In a nutshell The Kia pro_cee’d GT is the most anticipated new Kia in recent memory.

Practical Motoring Says Impressive performance figures, specification and pricing means the Kia pro_cee’d GT ticks all of the right boxes.

KIA, THANKS TO A RAFT OF SMART LOOKING and premium feeling vehicles, has been steadily changing the way the market looks at the second-biggest Korean car maker in the Australian market. A sibling to Hyundai, Kia has been aping the philosophy of its bigger brother but, thanks to the design input of ex-Audi chief designer, Peter Schreyer, offering up more European-feeling vehicles.

And the new Kia pro_cee’d GT is the brand’s most anticipated new model. With suspension and steering tuned for the Australian market, the performance-oriented pro_cee’d GT promises a mix of driver engagement and everyday usability.

The pro_cee’d GT is on-sale now and is available in two trim levels: GT and GT Tech.

UNDER THE BONNET

There is only one engine available for the Kia pro_cee’d GT, and it’s a turbocharged version of Kia’s workhorse 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ engine. The 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 150kW of power at 6000rpm and 265Nm of torque from 1750-4500rpm (More than 80% of maximum torque is available from less than 1500rpm). The pro_cee’d GT accelerates from 80-110km/h in fifth gear in around seven seconds, and averages 7.4L/100km and emits 171g/km of CO2. The turbocharged engine drives the front wheels only via a six-speed manual transmission.

ON THE INSIDE

Climb behind the wheel of the pro_cee’d GT and you’ll sink down into driver and passenger Recaro sports seats – a first in a Kia – adorned with ‘GT’ and ‘Recaro’ logos.
Power-adjustable lumbar support is fitted to both front seats. The upholstery is part leather and part suede, and there is red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and door trims. High-gloss black features on the air vent surrounds, front console tray and door trims add a premium feel.

Kia has employed its traditional three-dial instrument layout and a TFT LCD multi-function display that allows the driver to switch between analogue-type or GT performance digital information. The latter shows the car’s speed, engine torque, turbo boost pressure and engine coolant temperature as well as important trip information. A ‘GT’ button on the steering wheel allows the driver to change the display without taking a hand off the wheel.

There are storage compartments in the front, rear and centre console, while the large boot provides 380 litres of storage with the rear seats folded up. Fold the 60:40 split-fold rear seats down and boot space grows to 1225 litres of luggage to be carried. This is supplemented by an under-floor storage area.

WHAT KIT DO YOU GET?

The Kia pro_cee’d GT is available in two trim levels: GT and GT Tech. The ‘GT’ is the entry-level version. The exterior benefits from a number of unique styling touches including new front and rear bumper designs, side sill mouldings, dual exhausts, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the ‘GT’ receives Recaro seats finished in leather and suede, and with power lumbar adjustment, with red stitching that is also applied to the leather steering wheel and gear knob, a black headlining and several gloss black trim items.

The GT also offers dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, automatic lights, cornering lights, reversing sensors, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, a six speaker radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, a unique GT TFT LCD dash binnacle display, electric windows, electrically operated and heated folding mirrors with puddle lights.

The GT Tech adds a panoramic sunroof, smart key with push button start and door handle lighting, active HID headlamps with washer, privacy glass and luggage net.

SAFETY

The Kia pro_cee’d’s safety package includes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), six airbags, seat-belt reminder, impact-sensing door unlocking and three child seat anchors plus two ISOFIX child-seat mounting.

The pro_cee’d GT comes standard with six airbags – twin front, side and side curtains – to provide all-round chest, face and head protection. Seat-belt recognition monitors detect if the belt on an occupied seat is not fastened or is released during a journey. Improved pedestrian safety comes through collapsible headlamps, a stiffer lower bumper lip and shock-absorbing structures in the bonnet and bonnet hinges.

HOW MUCH?

The Kia pro_cee’d GT lists for $29,990 (+ORC), while the pro_cee’d GT Tech lists for $33,490 (+ORC). Premium paint adds $595. According to Kia, routine servicing is needed only once a year or every 15,000 kilometres. The pro_cee’d GT also features Kia’s Kia Connect service program offering capped-price servicing along with the five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.