Kia has introduced a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Ceed SW estate to its line-up. Alongside the Niro PHEV, e-Niro electric car, e-Soul electric car and the plug-in hybrid version of the XCeed, the Ceed SW PHEV is the fifth electrified model in the Kia range.
A leader in electrification
"Our definition of an electrified car is one with an actual plug" commented Kia Motors Ireland Managing Director, Ronan Flood. "And in that regard, Kia is market leader in the combined EV/PHEV segment with Niro being Ireland's best-selling plug-in. The addition of Ceed SW and Sorento and other exciting product to come will consolidate the brand's position as a leader in vehicle electrification. Our PHEV strategy is to offer consumers an affordable and greener alternative to HEV models and we are pleased to announce that the Ceed SW comes on the market at just €28,450 (including the SEAI grant)."
60km electric range
That price means that the Ceed SW PHEV undercuts Renault's new Megane Tourer PHEV, and offers more electric-only range. Charge up the 8.9kWh battery, and the Ceed SW PHEV will go for a claimed 60km on electric power. Combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 44.5kW electric motor, the Ceed develops 141hp and 265Nm of torque and accelerates to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
Kia also claims that its gearbox - a six-speed dual-clutch automatic unit - offers greater efficiency than rival CVT systems, and that it allows "the full output of both the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel through the transmission, with minimal loss of energy." Doubtless, rivals would claim that a CVT is more efficient because it's lighter and keeps the engine in its economical sweet spot more of the time, but hey...
Smaller boot
Needless to say, there's regenerative braking to help add a little electric power as you drive, and on the outside, you'll recognise the Ceed PHEV from its blanked-off 'Tiger Grille'. The charging point is integrated into the left-hand front wing.
The Ceed SW PHEV is equipped as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging and smart cruise control.
While Kia says that the Ceed's chassis has been engineered from the get-go with electrification in mind, there is some impact on its practicality. While a standard Ceed SW estate has a 600-litre loadspace (expanding to 1,694 litres with the back seats folded down) the Ceed SW PHEV makes do with 437 litres, and 1,506 litres with the seats folded. Still decent, but it shows the difficulty of packaging both a battery and a fuel tank. However, there is a dedicated underfloor storage space for the car's charging cable when it's not in use, which does help.