Weekend roadtest: Kia ProCeed 1.6 GDI GT

On the back of its best-ever half-year sales performance, Kia has launched a series of updates across its UK range for 2020.

As it rolls out new models and expands its electric model choices, the Korean car-maker cannot let a wheel slip in the showrooms and takes every opportunity to build on its success.

Part of that is completely new product while some careful marketing also means special editions and updates to firm favourites, such as the stylish Kia ProCeed.

The Kia ProCeed shooting brake reflects its sporting style falling between a conventional saloon or hatchback and full estate body styles and it’s a popular design trend among up-market manufacturers. It’s also an alternative to the now ubiquitous cross-overs and SUVs and sets owners apart from them.

The gutsy 1.6 GT turbo petrol engine is used in the Ceed GT and does a very good job delivering strong pulling power for a quick getaway and overtaking while returning satisfying real-world economy and potentially more if you are really gentle on the throttle.

Pick up is good with 265Nm between 1500 and 4500rpm but you have to “manage” the automatic transmission to get the most out of it as the top three ratios are overdrive and do not provide a lot of pull. Use the manual mode and it transforms the ProCeed GT into a much more sporting model, and that can be useful if loaded or towing.

Power delivery was instant, unhesitating and strong with very smooth changes through the gears, even decelerating and is the first use of Kia’s new dual clutch transmission, offering selectable normal or sport modes to meet a driver’s wishes.

It wasn’t particularly noisy either and when pushed it generated a pleasant growl and deeper exhaust note, but never seemed stressed or strained.

Steering and brakes were faultless, with a good turning circle and feedback, excellent strong stopping ability with modest pressure underfoot and the parking brake was very effective.

Secondary controls were packed onto the steering wheel spokes, column stalks, along the fascia and console and need familiarisation but worked well and silently. Instruments were not large but simple and clear with a changeable display infront of the driver and an eight-inch infotainment screen on the console top.

There are multiple airbags throughout, advanced braking with cruise control, parking assist features and integrated communications so as not to distract the driver.

Heating and ventilation was straightforward, worked well and quietly with good output, temperature control and distribution in the cabin. Oddments room was reasonably good for a family car.

I liked the deeply shaped and supporting seats, set lower in the ProCeed than its hatchback stablemate to compensate for the lower roofline in the completely different body to the original five-door design. Seat adjustment was wide and there was plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom.

Even in the back the seats were cushioning and roomy with generous support and quickly folded down to gradually increase luggage space. The loadbed was low, long and flat but not particularly high with the coupe-like flowing roofline.

The wrap around effect of the rear half design and deep c-pillars meant rear vision was restricted and you have to rely on sensors and reversing camera, which is not always ideal. It comes highly specified even in standard versions and combined with a keen pricing structure it will give many more expensive executive cars a run for their money and lacks nothing in sophistication and refinement, but beats most with its very long warranty and residual value.

Access was very good with wide opening doors and a high-lift fifth-door you can easily get in or out, or load items. The ProCeed 1.6 GDI rode and handled very well for what is not a sports car. It absorbed most bumps without pushing them through the cabin even if you could hear the suspension working and tyres rumbling over tarmac.

A few really bad potholes did make themselves felt but generally it was a very composed chassis and suspension.

There was a tendency to run wide on tight turns but nothing to really concern a driver and it all came together when you eased off the throttle or steering. Body roll was minimal as was pitching under braking or acceleration.

High performance automatically adjusting headlights, big wipers and strong wash-wipe functions meant good vision at all times.

The Kia ProCeed 1.6 GDI is eye-catching both outside and in, it lacks little, goes well and economically, and has a refinement which many rivals would envy, particularly at this price.

It is easy to see why Kia has done so well in the UK with its strong design, engineering and marketing. Kia quality shines through everywhere.