As Kia's taller, curvier version of its Ceed hatch, the Xceed has received its mid-life facelift. This is after three years on-sale and 120,000 sold in Europe alone. 

This pseudo SUV looks significantly different to the Ceed - only sharing its doors with the standard hatch. This facelift mainly centres on exterior and interior tweaks, plus a rationalisation of engine choices to keep sales up of its third best-seller in the UK. 

Outside, changes to the Xceed revolve around updated LED head and taillights, a revised front grille and bumpers, plus new colours such as the Sprint Green of our test car. There is also a sporty GT-Line S equipment grade available for the first time, although it's the 3 we drive here. 

Inside, the changes are harder to spot. With many models moving to screens for their instruments, the Xceed's analogue instruments feel like a Kia model from a generation back. Plus, the curvy design and soft-touch plastics seem at odds with the angular designs seen in more recently launched models, such as the EV6, Sportage and Niro. Still, all the switchgear is well laid out, and the Xceed's interior feels good quality, well-equipped, spacious, and comfortable enough - if a bit plain. Plus, the longer rear overhang means a practical 291-litre boot - with the hybrid battery located alongside the 37-litre fuel tank.

Other changes for the Xceed happen under the bonnet, with a rationalisation of the engines available. Now, there's just the choice of the 1.5-litre petrol and, of more interest to the fleet market, this plug-in hybrid version.
The PHEV combines a 1.6-litre petrol with a 8.9kWh battery and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, to equal 141hp, 29.8miles of electric-only driving and a 14% BIK figure. 

The Xceed PHEV starts in EV mode, and the transition to the petrol engine is smooth enough - although it never feels fast and always sounds strained when asking for more performance when overtaking. In fact, the six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox mated to the engine is worthy of particular mention, as it has one of the slickest if not the quickest changes. 

Kia have also changed the Xceed's suspension to a softer set-up with hydraulic bump stops. This, along with our 3 test car's small 16in alloy wheels (that really looked lost in this Kia's arches) equals a comfortable, refined ride. It is not perfect, however, as the extra weight of the battery can make itself known, sometimes compromising the body control, and upsetting the ride. In fact, the responsive steering seems at odds with what isn't a particularly involving car to drive. Think more comfortable than sporty - which is fine as Kia believes this will suit its  target buyer better.  

More unusual in the plug-in hybrid class is the fact that the Xceed PHEV can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,300kg.