Kia Ceed Sportswagon and Xceed plug-in hybrids detailed

Kia has confirmed UK spec details of its first plug-in hybrid models, based on the Ceed Sportswagon and Xceed crossover.

Available to order now, the Sportswagon PHEV is priced at £29,995 in its sole 3 trim level, while the Xceed starts from £30,695 with a choice of 3 or First Edition trims.

Deliveries were originally tipped to begin this month, but the mass disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic means Kia will now begin these at a later date.

The Xceed and Ceed Sportswagon are both powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 44.5kW electric motor and an 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. Combined outputs are 139bhp and 195lb ft of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 10.5sec for the Ceed Sportswagon and 10.6sec for the Xceed.

Both are mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox rather than the traditional continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in most hybrids. Kia claims this makes for reduced powertrain losses from energy conversion and offers a more enjoyable driving experience.

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.

Official fuel economy and CO2 emissions for the Xceed plug-in are 201.8mpg and 32g/km. The Ceed Sportswagon fairs slightly worse with quoted figures of 188.3mpg and 33g/km.

Both models get minor design tweaks to mark them out from other versions, including a closed-off version of Kia's 'tiger nose' grille to aid aerodynamic efficiency. Unique wheel designs also feature, while the Sportswagon gets the more aero-friendly bumpers from the GT-Line spec. The charging port is integrated into the left front wing.

Specific instruments, new infotainment features and a charging indicator on top of the dash are the main changes inside, but boot size is also reduced on both models. In the Sportswagon, it's down from 600 to 437 litres when the rear seats are in use, while the Xceed drops from 426 to 291 litres. Both models have a dedicated space beneath the boot floor for the charging cable.

Options include a Towing Pack – not often a feature of a hybrid car, although Kia doesn't quote the towing capacity of either model.

Although not officially confirmed, a PHEV version of the standard Ceed hatchback is also expected to arrive later in 2020.