The all-new Kia ProCeed merges attractive design with the space and versatility of a sports tourer. Making its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, it goes on sale across Europe in early-2019. It is an important model for the medium sector of the car scene and has been entirely designed, developed and engineered in the EU, to be produced at its modern Zilina factory, in Slovakia.
It joins the Ceed ranks, which have a more square-rigged estate car, as the sportiest variant and will be available exclusively as a ‘GT-Line’, or high-performance GT model. In excess of 1.3m Ceeds have sold in Europe since 2006, almost matching the Sportage for overall popularity. The new ProCeed will serve to expand the niche, going on sale in the first quarter of 2019, covered by Kia’s quality promise and its industry-leading, seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Both lower and longer than either the Ceed five-door hatchback, or Sportswagon, it combines a striking visual presence with a dash of versatility, gifting it an unique raked-back silhouette unlike anything in the family car segment. Europe’s shrinking market for three-door hatchbacks brought the future of the original procee’d into question. The new car embodies all of Kia's values of youthful dynamism, of emotional engagement and of design-led desirability.
Available as ‘GT-Line’, or high-performance GT models, the low-line and lithe stance is different, sharing only its bonnet and front wings with the Ceed five-door. Yet, its ‘family face’ is recognisable instantly. The giveaway ‘ice cube’ LED daytime running lights echo the appearance of other Kia sporting models, although the same 1,800mm width as the Ceed five-door hatchback features its own front bumper design. At 4,605mm long, the ProCeed is 5mm longer than the Ceed Sportswagon, with a longer 885mm front overhang. At 1,422mm in height, its roofline is 43mm lower than that of the Sportswagon, while ground clearance is reduced by 5mm, to 135mm. Constructed on the same ‘K2’ platform as other Ceed models, the 2,650mm wheelbase is retained.
Unlike the original, the ProCeed name is spelled-out in capitals across the centre of the tailgate, beneath LED tail-lights which span its width and provide the car an unique light signature. Ten paint finishes will be offered, the ProCeed ‘GT-Line’ having 17.0 or 18.0-inch aluminium alloy wheels, while GT models are fitted with 18.0-inch wheels as standard.
The new car’s interior is characterised by high-quality soft-touch surfaces, metallic trim and a horizontal dashboard layout. A 7.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen infotainment system sits at the centre of the dashboard, with audio and heating and ventilation controls located below. The dashboard itself is angled towards the driver. Practicality is aided by the 40:20:40-split rear seats that fold completely flat for extra load space and even feature below-floor storage compartments.
Every Kia ProCeed is fitted with fully-independent suspension as standard, bucking a trend for other mid-size rivals offering the more advanced multi-link rear suspension as an expensive option. It provides the driver with agile and immediate handling responses, close body control under cornering and a blend of comfort and unerring stability at higher speeds. Its power steering offers incisive responses to inputs, with a fast 12.7:1 ratio that requires a speedy 2.44 turns lock-to-lock.
Technology includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system as standard. This enables the inclusion of Torque Vectoring by Braking technology, an electronic driver support feature, which brakes the inside wheels intelligently to reduce understeer around corners. The technology makes the ProCeed more enjoyable and confidence-inspiring to drive on the type of winding lanes and mountain passes upon which it has been developed.
The ProCeed ‘GT-Line’ is available with a choice of three engines. Petrol options include Kia’s popular 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine, producing 117bhp. The most powerful engine for ‘GT-Line’ models is the brand’s all-new ‘Kappa’ 1.4-litre T-GDi unit that produces 137bhp.
Buyers can specify an efficient and new ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine. It has been developed with an optimised powertrain structure and design, using compact and lightweight components, allied to enhanced combustion technology, to maximise fuel efficiency and driving performance. The 133bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine in the Ceed and ProCeed is the first of its type from Kia, and the company's cleanest diesel unit to-date, paired with either a six-speed manual, or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
On the other hand, the ProCeed GT is powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine, identical to that found in the Ceed GT. Producing 201bhp, it is the most powerful engine in the line-up. Depending on specification, a powerful JBL Premium sound system with Clari-Fi music restoration technology is available. Standard technologies include full Bluetooth smartphone integration, automatic lights, and keyless entry.
Standard safety technologies include High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keeping Assist with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The ProCeed is available with Lane Following Assist, which tracks vehicles in front in traffic, and detects road markings to keep the car in its lane on the motorway. The system controls acceleration, braking and steering, using radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Lane Following Assist operates up to 112mph.
Dynamically sound and suitably good looking, the new ProCeed will find it easy to make an impression on British new car buyers, who are already enamoured with the rest of the line-up. Thanks to FCD’s good relationship with Kia Cars, when the list prices are announced, you can be sure of a great deal.
