Kia ProCeed Long-Term Test: Report 1

This is the new Kia ProCeed. Striking, isn’t it? For the next few months, I’m going to be finding out if this stylish shooting brake can tempt people out of their SUVs and crossovers, as well as using it as a marker to assess just how far Kia has come in recent years.

The Proceed is another ambitious offering from a brand that until relatively recently was perhaps best known for its seven year warranty and cheap and cheerful range of cars. The launch of the Stinger sports saloon has helped to change perceptions by showing the company is more than capable of taking on established premium rivals and creating a desirable product. This is something the ProCeed seems to be trying to replicate, albeit at a more affordable price point. The sleek design, with its sloping roofline and full-width LED rear light bar, certainly stands out. Even in basic GT-Line spec, ‘my’ ProCeed definitely looks the part.

Under the bonnet is a 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 138bhp and 178lb ft of torque, which is enough to power the ProCeed from 0-60mph in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph. On the road, acceleration is brisk with strong performance in the mid-range, while the engine is impressively quiet and refined. In this car, it is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, although a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox is also available.

Despite its attention-grabbing styling, the ProCeed is not an overtly sporty car. Rather, it has a calm and relaxed demeanour that makes for a pleasant driving experience. The ride is smooth and copes well with most surface imperfections, something that Kia has improved upon significantly compared to the previous generation of Ceed/ProCeed. No doubt this is helped by the 17-inch alloy wheels of the GT-Line, an inch smaller than those fitted to the higher-spec models.

Kia’s line-up is refreshingly simple, with customers’ choice limited to the GT-Line car I’m running, the better equipped GT-Line S or the higher-powered 1.6-litre GT. The good news is that Kia’s push to create a more upmarket feel to its cars hasn’t come at the expense of value-for-money. The list of standard equipment is vast, with the only optional extra being premium paint (at a cost of £570). All in, the price of this car comes to £24,410. For this money, the ProCeed really is a compelling package.

My initial impressions of the ProCeed have left me very much looking forward to the rest of my time behind the wheel. I have some exciting trips planned that are sure to put it through its paces. Check back soon to see how it gets on.

Kia ProCeed ‘GT-Line’ 1.4 T-GDi 6 speed manual

Power 138bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque 178lb ft @ 1500-3200rpm

Kerb weight 1378kg

0-60mph 8.8 seconds

Top speed 130mph

MPG (claimed) 45.6

CO2 142g/km

Basic price £23,840

Price as tested £24,410