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New 2020 Kia XCeed PHEV: prices, specs and release date

Plug-in hybrid version of the Kia XCeed promises up to 201.8mpg and 32g/km of CO2 from its petrol-electric powertrain

The Kia XCeed PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) has officially gone on sale in the UK, and it promises buyers a crossover with up to 36 miles of electric-only range. 

The plug-in hybrid system is familiar to us, as it’s also used in the Kia Niro PHEV. Power comes from a mix of 1.6-litre petrol engine and 60bhp electric motor – allowing for a combined 139bhp – and uses a six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. The 36-mile range is achieved through the use of a 8.9kWh battery pack, while charging takes two hours and 15 minutes using a 3.3kW charger.

The XCeed PHEV accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds and has a top speed of 99mph. Fuel economy will vary wildly on individual use, but based on the official WLTP data it’ll achieve 201.8mpg when fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, and 167.8mpg on 18-inch items. CO2 emissions for the 16- and 18-inch wheel variants stand at 32g/km and 38g/km respectively.

The XCeed shares its mechanicals with the rest of the conventional Ceed family, but superficially it’s almost completely different – only the front doors are shared with the hatchback and ‘Sportswagon’ Estate version. The XCeed rides 20mm higher, which combined with a new body means that it’s 48mm taller than the conventional Ceed.

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The inclusion of the larger battery pack has compromised practicality compared to the combustion powered XCeed models: the usual 426-litre volume shrinks to 291 litres.

Prices for the XCeed PHEV start from £30,695 in ‘3’ trim. Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and electrically folding door mirrors. The top spec First Edition model adds the larger 18-inch wheels, a lane following assist system, wireless smartphone charging and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

What do you think of the new Kia XCeed PHEV? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...

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Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

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