Korean manufacturer Kia has a vast family within their Ceed model, but what happens when you outgrow the entry-level hatchback, when you’re too cool for the Sportwagon, and when you’re too stylish for the crossover styled XCeed?
You go and order the head of this family, the ProCeed, that’s what happens.
Referred to as a shooting brake, this incredibly sleek Kia takes inspiration from both an estate car and a coupe giving it an appearance that would make anyone look twice.
Although not offering the true practicality of an estate, the Proceed offers a higher spec than its siblings. Looking immensely better than similar priced estate rivals such as the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, the Kia ProCeed is where I would be spending my money.
The ProCeed is available in just two grades, starting from £26,705 for a ‘GT-Line’ with 6-speed manual gearbox, or £27,810 if you opt for the 7-speed DCT automatic ‘box.
Standard features are vast and include automatic headlight control, electrically folding & adjustable & heated door mirrors with LED indicators, high gloss black door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, LED full-width tail light, LED rear combination lights, privacy glass (rear windows & tailgate), and rain sensing front wipers.
Aluminium pedals, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic defog system, black high gloss front console garnish & door trim, dual automatic air conditioning, heated seats (front), heated steering wheel, leather trimmed d-cut steering wheel, power lumbar support (driver & front passenger), steering wheel mounted controls.
10.25″ touchscreen satellite navigation, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay with voice control, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines.
Safety is taken care of thanks to ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution & brake assist system, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure warning, electronic stability control & vehicle stability management, forward collision-avoidance assist – city/pedestrian/cyclist, lane following assist, and lane keeping assist.
A ‘GT-Line S’ starts from £32,315 and comes with only the 7-speed DCT automatic ‘box. Additional features on this trim include 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof with tilting / sliding function & automatic electric roll blind, black leather with suede upholstery, memory driver seat, and heated outer rear seats.
Smart key with engine start/stop button, smart cruise control with stop & go functionality, power opening tailgate, 8-speaker JBL premium audio system, and wireless mobile phone charger. Safety additions include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic assist, drive mode select (normal & sport), smart park assist system, and intelligent speed limit warning.
There’s just one engine in the Kia ProCeed. and that’s the brands 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit that produces 157 bhp with 253 Nm of torque which will see you from 0-62 mph in 8.6 seconds (8.8 for auto), with a top speed of 130 mph. A combined economy of 48.7 mpg is claimed.
Inside offers an abundance of space for occupants, with plenty of legroom both front and back. Due to the sloping nature of the roof towards the rear, headroom for tall occupants is somewhat compromised, especially in the rear seats. This also affects the ability of carrying tall loads in the boot.
Thinking a little outside the box, Kia have produced a car which looks great, goes well, has surprising agility, well-bolstered comfort, and with a sporting essence added for good measure. I really liked the Proceed, and it was a hoot to drive when running late.
Kia offers 7-year/100,000 mile warranty (3ys/unlimited miles) with service intervals every 12 months/10,000 miles, whichever comes sooner.
