Kia C'eed GT: Review

Facelifted and refreshed, how does the quick Kia fare in a fierce hot hatch market?

So who's forgotten about the Kia Cee'd and Pro_Cee'd GT? It's entirely possible, what with the ongoing 'ring saga at the upper echelons of the hot hatch market and the wealth of excellent pocket rockets in the segment below. The warm hatch sector, with cars like the Kia, the Leon FR and the 308 GT, can often be overlooked. With cars as talented as the five-door Cee'd GT, it really shouldn't be.

Ever so slightly different, but still pretty stylish

Not a great deal has changed in the facelift, the GT now distinguished by a new grille and bumper, a 'D-shaped' steering wheel (what was so wrong with a round one?) and front brake discs an inch larger in diameter. Rather worryingly an electric sound generator for "an even more rich and exciting engine note" in the cabin is also now standard.

A mild update then, but given how much was already so well sorted in the Cee'd that's no bad thing. In fact, it's worth starting off with what the GT isn't so good at to highlight its strengths. The seats are set a little high, the steering is overly light and the engine is pretty ordinary. Oh yes, and the sat-nav froze a couple of times during our week-long test. There really is nothing else to grumble about.

In a sector of endlessly configurable hot hatches it's a pleasant surprise to find that, not only does the Cee'd GT not have a million different settings, it also feels pleasingly sorted with just one set up for everything. The 'GT' button turns on that sound generator - with little discernible effect - but otherwise only alters the instrument displays. Other than that the steering, throttle response and suspension remain unchanged. And they're good!

New wheels also included in update

On British B-roads the ride has a tautness that allows you to carry speed with confidence. Matched to strong brakes and a good gearbox, it's certainly more pleasant to use than the 308 GTI, Leon Cupra and Focus ST - it's a really pleasant car to drive. There's decent grip and traction from the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres plus - praise be - none of those frustrating moments pondering whether it would have felt better through that corner with heavier steering or a softer damper setting.

Push harder and its weaknesses begin to unravel, the Cee'd struggling to deal with bumps and imperfections once the chassis is loaded up. At those points where the best hot hatches are inspirational, the Kia does fall short. But given its billing as a GT and not a more extreme performance version, the Kia's dynamic performance is entirely appropriate and, more to the point, very good.

Not the best, but still pretty darn good

Where the 1.6-litre 'Gamma' turbo engine was merely a weak link in the package at launch, it is now made to look a little outdated. Consider this: the 2.0-litre, 310hp engine in the Honda Civic Type R returns better fuel economy and CO2 figures than the 1.6-litre, 201hp Cee'd GT. Regardless of whether that sound generator is engaged or not, the noise is sadly a little bland and it lacks the revviness of the best turbos as well. The engine isn't bad - it feels quick enough and it's refined at a cruise - but in no area does it feel near the class best.

The rest of the package remains competitive though. Even with just a mild styling refresh, the Cee'd is a good looking car and something different in a class crammed with various Golfs and Focuses. The interior is well equipped (including standard Recaro seats) solidly built and stylish. Don't forget that seven-year warranty too.

The long and short of it is that the Kia Cee'd GT is a good car; not good for a Kia, or good for an alternative option, but just good. That sounds like it's being damned with faint praise, but is rather a reflection of the GT's ability to hold its head high in a competitive sector without ever feeling like the very best option in it. Should Kia wish to make a more focused version of the Cee'd, there's a strong foundation in this car to build one.

Go on, try it - you might just be surprised

But if you're in the market for a slightly more mature and less frantic hot hatch, can the Kia still be recommended? At £23,105 (or £23,610 with the optional 'Track Red' paint here), it faces rivals such as the Ford Focus ST (from £22,745), the £24,295 Peugeot 308 GT and the Skoda Octavia vRS at £24,230. It's probably worth adding the SEAT Leon FR to that list as well, offering less power at 184hp but available from just £21,565.

From our experience though, the Focus ST still comes out on top. The Kia is arguably more stylish and undeniably better equipped, but for PH the draw of its additional performance and more exciting dynamic balance is enough to tip the verdict in its favour. For those tempted by the Cee'd however, they will find a great deal to like and little to be disappointed by.

KIA C'EED GT
Engine: 1,591cc, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 204@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 195@1,500-4,500rpm
0-60mph: 7.3sec
Top speed: 143mph
Weight: from 1,367kg
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 171g/km
Price: £23,615 (Basic of £23,105 and £510 for metallic paint)

Photos: Dafydd Wood

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James Junior

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