Kia’s move to electrify the Ceed family gathered further momentum with the addition of a plug-in hybrid version of the Sportswagon.

The PHEV has been given its own distinctive design features to distinguish it from other models in the line-up.

A new closed ‘tiger-nose’ grille is designed to aid aerodynamic efficiency, the charging port is integrated into the passenger side front wing, while more dynamic-looking bumpers have been borrowed from the Ceed Sportswagon GT-Line models to aid air flow and provide a sportier look.

The alterations, which are completed by ‘eco plug-in’ badges on the bodywork, build on the aesthetics of what was already a sleek-looking estate.

The Korean brand says the Ceed Sportswagon was designed to ‘carry over’ the sporty and emotional design character of the Stinger.

And that has been achieved to a large extent, with the vehicle now conveying a more self-confident look.

Lower, wider, and with a longer rear overhang than the car it replaces, the silhouette is more mature and athletic, with sharp, straight lines visually lengthening the bonnet.

This version comes with a 1.6-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder petrol engine supported by an electric motor and an 8.9kWh battery.

It feels sufficient in most everyday situations, but favours a more relaxed driving style.

When you adopt a more urgent driving style, you sense the powertrain straining slightly to lug around the car’s 2,030kg gross weight.

Happily, the handling is trustworthy - with weighted, accurate steering and little by way of body roll.

It means that, when you do get up to the national speed limit, you have the confidence to maintain much of that momentum when cornering. While you wouldn’t class the Ceed PHEV as fun to drive, it’s engaging enough to keep the driver interested.

The power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission gearbox.

I was certainly impressed by the car’s capabilities when using electric power alone. From start, it defaults to the electric drive and you ease off the mark silently.

The motor will propel you for 29 miles without any help from the petrol engine, and also offers 60bhp on its own, which is more than enough when motoring around town.

When you need more power or the battery has run out, the petrol engine bursts into life. The transition isn’t quite so smooth as that found on some other models, but it’s by no means the most obvious either.

The test vehicle came in 3 trim – the highest spec on offer in the estate. It boasted a generous level of standard equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, silver roof rails, and rear privacy glass.

The interior is a nice place to be, with the sporty cabin benefitting from a driver-oriented dashboard, low seating position and decent ergonomics.

Interestingly, the new Plug-in Hybrid model features a range of new functions to help owners looking to extract the most out of the new powertrain.

The cabin also benefits from Kia’s latest infotainment system, a 10.25-inch system which I found to be very user-friendly.

Meanwhile, the instrument cluster displays the remaining battery charge, anticipated electric-only range and the flow of energy between the battery pack, engine and electric motor.

The PHEV model boasts a 437-litre boot. Compared to its predecessor, there is better shoulder room for rear passengers, and more headroom in the front.

All things considered, I found it to be a very easy car to live with, but the price of the PHEV is a sizeable increase on its more conventionally-powered cousins - and only the market will decide if its worth that mark up.

The lowdown

Kia Ceed 1.6 GDi PHEV ‘3’

PRICE: £29,995 on the road

ENGINE: 1.6-litre, four cylinder, 16 valve

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed DCT

0-60MPH: 10.5 seconds

TOP SPEED: 106mph

Weighted combined mpg: 188.3

All-Electric Range – City (miles): 35.4

CO2: 33 g/km