'You never get a second chance at a first impression' isn't a very objective measure by which to assess a car, but there's no doubt that our initial thoughts can be hugely influential. Within 30 seconds and before driving it, the Kia Pro_Cee'd GT impresses.
GT's ride/handling balance is very good
You sit in a supportive Recaro seat, grasp a perfectly-proportioned leather steering wheel, push well-placed alloy pedals and reach an ideal distance for a simple round gearknob. Contact points are crucial overall enjoyment of a car, and are often neglected; Kia has them nailed with the Pro_Cee'd GT.
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
On the road, the positive news continues. Kia has deleted the Flex Steer system found in other Cee'd variants so just one weight is available. And whilst it is a little light at lower speeds, it's ideal above 30mph or so. You will search in vain for any feel, however.
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...
But there are a couple of issues. The brake fade we reported
at the car's launch
remains, and the poor wet weather traction was rather concerning. The latter obviously wasn't a problem in the south of France...
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 GTI
Clio 200
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
