats that give a flat loading area and a dual-height boot floor increase practicality still further.
It'll seat a family of five comfortably, and the rear privacy glass and alloy wheels add a touch of flair to the exterior design.
Kia have a habit of packing their cars with extremely high levels of standard equipment, and the XCeed is no different. All models get alloy wheels, LED headlights and a touchscreen multimedia system that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cruise control and a reversing camera system are standard, too.
Move up in the range and you'll see creature comforts such as heated front seats, satellite navigation and a heated steering wheel. Top of the range models come with an 8-speaker JBL premium sound system, a wireless phone charger and even a panoramic sunroof that both tilts and slides.
Safety is provided by a full suite of airbags plus advanced active safety functions such as blind spot collision warning and smart park assist.
An exceptional low-cost alternative to the conventional petrol and diesel versions of the XCeed, the XCeed PHEV produces CO2 emissions from 32g/km which is significantly low. Drivers can even experience an all-electric driving range of up to 59km with zero tailpipe emissions.
Performance hasn't been compromised as the plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a 1.6-litre gasoline direct injection engine with a 44.5kW electric motor and an 8.9kWh battery pack to deliver 139bhp and 254Nm of torque - pretty impressive!
Featuring a Towing Pack fitted as standard, a rare feature amongst hybrid vehicles the XCeed PHEV can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,300kg.
Charging the XCeed Plug-in Hybrid is both simple and fast. You can recharge at home using a wall box or take advantage of one of the public charging stations across Ireland.
It takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes to charge from empty to full, and you'll know when you're ready to go because the handy LED indicator on the dashboard clearly displays the charging status and is visible from outside the vehicle.
Even if the vehicle has no charge, you can still fuel it up with petrol and continue your journey, just like every other car.
With so much going for it already, the Plug-in Hybrid version of the Kia XCeed really does add the eco-friendly cherry on top of an already fine car.
For more information or to book a test drive, contact us here at Johnson & Perrott Douglas. The home of Kia in Cork.