As evidenced by these spy photos, Kia has begun testing hybrid versions of its Ceed and XCeed models.
It is still too early for any official technical specs, but chances are good that both cars will end up with the same powertrain as the Kia Niro PHEV. This means a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 105 hp (78 kW), an electric motor adding 60.5 hp (45 kW) and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The nominal output amounts to 141 hp (105 kW). All-wheel drive isn’t in there by design.
The battery size remains uncertain. While the Niro packs a 8.9 kWh battery sufficient for 40 – 50 km (25 – 30 miles) of range, the technically similar Kia K3 PHEV has 12.9 kWh of power storage, which translates into 80 km (50 miles) of uninterrupted all-electric driving.
The current-gen XCeed ships with gasoline engines varying between 1.0 and 1.6 liters in volume and 120 – 204 hp (89 – 152 kW) in output. It is also available with two versions of the same 1.6-liter diesel engine: 115 hp and 136 hp (86 kW and 101 kW, respectively). As far as transmissions are concerned, customers may choose between six-speed manual and seven-speed DCT.
The hybrid Ceed and XCeed will most likely celebrate their premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next year. Given the Korean carmaker’s ambition to expand its hybrid lineup drastically, other, still unannounced models may be present as well.