The future is electric. Or so we are being told.
Look for the latest news of new car’s being launched soon, and practically every review you will read talks of the latest electric-powered vehicle. It is a buzzword that attracts a lot of attention. They convince you, the reader, that this technology is within your grasp. You only need to sacrifice £40,000 and be content with a meagre 300-mile range. It is obvious the technology is willing, but unfortunately the market is not. At least, not yet.
In the UK, the sale of new cars that are not electric will be banned from 2035 – you will still be able to drive your current car, but your local salesman won’t be able to sell you a new car that isn’t electric. However, 15 years is a long time in the life of a vehicle. Long enough for electric range to increase, and prices to become much more affordable. In the meantime, what are the best petrol options?
Allow me to introduce, the Kia XCeed – The newest member in Kia’s family of ‘Ceed’. Backed by Kia’s industry leading 7-year warranty, which will safely take you half-way to the 2035 ban with peace of mind.
Looks
The name Kia Ceed may seem familiar. Years ago, Top Gear used the Kia Ceed as the “Star In The Reasonably Priced Car” feature. There, the penny’s dropped hasn’t it?
It was an entirely different car back then, the new Kia Ceed was launched in 2018, and has quickly become a favourite amongst critics looking for an alternative to the VW Golf or the Ford Focus.
Since then, Kia have also made an Estate [Kia Ceed Sportswagon], a sporty Shooting Brake [Kia ProCeed], and most recently a Crossover SUV [Kia XCeed].
The XCeed is a Crossover SUV, so it is longer than the Hatchback it is based on and sits comfortably at a higher ride height. It features rugged SUV-style protection, roof rails, and a front bumper similar to its SUV kin; the Kia Stonic & Sportage.
Interior
When you sit inside this Kia XCeed you can’t help but be impressed; beautiful on the outside, and generously specified on the inside. The XCeed, and it’s Ceed based brethren, all received Kia’s new huge 10.25” touch widescreen display. It feels like the cabin has been based around this connectivity suite. It’s not just a feature, it’s a highlight.
The software has been a Kia strength for a long time. The displays are instinctively user friendly, and this new screen has taken that a step further. Full widescreen makes life easy, displaying a huge Sat-Nav or Reversing Camera. Or, thanks to featuring Android Auto & Apple CarPlay as standard, the centre console can be split screen – to show the Satellite Navigation, DAB Radio, and Apps at the same time.
Upgrade to the ‘3’ for a semi-leather interior with Heated Seats, heated steering wheels, and keyless start. Or choose the top-of-the-range launch-special ‘First Edition’ to add a full leather interior, Ventilated Seats, Wireless Phone Charging, and a futuristic Digital Dashboard. As well as a Sliding Panoramic-Glass Roof, making the elegant interior appear larger than it looks.
Engines
The XCeed uses the most popular turbo-charged Kia engines. You can choose between a growling 1.0 Turbo Petrol, powered by 120 horses, or upgrade to a smooth four-cylinder 1.4 Turbo with 140 HP.
The 1.0T sounds small in a vehicle of this size, but it’s got more than enough zip to get you moving – even on those long journeys at motorway speeds. The larger 1.4T is a little more refined, thanks to the extra cylinder. If it is often more than just you and the dog, the larger engine with less noise is a welcome choice.
But, what’s exciting about the new XCeed is that it’s be the first Kia to be powered by the new Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), since the electric-specific Kia Niro. Kia claims the new XCeed PHEV offers an almost unbelievable 202 miles per gallon (WLTP).
This 1.6 Petrol engine is paired to a battery with roughly 40-mile range. That may not sound a lot, but I’ve been using a Plug-In Hybrid recently, and hear me out; in reality I only need to charge once or twice a week, often while I’m sat at work. During the week I won’t use a drop of fuel, as I’m running entirely on electric power. Then, at the weekend if I take a longer journey, it drives like a regular Hybrid, getting 65mpg, and can be topped up with petrol on the go – no need to wait hours for a charging station. It is simply the best of both worlds.
The six-speed DCT gearbox is supremely smooth, and in electric mode the XCeed is practically silent. This has taken Kia’s already good car to new levels. The PHEV version offers a refinement that premium brands wish they could offer in this price category.
The Competition
When it comes to Crossovers and SUV’s on the market, you are spoiled for choice. But how many offer a Plug-In Hybrid option?
In looks you may compare it to the new Audi Q3 Sportback, with its sleek rear end. But this isn’t hybrid, not even close. The Q3’s bigger brother, the Q5, is. However, at £50,000 plus change, vs Kia’s £30,000, customers are unlikely to be comparing these two.
BMW has a smaller and more affordable option; the X1 PHEV. At £38,200 the BMW is roughly in the same ballpark, but when comparing features of the X1 PHEV ‘Sport’ leaves a lot to the imagination compared to the Kia’s top-of-the-range ‘First Edition’. The XCeed features a Sliding Glass Panoramic Roof, Wireless Phone Charging, Smart Park Assist, Full Leather interior with Heath & Ventilated Seats, and a futuristic 12” digital dashboard. So, it’s the driver’s choice; for the excitement you’ll pick the BMW’s XDrive25e engine, but if you’re leaning towards family value, with features often only found in premium brands, you’ll pick the Kia.
The other choice? Kia. Walk into a Kia dealership and you currently have a choice between two Plug-In Hybrid Crossover SUV’s. The same engine, motor, battery pack, seven-year warranty, and features, are all available in the previous mentioned Kia Niro PHEV, for a similar price but a less exciting design.
Business User
The XCeed is destined to be hot property with Business Users. It’s satisfyingly snug on longer journeys, has space for all the family, and sits as comfortably in the corners as it’s hatchback brother.
The PHEV is going to be the Business Users first choice. While the initial price maybe more, you’ll end up paying less in company car tax thanks to the low BIK (read: low emissions). So, you’ll have better fuel economy, a longer range, a smooth electric drive, and less to pay each month from your wages. It will mean a small change in lifestyle, for a big financial gain.
Chances are you’ll choose to lease, and run as an asset off balance sheet, or finance on Kia’s new 0% PCP*.
Island User
The Garden Isle is an apt name for our green and pleasant land. The ferry port cities across the water suffer with some of the most polluted air in the country, but thanks to the Solent we’re not party to it. The Kia XCeed as a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle ensures that Island families can still go out into the great outdoors with their bikes, scooters, and surf boards, and rest safe in the knowledge that the emissions are significantly less that what they had been previously driving.
The additional boot space and roof rails of the Kia XCeed add practical features to and already beloved hatchback. It comes standard with the latest Kia safety features, including ‘Lane Keep Assist’, Driver Attention Warnings, Forward Collision Avoidance, Hill-Start Assistance, as well as the usual ABS, Tyre Pressure Monitor, and Intelligent Cruise Control.
Compared to other Hybrid rivals, the Kia XCeed makes a real case for itself thanks to its features, value, and the reassurance of Kia’s industry leading seven-year warranty.
Choices
The Value Choice: Kia XCeed ‘2’ 1.0T Manual
The Range Topper: Kia XCeed ‘First Edition’ 1.6 PHEV Automatic
The Local Favourite: Kia XCeed ‘3’ 1.4T Manual
Verdict
The design is going to polarise people. Either you love the looks of the XCeed, or you don’t.
For most buyers, the 1.0T is going to be ideal on the Island’s winding country roads. The 1.4T offers a little more refinement on longer journey. But for business users, or those wishing for a serenely smooth electric ride, the PHEV is going to be first pick – thanks to its low emissions and tax benefits. The interior is going to offer a wow-factor to your passengers, not often seen in this price range.
You’ll be back by Kia’s legendary warranty, and the opportunity to benefit from 0% finance*.
The only tough question, is how to place your order while we’re all locked in?
*Offer advertised to end 30th June
Review by Richard Winter
