Sitting as one of four body styles within the KIA Ceed family, the ‘ProCeed’ wins without doubt, the family beauty pageant.
For those who do not wish to conform to the ever increasing SUV numbers on our roads, or wish to own a bland looking family hatchback, nor for that matter an estate, akin to that of a sales representative.
The ProCeed offers you some practicality with an abundance of style, thanks to its ‘shooting brake’ styled rear-end. Priced from £24,335 the ProCeed could easily be pitched against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf Estate.
However, its styling and lack of true estate car practicality, would see it as a more affordable option to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA shooting brake, which is around £8k more expensive.
It is fair to say that you won’t get the luxury cabin as seen on the German equivalent, nor will you get the kudos associated with such a brand. Instead, you get a 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty and unrivalled reliability. But more importantly, exceptional value for money.
Over the last few years Korean manufacturer Kia has given its full range of vehicles a major overhaul with regards to materials used around the cabin. Bringing many of its models to the attention of those, who in the past, would maybe have snubbed the brand.
The Kia ProCeed is available in four trim levels starting with the ‘GT-Line’ which features 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED full-width tail lights, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather flat-bottom steering wheel with grey stitching, dual automatic air conditioning, keyless entry with start/stop button, 10.25-inch touch screen with satellite navigation which features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with voice control and reversing camera system.
Next in the trim range is a ‘GT-Line Lunar Edition’ which is priced from £25,385 and features a wide sunroof with tilt/slide function and automatic roller blind, LED bi-function headlights, and an 8-inch satellite navigation featuring European maps.
A sporting edge is added with the ‘GT-Line S’ which starts from £29,095 and features 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch digital speedometer cluster display, black leather with faux suede and grey stitching, smart cruise control with stop and go functionality, smart powered tailgate, heated front and rear seats, JBL premium sound system, smart park assist, and blind spot collision warning.
A ‘GT’ trim which starts from £28,615 removes some of the creature comforts in favour of sporting pedigree and features 18-inch alloy wheels with red centre caps, red stitching on the upholstery and steering wheel, red brake calipers, and red detailing around the lower spoilers on the outside of the vehicle.
Engine wise things are kept very simple with the Kia ProCeed as just two petrol, and a single diesel is available, with the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox, or 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission (trim dependent).
Starting with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol which produces 138bhp, you will achieve a 0-60mph time in 8.6 seconds, with a combined return of around 45mpg. A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol produces 201bhp, seeing the 0-60mph time reduce to 7.2 seconds with a combined return of 39mpg.
The single diesel engine is 1.6-litre turbocharged unit producing 134bhp, which will see 0-60mph in 10 seconds with a combined return of around 56mpg.
It is this engine, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox that we sampled during our week with a GT-Line model. It’s power and performance is ideal for owners who would do more than others mind, whilst those who require a more thrilling experience, would be best opting for the 1.6-litre petrol.
With firmer suspension and tweaked steering, over the Ceed model, the full ProCeed range is more agile and with it, slightly less refined. Something that isn’t helped with the generally larger wheels.
The ProCeed is sure-footed and inspires confidence when driving. I’d maybe even go as far as saying that you would do 30 mile trip along a meandering coastal road, with the excuse of going for a pint of milk, as a valid reason just to drive the car.
Speaking of nipping to the shops, I must commend the partitioned boot floor which reveals storage compartments ideal for shopping bags, a carton of milk or even a box of potatoes, It stops your groceries from being scattered everywhere, while enjoying that coastal route home.
Inside, the cabin may feel somewhat claustrophobic for the taller occupant, with restricted headroom. However, everything you need is in the right place, within reach, and incredibly well built with comfortable and supportive seating throughout.
Things are kept simple and in a way, quite analogue, making the Kia extremely user-friendly.
Fact File for model tested
Make : Kia
Model : ProCeed
Trim : GT-Line
Engine : 1.60litre turbocharged diesel
Gearbox : 6-speed manual
Cost : £26,040.00
Words: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
