Kia is readying a new version of the Kia Pro Ceed (or pro_cee’d if you adhere to the South Korean firm’s ridiculous spelling convention). The new car will rival everything from 3-door versions of the Ford Focus to low-slung coupes such as the VW Scirocco.
The sporty-looking new hatch will be powered by a choice of two engines, neither of which is particularly exciting in performance terms. The 1.6GDi petrol and 1.6CRDi turbodiesel do have some impressive specs, though. The 133bhp petrol unit will do a useful 52.3mpg and emits 124g/km in standard ‘S’ trim, rising to 47.1mpg and 137g/km in SE trim due to that model’s larger, 17-inch wheels.
The 126bhp diesel model, meanwhile, returns 74.3mpg with 100g/km in ‘S’ trim, while the SE car gets you 65.7mpg and 112g/km.
Every model and trim level comes with a six-speed gearbox and Intelligent Stop/Go but the 1.6GDi SE is unique in the fact it also has the option of a six-speed DCT automatic gearbox if you like your cars to do most of the legwork.
On the subject of trim levels, the ‘S’ and ‘SE’ naming convention marks a departure from the usual ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ seen in previous models. The entry-level S comes with 16in alloys, LED daytime running lights, a six-speaker sound system with iPod and USB connectivity and Bluetooth, a trip computer and reverse parking sensors.
You also get three different settings for the steering — Normal, Comfort and Sport — depending on how light or heavy you want it, as well as a number of safety systems including Hill Assist Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Braking Assist.
Spend a little more on the SE trim and you can get 17in alloys, automatic dual-zone climate control, automatic rain sensing wipers, de-icer function, improved lumbar support for both the driver and passenger and exterior door handle illumination.
The SE also boasts a 7-inch touchscreen with a built-in sat-nav, full-colour reverse parking camera, start/stop ignition button and keyless entry.
Sadly, neither the S or SE model comes with the nifty Parallel Park Assist System featured in the new cee’d, which is a shame if you are a rubbish at parking.
The Kia pro_cee’d, sorry, Pro Ceed, is available to order now. Prices start at £17,495 on the road for the 1.6GDi S and £18,595 for the CRDi S, rising to £20,795 for the top-spec GDi SE and the optional DCT automatic gearbox.
Should you crave something sportier, the pro_cee’d Pro Ceed GT will arrive in the summer, complete with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 201bhp and 351Nm of torque – enough to get to 62mph from standing in a pretty rapid 7.9 seconds.
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