KIA RELEASES SKETCHES OF NEW XCEED AHEAD OF UPCOMING REVEAL

Kia has revealed the first official sketches of the new XCeed compact crossover ahead of its reveal next week. The updated model will receive a sharp new exterior, an enhanced interior, an all-new sporty GT-line trim level, and a range of efficient and electrified powertrain options.

As the best-selling member of the European-designed, -engineered, -built and -sold Ceed model family, the XCeed has been acclaimed by customers for its commanding driving position, dynamic handling and everyday practicality. A comprehensive range of enhancements will make it an even more enticing proposition in the popular C-Crossover segment. Joining a series of stylish exterior and interior improvements will come the option of a dynamic GT-line trim for the first time. This new variant will fuse the adventurous design cues of a crossover with the sporty vibe of a focused European hatchback.

The arrival of the new XCeed will support Kia’s transition into a sustainable mobility solutions provider by being available with a range of highly efficient electrified powertrains, including mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. The latest advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies will enhance everyday usability and enjoyment behind the wheel.

ALL-NEW KIA NIRO WINS ITS FIRST AWARD AT THE 2022 AUTO EXPRESS NEW CAR AWARDS

The all-new Kia Niro has been named ‘Small SUV of the Year’ at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards, earning its first award before customer deliveries start later this month.

First introduced in 2016, Kia’s Niro crossover has been completely redesigned from the ground up to meet the complex and diverse needs of today’s environmentally conscious car buyers. The latest car features the same trio of state-of-the-art electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric – and features an interior made from a higher proportion of sustainable and recycled materials.

There’s a powertrain to suit every customer need, with the all-new Niro Hybrid offering up to 64.2mpg and just 100g/km CO2. The all-new Niro PHEV is available with just eight per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax, which should appeal to company car drivers. And the all-new Niro EV offers up to 285-miles range (WLTP-combined).

The Niro has become Kia’s second best-selling model in the UK, while the fully electric e-Niro – introduced in 2018 – accounts for 55 per cent of all Niro sales in the UK. During 2021 the e-Niro was also the second best-selling pure electric vehicle in the entire UK market.

Kia’s bold plans for vehicle electrification pushed the brand to its best-ever electrified sales in 2021 and 2022 year-to-date, with electrified vehicles accounting for more than one in three vehicles sold. The brand also now offers 10 electrified (hybrid, plug-in-hybrid and electric) models – one of the most comprehensive electrified line-ups in the UK today. The all-new Niro EV sits alongside the EV6 and Soul EV in Kia’s fully electric line-up. Globally, Kia plans to introduce 14 fully-electric models by 2027.