Kia Xceed Plug-in Hybrid 2022 review review

As a result, the Xceed feels tiny different to travel, and if you’re following a calming, refined and quick-heading visitors-jammer, that’s no negative point. In its EV method, the PHEV serves up moderately brisk and near-silent acceleration, when its claimed electric variety of 30 miles is plenty of for most everyday chores, even if it doesn’t qualify for the reduce, 8% gain-in-sort company vehicle tax. 

The transition concerning lithium ion and unleaded ability is smooth, as well, although the 1.6-litre appears strained when prolonged and all-out go is sluggish. It is also aided and abetted by a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox that trails the very best for velocity and smoothness.

On the plus side, that softer suspension set-up delivers a nicely languid trip, with only some patter and fidget at minimal velocity when significant-frequency street imperfections upset the feeling of serene. Quick steering usually means the Xceed turns in crisply, and while there is minimum truly feel to the rim, the established-up is nicely weighted and accurate. What’s far more, there is respectable grip and all round physique control is good, letting the Kia to carve as a result of corners with stunning precision. 

Nonetheless, the PHEV’s added battery mass can be detected in a minimal laziness through more rapidly path changes, while at the restrict, it ultimately runs broad with mild understeer scrub. A quick spin in the lighter petrol model discovered a increased perception of agility and poise, furthermore an even a lot more cushioned journey. 

Neither edition is a notably engaging motor vehicle to travel, but there’s anything refreshing in the firm’s recognition that most prospects would fairly make restful and tension-free of charge progress than revel in razor-sharp switch-in and vertebrae-vibrating physique regulate.

Pricing has nonetheless to be discovered, but the outgoing vehicle is only a handful of hundred pounds additional than an equivalent Ceed. Variable in the larger convenience and even larger boot, and it’s not challenging to see the up to date Xceed having even more product sales from its lessen-slung sibling.

Extra importantly, the emphasis on comfort fits the Xceed’s simple-going character, and it’s well geared up and practical. The PHEV also will make sense for enterprise vehicle motorists, but if it was our hard cash, we might expend it on the 1.5-litre petrol, which is better to generate and prices less to acquire.