Kia XCeed first drive | the cheapest PHEV in its segment

Such is the demand for slightly quirky bodystyles that don’t quite fit traditional segments, Kia’s part-coupe/part-hatchback/part-SUV XCeed model has become its third-bestselling car.

It’s easy to see why. Sitting between the Ceed five-door hatchback and the Sportage, the XCeed provides a large interior space, useful luggage capacity and sporty looks, all wrapped up at an attractive price point.

This facelifted model introduces a revised trim line-up, enhanced styling and updated technology.

Two powertrains are offered: a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid, both carried over from the outgoing model.

The 1.5-litre T-GDi engine is the more potent of the pair, with 160PS it can hit 60mph from rest in 8.7 seconds. CO2 emissions of 137g/km, however, are unlikely to attract many company car drivers.

The plug-in hybrid serves up 141PS, giving a slower 0-60mph dash, of 10.6 seconds, but greater efficiency. While it emits just 32g/km of CO2 (WLTP), the XCeed can’t quite manage 30 miles of zero-emission driving in official tests and therefore attracts 14% benefit-in-kind rather than the 8% or 12% that most rival vehicles offer.

Part of the problem is the Kia’s battery - it has a capacity of just 8.9kWh. A Volkswagen Golf, for comparison, uses a 13kWh unit. While the smaller battery is lighter and takes up less space in the boot, it does harm the car’s fleet appeal. Drivers can expect to pay around £77 per month for an XCeed, while the more potent Golf will cost them less than £50.

With a lower power output, the car feels a lot more lethargic than other plug-in hybrids, especially as the petrol engine lacks a turbocharger. While Kia has mated the powertrain to a six-speed twin-clutch automatic, rather than a CVT, to try and boost engagement, the power delivery is just a little bit flat.

The upshot is returned at the fuel pumps however. The XCeed is easily one of the most efficient plug-in hybrids we’ve tested. Over the course of a few hours behind the wheel, taking in a mix of different roads and speeds, the car still achieved more than 80mpg and had charge remaining in its battery.

The cabin has a premium look and feel, especially in range-topping GT Line S versions, which get sportier seats, a panoramic sunroof and digital instruments. The rest of the range makes do with a slightly dated analogue dial setup.

A new 10.25-inch infotainment screen is fitted to all but the base model, featuring smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple Carplay, satnav and a range of connected services such as live traffic and weather data.

The dashboard has a logical layout with easy-to-use controls and there’s separate switches for useful things, like climate control and lane keep assist to save drivers from messing around with touchscreens while driving.

Compared to the Ceed hatchback and estate, the XCeed is more softly sprung and delivers a smoother and more comfortable ride. Despite this, and the fact it rides higher than its stablemates, the XCeed still handles well. The steering is light but precise and while not class leading, the Xceed is impressive, nonetheless. Even the plug-in hybrid model delivers a degree of driver satisfaction, although the non-hybrid is more agile, unsurprisingly.

Pricing for the new XCeed starts at just £23,060, for the entry-level 2 grade, but you’ll have to stretch to £32,890 for the plug-in hybrid. It comes in a single trim level – 3 -and is well-equipped with the likes of heated seats, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera coming as standard.

The XCeed is the cheapest plug-in hybrid car in its segment and it represents good value for fleet operators that want a cost-efficient model that delivers a degree of driver appeal. For user choosers the car might not be compelling enough though, especially when compared to the likes of the new Peugeot 308 plug-in hybrid or the Seat Leon, which are sportier, faster and cheaper to tax.