Somewhat controversial in recent times (unfairly by the way), even so the plug-in hybrids do not stop reaching our market in increasing numbers and the Kia XCeed PHEV is more proof of that.
The XCeed plug-in hybrid variant was promised to us since the model was made known to us and… it promises lower consumption and emissions, as is the characteristic of these versions, in addition to several tens of kilometers only and using electrons only. Time to prove it.
The same outside...
Abroad, only two elements denounce this Kia XCeed PHEV. The first is the essential loading door placed on the front fender and the second is the wheels with a specific design for this version.
More aerodynamic, these are noticeably smaller than those that equip the other XCeed (16” compared to the usual 18”) and wear 205/60 tires designed to save money (the wallet and the environment).
Subscribe to our newsletter
Otherwise, the South Korean CUV (crossover utility vehicle)'s dynamic and well-crafted look has remained unchanged, with it managing to capture attention wherever it goes, even in a more understated color like that of the unit under test.
… and inside
As the exterior, the interior of this XCeed PHEV is identical to its “brothers”. However, it differs in some details due to the specificity of this version: there is an additional command that allows us to choose between hybrid/electric modes (HEV/EV), the infotainment has specific menus and the dashboard shows information regarding the system hybrid.
For the rest, it is in line with the rest of XCeed and Ceed. From the good assembly quality, a well-conceived ergonomics (the maintenance of the physical controls contributes a lot to this) and the presence of several useful storage spaces.
Is there anything that really sets XCeed PHEV apart from other XCeeds besides the details I mentioned? The answer is yes. The trunk, or rather its capacity.
If the space on board remained unchanged, being enough to comfortably transport four adults, the luggage compartment saw its capacity drop from 426 liters to 291 liters. The reason? Underneath this is the 8.9 kWh battery that powers the electric motor.
Battery storage under the floor of the trunk caused the capacity to decrease
Heavier but no less athletic
In the dynamic chapter, the XCeed PHEV resembles its “brothers” purely combustion, revealing itself to be predictable, safe and stable. It shows that it is capable of efficiently handling the 200 kg extra compared to other versions (courtesy of the electric machine and mandatory battery).
In addition, the greater ground clearance allows us to “attack” some rougher roads more at ease (reduces the risk of scraping with the car in some less visible depression) without harming bodywork control or comfort, which benefits by using higher profile tyres.
Consumptions win
So far in this test we have found that the electrification of the XCeed has brought it more weight (weighs 1594 kg while the XCeed 1.4 T-GDi stays at 1345 kg) and a smaller trunk, which may make you think: after all what if win?
A more measured appetite, certainly. Consumption is effectively lower than that found in the corresponding gasoline version. With the battery charged and in hybrid mode I achieved averages of 2.6 l/100 km on a mixed circuit. In the city, the good management of the batteries makes it possible to circulate large kilometers to spend… 0 l/100 km, as you only move using the electric motor.
When the battery ran out and the gasoline engine became predominant, the values did not go much beyond 5.5 l/100 km and in cities they walked between 6.5 and 7 l/100 km.
To get an idea of the difference to the XCeed equipped with the 1.4 T-GDi with 140 hp and 242 Nm that we also tested, fuel consumption was between 5.4 l/100 km at calm paces and 6.5 to 7 l/ 100 km at faster paces. In cities, the average was 7.9 l/100 km.
And the benefits?
The focus of this XCeed PHEV is to be economical, but the South Korean model cannot be accused of being “slapstick”. With a maximum combined power of 141 hp and a maximum combined torque of 265 Nm, courtesy of the “marriage” between the electric motor of 44.5 kW (61 hp) and 170 Nm and the gasoline engine with 1.6 l, 105 hp and 147 Nm, this proves to be more than enough for daily tasks.
In “Normal” mode we have a “calm” accelerator response, favoring consumption. Already in "Sport" mode the XCeed as it "wakes up" and thanks to the immediate delivery of torque from the electric motor achieves a very acceptable performance.
The best part of all is that despite achieving this “double personality”, the South Korean CUV does not punish consumption excessively. In addition, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox allows for a pleasantness far superior to the CVT (or similar) found in some competitors.
Is the car right for me?
More economical than petrol variants (and even Diesel if the plug-in hybrid system is used properly), this XCeed PHEV turns out to be one of the most interesting proposals in the range.
The qualities already recognized in XCeed — appealing, robust, well equipped with equipment and extended warranty (seven years or 150 thousand kilometers) — this version adds an economy of use that can be enviable.
It's true that the battery made the trunk lose capacity, but it's no less true that the smooth operation and reduced consumption (almost) make us forget about that fact.
In addition, for business customers, the XCeed PHEV makes it possible to combine tax incentives with savings in urban circuits normally associated with trams and the versatility that, for now, only a car with a combustion engine offers.
For interested individuals, who, seeing the high price of this XCeed PHEV, may cause them to put it aside, it must be borne in mind that there is a campaign that puts it at a much more reasonable level.