Kia ProCeed GT-Line

KIA says its new ProCeed model offers sporty design, practicality and versatility by being a hatchback tourer with estate-car capacity – and it is hard to argue with that assessment!

With long, low and rather rakish lines, the car exudes a sleek image which has its own distinct persona and inside, it proves to be a roomy five-seater which is very well equipped  right across the range. Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the ProCeed is available with petrol and diesel engines, manual or auto gearboxes and in three different trim levels, starting at €26,804 (£23,840).

My test model was an entry GT-Line with a 1.6-litre 134 hp diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Priced at €27,759 (£24,690,) standard features include alloy wheels, privacy glass, auto lights and wipers and projector headlights. You also get digital radio, Bluetooth, smartphone mirroring, connectivity features, sat-nav and reversing camera – an outstanding entry-level specification. Safety kit includes lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, city forward-collision aid, hill start assist and pedestrian detection.

First impressions of the ProCeed are of  its elegant and assertive lines and once inside, the cabin area is light and airy, with comfortable seating and a well-designed dashboard with user-friendly control layout. I found it easy to familiarise with the dials, switchgear and touch-screen operation.

Although the roofline swoops towards the rear, there is still good headroom in the back for taller adults, and plenty of leg room too. The boot is among the largest in the sector offering a substantial 594 litres of space. The rear seats drop down to boost load space and and there are useful underfloor storage compartments too.

Direct rivals are rare – one is perhaps the more expensive Mercedes CLA Sport Wagon – otherwise you have to compare with conventional estate models such as the VW Golf.

On the road, the diesel unit proves smooth and responsive and aided by a slick six-speed manual gearbox, gets this large car to 100 kph in 10.0 seconds and on to a top speed of  200 kph (124 mph). Fuel economy is very good at 20 kpl (56.5 mpg), with emissions low at 114 g/km. Ride quality is excellent and the car feels well planted on the corners.

The ProCeed underlines Kia’s rapid progression up the motoring hierarchy. Now comparable to many of the longer established quality brands, it actually tops them all with its industry-leading seven-year warranty!

Facts at a glance

Model: Kia ProCeed GT-Line
Engine: 1.6 litre diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Performance: 0-100 kph 10.0 seconds, top speed 200 kph (124 mph)
Economy: 20 kpl (56.5 mpg)
Emissions: 114 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.