The first examples of the new Kia XCeed compact crossover have rolled off the company’s production line in Žilina, Slovakia, kicking off the use of more efficient and sustainable production techniques in the factory.
The upgraded production line features 40 new advanced robots in the paint and assembly halls, part of a long-term plan to increase automation, efficiency, and compliance with the latest environmental standards. Regarding sustainability, Kia’s Slovakian facility uses 100 per cent renewable energy for its operations, while heat and water from the paint shop are recycled across the plant to cut waste.
All Kia models at Žilina are manufactured on the same production line, which further aids efficiency and helps it better respond to changing patterns of demand across the different model ranges. Along with the new XCeed, Žilina 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 XCeed’s product enhancements, which include a striking new exterior design, enhanced interior, and a sporty new GT-line trim for the first time, will ensure the model continues to offer an enticing proposition in the popular C-Crossover segment. The previous XCeed became the best-selling member of the wider Ceed model family, with 40 per cent of sales and a total production volume of over 120,000 units.
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.
