[/vc_column][vc_column fade_animation=”in-from-top” fade_animation_offset=”65px” width=”3/4″]Cool, quick and comfortable, a likeable, capable, Kia hot-hatch
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row inner_container=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”all” bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_video=”” class=”” style=””][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”]Kia’s first hot-hatch… the Pro_cee’d GT.
Designed in Europe under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the sporty new Kia models feature new front grilles and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, jewel-like four-point LED daytime running lights, new fog lights, dual-exhaust pipes, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, eye-catching red brake calipers and a range of special paint finishes.
The ‘GT’ and higher spec ‘GT Tech’ (tested here) are available in a choice of three colours – Track Red and Fusion White metallic, both of which are exclusive to the GT, as well as Phantom Black metallic.
The GT is powered by a new version of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, resulting in 201bhp and 265 Nm of torque. The Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT each deliver a claimed combined fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg and emit 171g/km CO2.
On the road
On the road, the Pro’ceed GT impresses with secure planted and stable handling, with decent turn-in. Kia have gone for a more comfort orientated set-up, in a similar vein to Volkswagen’s Golf GTI, resulting in a supple, pliant ride, despite the big wheels. There isn’t quite the polish of the more premium German rival, but in all key areas the Korean contender acquits itself very well indeed, although the big tyres mean a fair bit of road noise enters the cabin at speed. The engine has a satisfyingly sporty tone when extended, but isn’t boomy or intrusive when cruising.
It might not be brimming with feel, but the steering does a good job, feeling neutral and linear – allowing quick changes of direction and accurate placement of the car.
Like the Golf, the Pro’ceed GT is able to pull off the trick of providing comfortable and effortlessly quick daily transport, yet also having ‘another gear’, so-to-speak, when you’re in the mood for some more engaging ‘press-on’ driving where it will sprint to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and storm on to 143 mph, aided by the snicky short-throw gear-leaver and crisp 6-speed gearbox.
In the cabin
Kia’s hot-hatch almost looks as good inside, as out. The leather and suede Recaro sports seats look the part and are comfortably cocooning, while there’s red stitching adorning the leather steering wheel and gear knob and a gloss black finished centre console.
‘GT’ models get air conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, the coolest ice cube daytime running lights, automatic lights, cornering lights, reversing sensors, Bluetooth phone connectivity with music streaming and voice recognition, a six speaker radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, a unique ‘GT’ TFT LCD dash binnacle display, electric windows, electrically operated and heated folding mirrors with puddle lights and privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate.
This higher spec ‘GT Tech’ adds a seven-inch touchscreen incorporating satellite navigation, a reversing camera display, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, an engine start/stop button with a smart entry system, exterior door handle illumination, rain-sensing front wipers, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, automatic-dimming rear-view mirror and xenon adaptive headlights with headlight washers and automatic leveling.
Prices start at £19,995 for the pro_cee’d GT, rising to £22,495 for the GT-Tech model.
The Pro’ceed GT’s cabin is spacious, despite the swoopy coupé roofline, with plenty of head and legroom front and rear. It’s not without some gripes, though. A built-up foot rest means taller drivers are unable to fully stretch out their left-leg; while the steering wheel is rather cluttered with buttons.
Visibility is never going to be great in a coupe and here the thick C-Pillar and small back window conspire to restrict rear vision. But thankfully, front and rear parking sensors are standard.
Verdict
For some time now Kia has been more than 7 year warranties and value for money. The pro_cee’d GT is highly significant in that it’s perhaps the first model that will be bought of grounds of desirability over practicality. It might be more warm than hot, but the Kia pro_cee’d GT is a very likeable and capable all-round hatch. It does everything well enough and it’s hard not to be impressed by this sporty Kia offering.
Tech spec:
Kia Procee’d GT Price £19,995, Kia Procee’d GT Tech Price £22,495
0-62mph: 7.4sec
Top speed: 143mph
Power: 201bhp at 6000rpm
Torque: 265 Nm at 1750-4500rpm
Economy Combined: 38.2mpg
Emissions: CO2 171g/km
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