Capable of over 50mpg, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is the pick of the range if your budget doesn't stretch to the fully electric Kona.
PROS Cheap to run Plenty of equipment Clear infotainment setup
CONS Small boot Sluggish acceleration Optional safety features
Three trim levels will be available for the Korean petrol-electric SUV in Great Britain, though we're still waiting for the new model to be confirmed for Australia.In the UK, the Kona Hybrid will be offered in three trim levels – SE, Premium and Premium SE. All versions team a 1.6-litre direct-injection 'GDi' four-cylinder petrol engine with a 32kW/170Nm electric motor and 1.56kWh battery, quoting system outputs of 103.7kW (@5700rpm) and 265Nm (@4000rpm).Hyundai claims the front-driven hybrid crossover will accelerate from 0-100 in 11.2 seconds (11.6 for Premium and Premium SE), and hit a top speed of 115mph (185km/h).
The Kia XCeed has a higher ride height, a range of cheap-to-run engines and lots of kit as standard. There are more comfortable SUVs with better rear space, though.
Pros Eye-catching looks Good range of engines Well equipped as standard
Cons Bumpy in town So-so digital dials Limited back-seat space
On the styling front, Kia has done a fairly good job.Despite what the cladding may suggest, the XCeed is still front-wheel drive only. it’s a Ceed hatch that has been raised by 44mm to create an almost-crossover. We say almost, because Kia already sells the Sportage as a crossover and the Sorento as a full-size SUV.
Pros Better looking than a Merc GLA and comparatively much cheaper
Cons Do you really need a coupé-ified crossover hatchback on stilts?
If the design, ergonomics and credible dynamics of the most recent Ceed demonstrate that Kia should now be considered alongside any other European maker of mass-market hatchbacks, then the Xceed is the derivative perfectly tailored to the current tastes of European buyers.
Pros More satisfying to drive than the class average, with good steering Attractive appearance gives the Xceed a good measure of personality
Cons Low-speed ride exhibits hard edges, despite the raised ride height Expensive compared with some rival cars
