My Korean Warm Hatch
Discussion
Thanks Kingdom
yes I let the Idle settle too, plus let it cool down after a run too. Total Overkill I guess but having had 80s turbo cars its a habit
Pre drive routine
Start up,
Media button on the screen, always either stream music or podcasts and use google maps
Lane assist off - Hateful
Start stop off - Annoying
Sport Mode on - std throttle response I feel is a bit slow
I do a mix of Motorways and Town on MPG, I don't mind the economy, but the small tank is a pain, plus fuel flap cover fit is awful, I think there is a recall on that which I will investigate.
Will check seats, so far they are Mint, nearly 12K in, floor mats are very tough too. Its actually a pretty hard wearing interior so far.
I definitely am sticking with the Michelins, been so impressed. thankfully at only 18" rims the rubber is not silly money
Glad its not just me on the brakes, vs my other car which has 8 pot front calipers and 330mm discs, I feel that they are a touch lacking. But I do feel a pad upgrade could be the way forward.
Yeah they are such fun cars, I had a scirocco R a few years back, that was far quicker with DSG etc. That I loved and this Kia is starting to make me really fall for its subtle charms.
I feel that they are good value mines in the 12 to 15K range and I think stands up okay to others in its class. Its by no means hardcore and maybe when I really push it or take it on track then I could feel under whelmed. We shall see, certainly I will be taking it out on a few track days.
yes I let the Idle settle too, plus let it cool down after a run too. Total Overkill I guess but having had 80s turbo cars its a habit
Pre drive routine
Start up,
Media button on the screen, always either stream music or podcasts and use google maps
Lane assist off - Hateful
Start stop off - Annoying
Sport Mode on - std throttle response I feel is a bit slow
I do a mix of Motorways and Town on MPG, I don't mind the economy, but the small tank is a pain, plus fuel flap cover fit is awful, I think there is a recall on that which I will investigate.
Will check seats, so far they are Mint, nearly 12K in, floor mats are very tough too. Its actually a pretty hard wearing interior so far.
I definitely am sticking with the Michelins, been so impressed. thankfully at only 18" rims the rubber is not silly money
Glad its not just me on the brakes, vs my other car which has 8 pot front calipers and 330mm discs, I feel that they are a touch lacking. But I do feel a pad upgrade could be the way forward.
Yeah they are such fun cars, I had a scirocco R a few years back, that was far quicker with DSG etc. That I loved and this Kia is starting to make me really fall for its subtle charms.
I feel that they are good value mines in the 12 to 15K range and I think stands up okay to others in its class. Its by no means hardcore and maybe when I really push it or take it on track then I could feel under whelmed. We shall see, certainly I will be taking it out on a few track days.
Lovely car these, both inside and out.
It's still bizarre calling a 200bhp Hatchback 'warm' but we do live in a world of 400bhp hatches.
My previous Astra SRi was 200bhp & my current Leon FR is 190bhp and to me they are just a 'quick' as the pukka hot hatches of the Mk5 Golf GTi, Focus ST era..
It's still bizarre calling a 200bhp Hatchback 'warm' but we do live in a world of 400bhp hatches.
My previous Astra SRi was 200bhp & my current Leon FR is 190bhp and to me they are just a 'quick' as the pukka hot hatches of the Mk5 Golf GTi, Focus ST era..
Good to see you're still on here Rich! 
(started playing Forza again coincidentally so good timing!)
Car looks good, as you say plenty of poke for a daily driver and it's nice how the styling goes 'under the radar'; purely my opinion but good having none of the associated image of being lumped in with the usual German hot hatchback 'pop and bang map' crowd - I must be getting old...
Looking forward to seeing further updates
(started playing Forza again coincidentally so good timing!)Car looks good, as you say plenty of poke for a daily driver and it's nice how the styling goes 'under the radar'; purely my opinion but good having none of the associated image of being lumped in with the usual German hot hatchback 'pop and bang map' crowd - I must be getting old...
Looking forward to seeing further updates
Hi Chunky,
Good to hear from you again matey. been a long time.
Few cars since we last spoke
The ST165 got broken up for parts sadly
One of her last pics with a mates ST162, sadly both cars now gone
Replaced the celica with a Puma - Had a young family so had to save money
Missed My Japanese car fix
So got a late 90s 2.0 Coupe
Then upgraded to a later model, but had two for a while!
Then went German and sold the Blue one back to the seller and took a white older coupe in part ex.
So had a white drive for a bit
Loved the VW, did some epic road trips in it, inc Isle of Man for the TT
White Toyota was a bit ropey, so got a silver one.
This is her at present
Then decided I missed rwd and ordered my first ever new car
a 440i GC with the Msport remap and exhaust plus LSD, what a beast of a car
But they had a long issue with the build, so had this for 3 months from the dealer.
was happy
Then my car was finally ready, though I missed the Alpina!
Loved the BMW, but then my lad took up Karting, so tow bar fitted to BMW!
After a while of abusing the BMW and then Covid hitting, I sold the BMW for a small profit.
and got this
Turns out V70R are actually crazy to run.
So sold the Volvo, despite loving it
Got "John" the Transit
Seen here with Betsy the trailer and the race awning.
All these car changes
Because of this.
Races Both TKM and X30 Karts
Now Silver Celica being built as more of a track car for the Lad to show me up in, the Kia is the daily and John the Mile munching work horse that goes all around the UK!
So few things happened car wise since we last caught up mate
Good to hear from you again matey. been a long time.
Few cars since we last spoke
The ST165 got broken up for parts sadly
One of her last pics with a mates ST162, sadly both cars now gone
Replaced the celica with a Puma - Had a young family so had to save money
Missed My Japanese car fix
So got a late 90s 2.0 Coupe
Then upgraded to a later model, but had two for a while!
Then went German and sold the Blue one back to the seller and took a white older coupe in part ex.
So had a white drive for a bit
Loved the VW, did some epic road trips in it, inc Isle of Man for the TT
White Toyota was a bit ropey, so got a silver one.
This is her at present
Then decided I missed rwd and ordered my first ever new car
a 440i GC with the Msport remap and exhaust plus LSD, what a beast of a car
But they had a long issue with the build, so had this for 3 months from the dealer.
was happy
Then my car was finally ready, though I missed the Alpina!
Loved the BMW, but then my lad took up Karting, so tow bar fitted to BMW!
After a while of abusing the BMW and then Covid hitting, I sold the BMW for a small profit.
and got this
Turns out V70R are actually crazy to run.
So sold the Volvo, despite loving it
Got "John" the Transit
Seen here with Betsy the trailer and the race awning.
All these car changes
Because of this.
Races Both TKM and X30 Karts
Now Silver Celica being built as more of a track car for the Lad to show me up in, the Kia is the daily and John the Mile munching work horse that goes all around the UK!
So few things happened car wise since we last caught up mate
Awesome, that’s some journey! Fair play for having pics of them all - glad to see you’re still in a Celica in some way, got to say that 4 series looked a lovely spec and good work speccing the LSD 
That’s great that your lad is racing, love the V70 too but knowing some people that have done Karting I can totally appreciate why it had to go
The amount of kit you can need and the money involved can escalate quickly! Hope you and the family are well anyway 
That’s great that your lad is racing, love the V70 too but knowing some people that have done Karting I can totally appreciate why it had to go
The amount of kit you can need and the money involved can escalate quickly! Hope you and the family are well anyway Yep Celica needs its own topic, being built into a track car for the lad now, He is 15 so at some point we will move from Karts to cars
The V70 got the most attention ever as a car, but It just had so much bad luck.
It was a brilliant car at times and woeful at others, I miss it horribly though next one I would get a manual.
The BMW was fun, the LSD made it a bit of a hoon to chuck about, but out on track it was a bit of a disappointment. I took it round Mallory and it was just too heavy and actually too understeery. I think the standard tyres did it no favours being run flats.
My days of racing Forza long gone. Getting ripped apart by my Lad online hurt the ego too much. He does at the Sim stuff and I cannot hold a candle to it.
Still enjoy track days, did Spa in the Celica, that was fun. You still got your classics?
Plan to give the Kia a proper clean this weekend as rare two days not racing. Its not the same detailing a 2014 Pov spec Transit!
The V70 got the most attention ever as a car, but It just had so much bad luck.
It was a brilliant car at times and woeful at others, I miss it horribly though next one I would get a manual.
The BMW was fun, the LSD made it a bit of a hoon to chuck about, but out on track it was a bit of a disappointment. I took it round Mallory and it was just too heavy and actually too understeery. I think the standard tyres did it no favours being run flats.
My days of racing Forza long gone. Getting ripped apart by my Lad online hurt the ego too much. He does at the Sim stuff and I cannot hold a candle to it.
Still enjoy track days, did Spa in the Celica, that was fun. You still got your classics?
Plan to give the Kia a proper clean this weekend as rare two days not racing. Its not the same detailing a 2014 Pov spec Transit!
Your ST165 was one of the very first pictures I saw when I started my Gen4 thread on CCUK back in 2009. Proper ' holy cow' moment for me,started me on a path I'm still on! And enabled me to have a good mate as well.Great car that was.I was looking at the pics/vids from the Gaydon and Billing Gen4 meets.Will probably not see the like again sadly,so many 4th Gen cars together,and so many not on the road anymore.
But we move on,though saying that,as you know i still have my Gen4 and i've just bought another ,god help me LOL.
You've had a fair mix of motors over the years,good to see the 6th Gen will still be part of the family,and of course sounds like this Korean number has been a pleasing buy.
But we move on,though saying that,as you know i still have my Gen4 and i've just bought another ,god help me LOL.
You've had a fair mix of motors over the years,good to see the 6th Gen will still be part of the family,and of course sounds like this Korean number has been a pleasing buy.
BEAMS 162 said:
Your ST165 was one of the very first pictures I saw when I started my Gen4 thread on CCUK back in 2009. Proper ' holy cow' moment for me,started me on a path I'm still on! And enabled me to have a good mate as well.Great car that was.I was looking at the pics/vids from the Gaydon and Billing Gen4 meets.Will probably not see the like again sadly,so many 4th Gen cars together,and so many not on the road anymore.
But we move on,though saying that,as you know i still have my Gen4 and i've just bought another ,god help me LOL.
You've had a fair mix of motors over the years,good to see the 6th Gen will still be part of the family,and of course sounds like this Korean number has been a pleasing buy.
Mate those were the days. I look back on my Gen 4 ownership with such great memories, made some last friendships, yourself included too.But we move on,though saying that,as you know i still have my Gen4 and i've just bought another ,god help me LOL.
You've had a fair mix of motors over the years,good to see the 6th Gen will still be part of the family,and of course sounds like this Korean number has been a pleasing buy.
I am so loving your new one too.
With my Current Gen 6, She is a labour of Love, should have been scrapped when I found all that Rot, but I refused to give up on her. Last two years I did 16K in my old 90s rot box! Not many can say they did that mileage in a mid 90s car on coilovers! In all weathers, snow and Ice were tricky!
I miss Trinity, But Man I had a blast in that car, she was one of a kind for sure.
The Kia is actually really good and is I hope going to be such low maintenance that it frees up time and funds for the Celica. It still has a lot of it's warranty left, being a 7 year deal, plus being an approved Used Dealer car I got servicing for two years thrown in too. So I just need to fuel in and put tires on it.
Celica currently in dry storage, awaiting next lot of plans, I do miss going for a blast for sure though.
Hopefully we get down to Buckmore again this year
I have one of the earlier Kia ProCeed GT's (few pics below) and absolutely love the thing. As you say, they are a great all rounder.
One thing that has been a let down is that they are still on the same bhp power. This has lead me to not wanting to upgrade to another GT just for cosmetic purposes only. I believe it's down to an agreement between KIA and Hyundai regarding the GT, I30N and Stinger. The GT can't be close to the I30N for power output or something as they already have the Stinger. This was from a sales rep at a car show a few years ago, so not sure how true that is. Although since the power hasn't changed since 2014? then there might be some truth in it.
One thing that has been a let down is that they are still on the same bhp power. This has lead me to not wanting to upgrade to another GT just for cosmetic purposes only. I believe it's down to an agreement between KIA and Hyundai regarding the GT, I30N and Stinger. The GT can't be close to the I30N for power output or something as they already have the Stinger. This was from a sales rep at a car show a few years ago, so not sure how true that is. Although since the power hasn't changed since 2014? then there might be some truth in it.
That's a great looking car. Love that in the Yellow
I think that there is a lot of truth in the comparison to the 130N.
I have been in one recently, a mate has a cracking example.
Its a lot more "Hot hatchy" than the GT.
Poor expression really, but its louder, faster, much more focused on external body work agenda, and has very sport type seats.
Its felt from the passenger seat a much more immediate car, the power delivery from low was strong and the ride, while composed, was definitely much more biased to firm.
I think giving the GT more power would in some ways take away from its charm a little.
Its so comfy on a longer run and actually does the daily commute on awful roads without breaking teeth. I did 16,000 miles in the last two years in a car with track coilovers. The Kia feels like a rolls!
I must admit that without the manual box, I am not sure its as much fun. My friends N is Auto and I can see him frustrated a bit with that. The manual 6 speed in mine is not the best gearbox I have ever used, but when you want to step on it a bit, its a very willing partner.
However I can totally see for some the lack of appeal from older to newer model, as in some respects the newer GT is less sporty. certainly in styling I feel yours is much more the traditional hot hatch look.
Its odd, the GT, its a car which actually does a lot of good stuff, but sits in a very small niche. I see an N 130 and its gets attention, I drive past and its just a shopping hatch with a decent warranty.
I think that there is a lot of truth in the comparison to the 130N.
I have been in one recently, a mate has a cracking example.
Its a lot more "Hot hatchy" than the GT.
Poor expression really, but its louder, faster, much more focused on external body work agenda, and has very sport type seats.
Its felt from the passenger seat a much more immediate car, the power delivery from low was strong and the ride, while composed, was definitely much more biased to firm.
I think giving the GT more power would in some ways take away from its charm a little.
Its so comfy on a longer run and actually does the daily commute on awful roads without breaking teeth. I did 16,000 miles in the last two years in a car with track coilovers. The Kia feels like a rolls!
I must admit that without the manual box, I am not sure its as much fun. My friends N is Auto and I can see him frustrated a bit with that. The manual 6 speed in mine is not the best gearbox I have ever used, but when you want to step on it a bit, its a very willing partner.
However I can totally see for some the lack of appeal from older to newer model, as in some respects the newer GT is less sporty. certainly in styling I feel yours is much more the traditional hot hatch look.
Its odd, the GT, its a car which actually does a lot of good stuff, but sits in a very small niche. I see an N 130 and its gets attention, I drive past and its just a shopping hatch with a decent warranty.
Alwayzsidewayz2 said:
Hi Chunky,
Good to hear from you again matey. been a long time.
Few cars since we last spoke
The ST165 got broken up for parts sadly
One of her last pics with a mates ST162, sadly both cars now gone
Replaced the celica with a Puma - Had a young family so had to save money
Missed My Japanese car fix
So got a late 90s 2.0 Coupe
Then upgraded to a later model, but had two for a while!
Then went German and sold the Blue one back to the seller and took a white older coupe in part ex.
So had a white drive for a bit
Loved the VW, did some epic road trips in it, inc Isle of Man for the TT
White Toyota was a bit ropey, so got a silver one.
This is her at present
Then decided I missed rwd and ordered my first ever new car
a 440i GC with the Msport remap and exhaust plus LSD, what a beast of a car
But they had a long issue with the build, so had this for 3 months from the dealer.
was happy
Then my car was finally ready, though I missed the Alpina!
Loved the BMW, but then my lad took up Karting, so tow bar fitted to BMW!
After a while of abusing the BMW and then Covid hitting, I sold the BMW for a small profit.
and got this
Turns out V70R are actually crazy to run.
So sold the Volvo, despite loving it
Got "John" the Transit
Seen here with Betsy the trailer and the race awning.
All these car changes
Because of this.
Races Both TKM and X30 Karts
Now Silver Celica being built as more of a track car for the Lad to show me up in, the Kia is the daily and John the Mile munching work horse that goes all around the UK!
So few things happened car wise since we last caught up mate
Those are some lovely cars and a good mix. Love that bmw interior Good to hear from you again matey. been a long time.
Few cars since we last spoke
The ST165 got broken up for parts sadly
One of her last pics with a mates ST162, sadly both cars now gone
Replaced the celica with a Puma - Had a young family so had to save money
Missed My Japanese car fix
So got a late 90s 2.0 Coupe
Then upgraded to a later model, but had two for a while!
Then went German and sold the Blue one back to the seller and took a white older coupe in part ex.
So had a white drive for a bit
Loved the VW, did some epic road trips in it, inc Isle of Man for the TT
White Toyota was a bit ropey, so got a silver one.
This is her at present
Then decided I missed rwd and ordered my first ever new car
a 440i GC with the Msport remap and exhaust plus LSD, what a beast of a car
But they had a long issue with the build, so had this for 3 months from the dealer.
was happy
Then my car was finally ready, though I missed the Alpina!
Loved the BMW, but then my lad took up Karting, so tow bar fitted to BMW!
After a while of abusing the BMW and then Covid hitting, I sold the BMW for a small profit.
and got this
Turns out V70R are actually crazy to run.
So sold the Volvo, despite loving it
Got "John" the Transit
Seen here with Betsy the trailer and the race awning.
All these car changes
Because of this.
Races Both TKM and X30 Karts
Now Silver Celica being built as more of a track car for the Lad to show me up in, the Kia is the daily and John the Mile munching work horse that goes all around the UK!
So few things happened car wise since we last caught up mate
Alwayzsidewayz2 said:
That's a great looking car. Love that in the Yellow
I think that there is a lot of truth in the comparison to the 130N.
I have been in one recently, a mate has a cracking example.
Its a lot more "Hot hatchy" than the GT.
Poor expression really, but its louder, faster, much more focused on external body work agenda, and has very sport type seats.
Its felt from the passenger seat a much more immediate car, the power delivery from low was strong and the ride, while composed, was definitely much more biased to firm.
I think giving the GT more power would in some ways take away from its charm a little.
Its so comfy on a longer run and actually does the daily commute on awful roads without breaking teeth. I did 16,000 miles in the last two years in a car with track coilovers. The Kia feels like a rolls!
I must admit that without the manual box, I am not sure its as much fun. My friends N is Auto and I can see him frustrated a bit with that. The manual 6 speed in mine is not the best gearbox I have ever used, but when you want to step on it a bit, its a very willing partner.
However I can totally see for some the lack of appeal from older to newer model, as in some respects the newer GT is less sporty. certainly in styling I feel yours is much more the traditional hot hatch look.
Its odd, the GT, its a car which actually does a lot of good stuff, but sits in a very small niche. I see an N 130 and its gets attention, I drive past and its just a shopping hatch with a decent warranty.
Totally agree with wverything you've posted here. I think that there is a lot of truth in the comparison to the 130N.
I have been in one recently, a mate has a cracking example.
Its a lot more "Hot hatchy" than the GT.
Poor expression really, but its louder, faster, much more focused on external body work agenda, and has very sport type seats.
Its felt from the passenger seat a much more immediate car, the power delivery from low was strong and the ride, while composed, was definitely much more biased to firm.
I think giving the GT more power would in some ways take away from its charm a little.
Its so comfy on a longer run and actually does the daily commute on awful roads without breaking teeth. I did 16,000 miles in the last two years in a car with track coilovers. The Kia feels like a rolls!
I must admit that without the manual box, I am not sure its as much fun. My friends N is Auto and I can see him frustrated a bit with that. The manual 6 speed in mine is not the best gearbox I have ever used, but when you want to step on it a bit, its a very willing partner.
However I can totally see for some the lack of appeal from older to newer model, as in some respects the newer GT is less sporty. certainly in styling I feel yours is much more the traditional hot hatch look.
Its odd, the GT, its a car which actually does a lot of good stuff, but sits in a very small niche. I see an N 130 and its gets attention, I drive past and its just a shopping hatch with a decent warranty.
Misses has an Abarth 695 Rivale and when we go on long runs in it, the thing just shakes your bones. Yet can spend hours in the GT.
Same as the attention. Enjoy it going under the radar. Most people don't really give it a second glance, same as the Abarth. Again its just a stupid sounding small fiat 500 to most people. Yet with its setup and 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds its an amazing little thing to blast about on the country roads listening to the Akrapovic exhaust.
Had a courtesy Kia Ceed, same shape as yours 1.4t engine I think was in it. Was absolutely a pleasure to drive.
They are cracking cars the Arbarths, always make you smile when see them.
Years Back the Wife had a Kia Rio, it was very bland and clearly built to a price. It did all it was asked to do, but was impossible to feel a connection too.
I look at your car now and its almost comical to think just how much progress they have made in 10 - 12 years
One issue on mine is the fuel filler door sits well proud, you have to pack the cap away in a certain way or its really awkward looking. I think that there is a recall, but it can wait to service!
Years Back the Wife had a Kia Rio, it was very bland and clearly built to a price. It did all it was asked to do, but was impossible to feel a connection too.
I look at your car now and its almost comical to think just how much progress they have made in 10 - 12 years
One issue on mine is the fuel filler door sits well proud, you have to pack the cap away in a certain way or its really awkward looking. I think that there is a recall, but it can wait to service!
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