Kia Procee’d 1.6 Gdi - Shine In A Competitive Class

Stylish, but lacking the dynamic flair to really shine in a competitive class.

We expect great-looking Kias these days, so it’s no surprise to see how sharp the all-new Procee’d looks. The sleek hatch is the three-door version of the Cee’d, and shares its dimensions with the five-door save for its height; the Procee’d is 40mm lower. Bodywork is new from the A-pillars back, but the Cee’d and Procee’d are largely identical beneath.

Kia Procee’d 1.6 GDi

The Procee’d is priced above the Cee’d, with its own well equipped trim levels (S and SE). The two 1.6-liter engines are a 133bhp petrol and a 126bhp diesel. They use a six-speed manual ’box, with a six-speed, dual-clutch auto option for the petrol.

Predictably, the Procee’d drives much like the Cee’d; it’s thoroughly competent but never exciting.

The petrol model we drove was quiet enough, but in this era of turbocharging, the engine feels underpowered next to rival units.

The slick manual gearbox is the transmission to go for; although the two-Pedaller works well, it makes the car slower to 62mph, thirstier for fuel and dirtier of CO2 emissions.

The ride is generally comfortable, if lacking in overall finesse. It’s much the same with the handling; the Procee’d will go where you point it but lacks that final level of polish and reward. The steering could also use more feel at the expense of lightness.

Dash is identical to that of the five-door

The Procee’d is good, but no class leader. We hope this summer’s GT model will add performance and verve to trouble the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, giving the dynamic sparkle the looks deserve.

The Procee’d is good, but no class leader.

Verdict

·         Ratings: 3.5/5

·         Stylish, but lacking the dynamic flair to really shine in a competitive class