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Recently, Kia has expanded the engine range for the XCeed crossover with a plug-in hybrid. Is this the crossover you want? Autotijd did a test with the XCeed PHEV Sense and figured it out.
Do you want to experience our driving test yourself? Watch our POV video of the test at the bottom of this report. Don’t forget to get free subscribe to CarStan, the international YouTube channel of Autotijd.be.
Design
The XCeed belongs to the Ceed family and you can immediately see that in the design. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it all remains relatively well-behaved. The competition in this segment is now so fierce that you need a more unique design to grab the attention of customers. Kia now seems to realize this itself because with their latest designs such as the EV6 and Sportage, the Koreans are clearly taking a different path.
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Powertrain
The powertrain of the XCeed PHEV consists of a 1.6 GDi with 105 hp and a 61 hp electric motor. Pure electric driving is possible over a distance of up to 48 kilometers according to the WLTP. The system power is 141 hp which is sufficient. The condition is that you do not forget to charge the battery pack. The XCeed PHEV weighs about 200 kilos more than the regular petrol version. If you only have to rely on the petrol engine, you will notice that 105 hp is too little. Furthermore, the interaction between the petrol and electric motor is seamless and the 6-speed DCT automatic transmission does its job properly.
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Interior
There is also a plug-in hybrid of the Ceed SW, but the easier entry will often lead people to this XCeed. In addition, the interior feels a lot more spacious and the slightly sloping roofline is no problem for rear passengers. The instrument panel of our test car is digital (12.3-inch), but the screen simulates an analog speedometer. If you activate the Sport mode, a different layout appears in which the speed is displayed much more clearly. In our opinion, this should also be the standard for the other driving modes. Furthermore, the traditional tachometer has given way to a meter that indicates consumption with three zones: Charge, Eco and Power.
The infotainment system’s 10.25-inch touchscreen is responsive and logically laid out. In addition, Kia retains enough buttons in the interior so that you can blindly operate the most important things while driving.
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Equipment level Sense
Kia offers the plug-in hybrid XCeed in two versions, namely the Business Line and the Sense. We got the Sense version. On the outside, it can be recognized by the grille in satin chrome and black chrome. Inside, in addition to the previously discussed digital instrument panel, you have aluminum pedals, a premium JBL audio system with 10 speakers, traffic sign recognition, blind spot warnings, an intelligent, hands-free, electrically operated tailgate and a cargo net in the trunk.
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Prices
At the time of publication of this test report, you can order the XCeed crossover from 24,290 euros. For that money you get a 1.0 T-GDi petrol engine with 120 hp and a manual six-speed gearbox. The XCeed PHEV in Sense version costs at least 38,390 euros, but is also richly equipped.
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Conclusion
The XCeed PHEV is a nice option for those looking for a plug-in hybrid crossover. Then they should first notice the XCeed because in this crowded segment the design does not really stand out. In many areas, the XCeed PHEV certainly belongs to the better average without really excelling in anything. The combined power of the petrol and electric motor is sufficient to keep up with traffic, but no more than that. Daily recharging of the battery is the message because with 105 hp, the petrol engine only falls a bit short.
Pros
– Very economical
– Sense version is richly equipped
Points of improvement
– Better average, but doesn’t stand out
– Combine electric motor with more powerful petrol engine
Video
With our video you get behind the wheel of our test car. Don’t forget to get free subscribe to CarStan, the international Youtube channel of Autotijd.be.
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