Korean automaker Kia has released details about its very first plug-in hybrids. The release is planned for the UK at the moment. The vehicles are based on the Ceed Sportswagon and the Xceed crossover.
Bot the vehicles are powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6 liter gas engine combined with a 44.5kW electric motor that runs on a 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery. The outputs of the motors combined add up to 139bhp with 195lb ft in torque. This gives both a 0-62mph rating of 10.8 seconds in the Ceed and spot on 11.0 seconds for the Xceed.
Kia’s first pair of hybrids also share an automatic, dual-clutch six-speed transmission (unlike most hybrids which us a CVT, continuously variable transmission). Kia explained that this prevents energy loss in the powertrain and makes the vehicles more enjoyable to drive.
Kia also used regenerative breaking to capture kinetic energy that would be lost. Combined with all the other technology on board Kia rates the all electric range of the Ceed at 37 miles and 36 for the Xceed. Both the new hybrids will charge in about 2 hours.
Combining the above with regenerative braking that harvests kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost, Kia claims an all-electric range of 37 miles for the Sportswagon and 36 miles for the Xceed. Both can be charged in around 2hr 15min via a 3.3kW AC charger.
Kia is offering a towing pack for each vehicle, unusual in a hybrid. Kia has released no specs on towing power.
Kia is taking orders for the Ceed and Xceed now and expects the first vehicles to roll out in April 2020.