Kia Reveals New Plug-in Hybrid Models
In a move that firmly puts Kia cars at the forefront for business users when choosing fleet vehicles, the South Korean automotive manufacturer has announced that two new plug-in hybrid models will join the company’s ever-expanding UK electric vehicle line-up – The Kia Ceed Sportswagon PHEV and the XCeed Crossover PHEV.
Both new plug-in hybrid models are available to test drive and order now, with deliveries expected to begin as soon as April 2020. The new KIA PHEV’s will have a 1.6 GDi Petrol engine coupled with an 8.9kWh lithium-ion powered electric motor, and thanks to Kia’s advanced electrified powertrain, which balances smooth transmission from petrol to electric, you will enjoy a much more environmentally greener journey in pure comfort.
Regenerative Braking Technology
Both the Ceed Sportswagon and the XCeed Crossover plug-in hybrids will make use of the latest regenerative braking technology to harvest kinetic energy, a system that recharges the cars battery while you are coasting or braking. The ingenious system also features a ‘Coasting Guide’ that will analyse your route and driving pattern to advise just when to lift off the accelerator pedal to maximise efficiency – The new electric powertrain features an 8.9 kWh battery that will drive a 44.5 kW electric motor and is expected to provide an electric-only driving range of around 37 miles on a single full battery charge. When operating with the 1.6 litre petrol engine the hybrid system will produce an impressive combined power output of 139 bhp and 265 Nm of torque.
Hybrid Performance
In terms of performance, the KIA Ceed Sportswagon will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 10.8 seconds, while the XCeed Crossover will take 0.2 seconds longer. Both new models will be front wheel drive with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Changing between hybrid power modes will be seamless, with just the flick of the H/EV (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle) switch next to the gear lever, you can choose either mode. In EV mode, ideal for urban driving, the system uses only the electric motor for a zero-fuel, emission-free journey, and when there’s insufficient battery charge the system simply switches automatically to Hybrid mode - This mode operates both the petrol engine and the electric motor simultaneously to power the car.
Recharging the Battery
The electric hybrid battery pack is conveniently located beneath the rear seats so that it does not take up valuable load space, and this positioning also lowers the cars centre of gravity to improve handling characteristics. As with most PHEV’s you will have the ability of charging the battery from a standard household power socket or at any dedicated public charging station. At a rapid charging station, due to the fact that they usually provide more power than a standard home supply, you can recharge the battery to 100% capacity in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
In-Car Advanced Features
The Kia Ceed Sportswagon & XCeed PHEV both come with a host of innovative safety features and sophisticated technology to keep you and your passengers connected, entertained and as safe as possible. KIA UVO CONNECT brings driving into the digital era firstly with the Kia Live Service which delivers real-time information to your cars navigation system with a range of information on your journey. Secondly, the new UVO app offers a range of data and information about your car via your Android or Apple smartphone. Just a selection of the advanced features you can expect to find in both cars are:
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10.25” Touch Screen Satellite Navigation with Telematics
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Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go
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Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
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Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
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Smart Parking Assist (SPA)
The high-definition touchscreen allows you to split the screen to use up to three different apps, for example map, weather and music – The Bluetooth® multi-connection enables passengers to connect mobile devices, as well as Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for an outstanding listening experience. The First Edition model options also offer a JBL Premium Sound System featuring 8 speakers and advanced Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology to enhance MP3 format quality, delivering a deep and authentic sound.
Canterbury Kia Business & Fleet Centre
Canterbury Kia take pride in ensuring that our business & fleet customers receive the highest level of service. The Canterbury KIA Business Centre specialists here at Broad Oak Motor Group support the local business community with the very latest information on Kia cars, pricing, finance and support services to help you make the right choice for your business.
We think that because the Kia Ceed Sportswagon PHEV & XCeed Crossover PHEV combine the best of both worlds, a dynamic, eye-catching design with the advantages of modern eco-friendly electric driving, they make a very compelling choice for company cars - Furthermore, they also qualify for the KIA seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty! Don’t forget they are available to order now with deliveries expected in April 2020 so Contact Broad Oak Motor Group today and book a test drive.