New Kia XCEED rolls off upgraded Zilina production line ​

​The first versions of the new Kia XCeed compact crossover have come off the Kia production factory in Zilina, Slovakia. Starting off the use of more efficient and sustainable production techniques in the factory.

The upgraded production line in Zilina includes 40 advanced new robots in the paint and assembly halls which is part of a long-term plan to increase automation, efficiency, and compliance up to date with the latest environmental standards. Moreover, the Kia factory in Zilina uses 100% renewable energy for its operations, with heat and water from the paint shop being recycled across the plant to cut waste. To help further improve production line efficiency all Kia model are manufactured on the same production line, which too also help Kia adapt to changing demands across different model ranges. Along with the new XCeed, Zilina also manufactures other members of the Ceed model family along with the fifth-generation Sportage. The facility also assembles the ‘Smartstream’ 1.5-litre ‘Kappa’ gasoline and mild-hybrid powertrains, along with the 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ T-GDi engine.

The new Kia XCEED

The updated version of the XCeed includes an eye-catching exterior design, enhanced interior, and a new sporty GT-line trim for first time. This will ensure the XCeed model will continue to offer an exciting prospect in the Crossover segment. Where the previous XCeed was the best-selling member of the wider Ceed model family with 40% of sales.

The new XCeed is available with a choice of highly efficient electrified powertrains, including mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV); the latter providing an electric-only driving range of up to 60km. All variants will be available to order from September 2022, and will start at £22,995 in the UK.

Two What Car? Electric car awards for Kia

The Kia EV6 continues its winning ways following its ‘Car of the Year’ award from what car at the start of 2022. Where now the Kia EV6 has been named ‘best Electric Large SUV’. Where on the other end of the scale the Kia Soul EV won the ‘Best Electric Small SUV’ award.

Kia EV6 – Best electric large SUV:

The Kia EV6 was Kia’s first dedicated electric car, highlighting the potential of the company’s new Electric Global Modular platform (E-GMP) The EV6 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive and a 77.4 kWh battery as standard across a choice of three model grades: ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’. The EV6 is capable of travelling up to 328 miles between charges, and its 800V fast-charging technology enables to recharge from 10-to-80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes from a 350 kW charger. A performance-orientated version of the EV6 – the ‘GT’ – is due to join the line-up later in 2022.

Kia Soul EV – Best Small Electric SUV:

The original Kia Soul was the brand’s first globally sold electric vehicle when it launched in 2014. The new model, introduced to the UK in 2019, remains an important member of Kia’s electric car line-up, boasting a long-range 64 kWh battery pack and a powerful 150 kW (201 bhp) electric motor. The Soul EV can travel up to 280 miles on a single charge.