Kia Pro_Cee'd GT: UK Review
It impressed us in France, so how does Kia's first hot hatch stack up in Britain?
GT's ride/handling balance is very good
But it's not flawless inside. The majority of the interior, bar some red accents, has been carried over from the standard Cee'd, which means a rather dated radio display and some slightly cheaper plastics dotted around. However, given the choice between those fantastic Recaros and softer cabin plastics on a £20K car, the former wins out every time.
First impressions
Moreover, that first half a minute will hopefully involve looking at the GT's styling, which again incorporates plenty of hot hatch cues really well. There's more aggression to the bumpers, flashier 18-inch rims, the de rigueur diffuser and a pair of rather cheeky exhaust pipes. The 'ice cube' running lights look a bit naff, but the flagship Pro_Cee'd is s great looking hatch overall. It easily rivals the Astra GTC as the most stylish three-door coupe hatch available.
Five-door Cee'd GT joins three-door next year
Kia's suspension work for the Pro_Cee'd GT has been thorough to say the least. At the front, the dampers are 10 per cent stiffer in compression and 30 per cent for rebound, whilst the figures for the rear are 200 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. The rear anti-roll bar is thicker, there are longer bump stops and the front suspension bushes are stiffer. Those 18-inch wheels ride on 225/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 3s.
Neat and tidy
Together, these changes give the Pro_Cee'd GT real composure on the road. The ride keeps the body well controlled without being unremittingly firm, and it's happy to be trail-braked to aid turn-in. It's just good fun, and fulfils Kia's warm hatch billing for it perfectly.
Kia has been modest in expectations...
Despite Kia's boasts about integrating turbocharger in the exhaust manifold to reduce lag, it still exists. But above 1,750rpm, the 1.6-litre 'Gamma' engine pulls well with some pops and fizzes from the turbo plus some exhaust naughtiness. It's not an emotive soundtrack, but there's enough drama to keep the driver entertained. With 204hp and 195lb ft, the Pro_Cee'd doesn't have the insatiable urge of something like a Focus ST, but never does it feel underendowed.
...that GT exceeds them is impressive
The six-speed manual gearbox is pleasant enough without ever being particularly noteworthy. Having said that, shouldn't we just be grateful that Kia is offering a performance model with three pedals in a world of DSG-only Polo GTIs and Clio 200s?
It's an impressive car, the Pro_Cee'd GT, a decent overall package without one outstanding element. As Kia's first foray into performance hatches, it's a fine effort. We're intrigued to see where fast Kias go from this encouraging debut.
KIA PRO_CEE'D GT
Engine: 1,591cc, 4-cyl turbocharged
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 204@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 195@ 1,750-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 7.7 sec
Top speed: 143mph
Weight: 1,359kg
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 171g/km
Price: £19,995
Anyway, the car does seems like a very competent addition to the Kia line up although pitting it price wise against the new Clio 200T is brave.
Hopefully the warranty and good finance deals will sell lots of them so that Kia get the green light for a hot version in the future.
One of the best looking hot hatches on the road to my eye and happy to go its own way without joining the BHP arms race that Vauxhall, Ford and Renault seem to be embroiled in.
A quality car thats not perfect, but fun to drive and looks good for a budget price. Well done Kia.
:O
Not at £20,000 thats 3-4k more than the Corsa VXR, or Fiesta ST, And 2k more than the NEW Clio RS!!
My gut thinks these wont do well.
They look like something scavenged off of a Manga Mech suit.
Not that anyone over the age of 35 will have a clue what I am rambling on about.
In fact, I really like this car.
My gut thinks these wont do well.
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