Kia Pro_cee'd GT 2014 Review

Wow, what an impressive car. Kia's new Proceed GT took us by surprise especially as our expectations for it were of a slightly different take on the Kia Koup - which we like but not nearly as much as we like the European made Proceed GT. They all spin off the Cerato small car platform but you wouldn't know it from the drive feel. 

PRICE / FEATURES

The Proceed GT is a sports hatch in the truest sense offering nearly as much as some of the premium European coupes and hatches at seriously less money. The Proceed GT we drove goes for $29,990 with the Tech version adding $3500 despite being exactly the same under the skin. We wouldn't bother upgrading to the Tech, as the GT offers more than enough.

Standard on the GT is cruise control, black dash fascia, seven inch info screen with multi trip computer, user select car set-up options, multiple digital infotainment connectivity, dual zone climate control, steering wheel control buttons and a clean air module. There's also a reverse camera, park assistance, heated exterior mirrors, puddle lamps, side skirts and spoiler, cornering lamps and dual outlet chrome exhaust.

Both the GT and Tech models have leather upholstery while the Proceed has a clever dual mode instrument pod that reads out analogue style or in digital display. Love the red stitching on the seats.

DESIGN / STYLING 

We love the way it looks too – something completely different and classy in a wedge shape capable of carrying five people and their luggage. While the Kia Koup is a two door with a boot, the Proceed is a three door hatchback and there are plenty of other differences inside and out particularly the detail exterior trim on Proceed which features splashes of chrome and those really neat ice cube LED daytime driving lights. 

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Power comes from a 1.6-litre, direct injection, turbo four cylinder with variable cam timing both sides and a twin scroll turbo integrated into the exhaust manifold.
It's a high tech unit and achieves 150kW/275Nm output – rather conservative in the greater scheme of things but sufficient. Fuel economy on regular octane is rated at 7.4-litres/100km. No auto is offered so you'll have to be happy with the slick shifting six-speed manual.

DRIVING

The Proceed GT is one of the better front drive performance cars going around at present thanks in part to its Australian fettling. They take the car out onto real Aussie roads with a bunch of different suspension and steering bits, a computer and change things around until it's right.

We reckon the Proceed looks better and the Australianised dynamics (also on Koup) give a satisfying, engaged drive feel. That could be down to the multi-mode steering with sharp, firm responses. It could be down to the taut ride control with multi-link rear suspension and the strong brakes coupled with Michelin Pilot 18-inch rubber. It could also be the responsive engine but is probably the whole package. Whatever, owners will love the way this car drives and feels from behind the wheel. It's a bit on the quiet side in exhaust terms though.

It has plenty of get-go and revs strongly to about 6500rpm where the action stops. Through corners it's stable and flat with nicely weighted steering and great grip from the tyres. The brakes are impressive. No bump steer or torque steer to be concerned about either.