Review: Kia ProCeed by Trish Whelan
Like its siblings, this car was designed, developed and engineered by Kia’s European teams in Frankfurt and is manufactured at the brand’s factory in Slovakia.
It now has five doors, a nod to Europe’s shrinking market for three-door hatches. It is beautifully proportioned, curvy, low, lean and lithe, a little longer and lower than the Sportswagon and Ceed five-door hatch. The suspension is 10mm lower than its companions, and tall people should mind their heads when getting in and out, or even when reaching in to collect belongings.
ProCeed is beautifully styled, a cross between an estate and a liftback. It is unique in the Ceed family as Kia has put its model name in capital letters across the centre of the tailgate.
There is ample front legroom. However, rear room could be a tad tight behind a 6ft-plus person directly in front, and rear headroom may be on the short side for an equally tall person.
I particularly liked the sport seats trimmed in black cloth and light grey synthetic leather, and embroidered with GT-Line cues which represent the only ProCeed grade. Large side bolsters give an extra snug fit especially good for when cornering. I could get a really good driving position, very important for someone of my smaller height. Metal pedals match the silver touches throughout the cabin.
Split-folding rear seats fold for an almost flat cargo area and there’s underfloor storage for smaller items, as well as a bag hook and luggage net. Luggage capacity at 594 litres is more in many larger cars and 50pc more than in the Ceed hatch. Other storage areas include a decent glovebox, a dash shelf, and large front door bins. There's a 12v socket and other connection bases.
Rear visibility is somewhat restricted by the narrow height of the rear window. That said, the coupe-like slope of the roof is one of car’s key attractions. The high opening tailgate makes it very easy to load and unload and ensures tall people won’t bang their heads when doing so.
Standard items are 17-inch alloys, privacy glass, Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management which ensures stability when braking and cornering, auto lights, cruise control, air con, sat nav, reversing camera, and full integration with Apple and Android phones. Options include a heated windscreen, heated front and rear seats — the front ones ventilated too — and a wireless smartphone charger. There's a full suite of advanced driver assist systems.
The only engine is Kia’s new 140hp 1.4 petrol, matched to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and providing front-wheel drive. It has plenty of oomph and offers a really engaging and rewarding experience. Gear ratios are well matched and I also liked the car’s direct steering. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this car and would recommend it to any potential buyer.
Prices start at €28,946. Annual road tax is €280. As with all Kia models, it is covered by the brand’s 7-Year, 150,000kms warranty.
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