Highlights
- Good-looking
- 7-year warranty
- Excellent levels of practicality
- GT-Line trim adds plenty of kit
Introduction
Back in 2019, Kia introduced the handsome ProCeed to its Ceed range and earlier this year it revamped the model with a new front look, as well as changes to the lights, rump, and interior.
The ProCeed is the third member and flagship of the Ceed range and is a very attractive hatchback that combines all the space and versatility of an estate in a 5-door coupé-like body.
Designed, engineered, and built in Europe, it's offered with a choice of engines, transmissions, and trim levels, including the entry-level GT-Line model I tested here.
It comes with all the latest safety and advanced driver assistance systems as well as a bold, sporty body.
Design and Interior
Longer and lower than the more traditional Sportswagon, the ProCeed features the iconic 'tiger nose' grille of its siblings, but its striking looks make it stand out from the rest of the range.
Its raked roofline flows nicely downwards to the rear and really gives the car its sporting stance.
A wide rear bumper is combined with dual-tip exhausts, and the ProCeed name is spelled out in bold letters below LED tail-lights that span the tailgate to give the car a unique light signature.
Good-looking alloys enhance the sense of sportiness, and a lot of customers will buy this car for its looks alone.
The cabin shares much with its siblings, but that's no bad thing, since it's well-built and features good quality plastics and soft-touch finishes.
The instruments are well laid out and easy to read and use, and there's plenty of space for four adults.
The dash is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen which is easy to operate and there are stacks of kit available in the GT-Line model.
Driving Experience
This ProCeed came with the 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's a smooth and relaxed performer, capable of 130mph and of reaching 62mph in 8.3 seconds.
It's also a frugal performer, capable of a claimed 48.7mpg, and I averaged 48.1mpg over a mixed week of driving.
The steering is sharp and accurate and the ride supple with bags of grip for twisting country roads. The ProCeed also has bags of power for overtaking and is excellent for munching motorway miles.
John Murdoch
Equipment and Practicality
Standard equipment on this GT-Line version includes 17-inch alloys, LED rear lights, heated front seats and steering wheel, as well as a reversing camera. It also has a good navigation system along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also boasts all the creature comfort goodies you could want and that you would pay a lot for in many rival products.
Split-folding rear seats increase the space when collapsed, and an underfloor storage area is provided for smaller items to keep them safe and prevent them from rattling around.
It may be a cracking looker, but the ProCeed is still very practical and versatile with a huge 594 litres of boot space.
The small rear window slightly reduces visibility, and the interior of this car was fairly dark thanks to the black trim and privacy glass. However, it' still a car you will enjoy, and it's somewhat of a bargain buy, especially when you take into account Kia’s 7-year warranty package.
Summary
The ProCeed is an attractive and versatile alternative to standard hatchbacks or estates, and it brings a dash of style to a mainstream segment for a reasonable price. Sporty GT-Line spec adds all the gadgets you could wish for, as well as smooth design features that give the ProCeed plenty of road presence.
