Kia XCeed review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The 2022 facelifted XCeed model offers more than just cosmetic exterior changes and upgraded onboard tech - the front foglights have been repositioned into the headlight clusters, while Kia has introduced a pair of air curtains, which are designed to guide air around the wheels and help reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

The 1.0-litre petrol model has been discontinued from the XCeed range, but with average fuel economy (on the WLTP combined cycle) of 47.1mpg, it could be worth exploring as a used model. The current 158bhp 1.5-litre returns up to 46.3mpg depending on which trim level and wheel size you opt for, while CO2 emissions range from 137g/km  to 143g/km.

For the ultimate in economy, the XCeed plug-in hybrid is by far the front-runner. Priced at around £33,000, it's the most expensive model in the range, but offers around 30 miles of all-electric range which is perfect for the urban commute. Overall fuel economy is rated at 201mpg, but you'll have to ensure the battery is regularly topped up to achieve anything like that in real-world driving.

With CO2 emissions of just 32g/km, the XCeed plug-in model will be particularly appealing to company car users as it attracts a 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax rate for 2023/24. 

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Insurance groups

Although it's the most expensive model to buy, the XCeed plug-in hybrid is in group 15 for insurance (out of 50), whereas the 1.5-litre petrol versions are in group 17 or 18, depending on specification.

Depreciation

Residual values for the XCeed are reasonable, with all petrol and plug-in hybrid models averaging around 44 per cent after a typical three-year/36,000-mile ownership period. The one exception is the 1.5-litre petrol version in top-of-the-range GT-Line S trim, which is predicted to hold onto 39 per cent over the same three-year period.