Kia Proceed

Kia’s funky ProCeed has been subtly updated for 2022. Ted Welford sees if it’s worth considering.

WHAT IS IT?

It was an unusual move in 2019 when Kia changed the ProCeed from a three-door version of the regular Ceed hatchback to a bold, slightly oddball shooting brake estate. It helped bring the brand further upmarket with its style-led design, and now Kia’s tweaked it.

WHAT’S NEW?

The front end gets the bulk of the changes, including new lights and a redesigned gloss black grille. Inside are more premium materials, while a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and smart digital instrument cluster both help to give it a modern lift.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Kia has dropped the diesel engine option, leaving two petrols to choose from. At the top of the range is a 201bhp 1.6-litre in the sportier GT, but our test car gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit replacing the 1.4-litre. Buyers have a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic – our test car using the latter.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

There’s the phrase ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’, but the ProCeed is more the reverse of that – not quite having the sporty driving experience to go with its racy styling. It’s by no means poor behind the wheel, just a bit average. The view out of the rear is also quite bad.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Its glamorous and sleek design are a far cry from Kias of old, while the LED light bar at the rear gives it some cool presence on the road at night. The new LED headlights are pretty smart, too – especially the indicators, which point the way the ProCeed is turning.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

With more softer-touch materials introduced as part of this update, the ProCeed’s cabin now has the interior to match the glamorous exterior style. But the 594-litre boot is limited by the sloping roof, while it’s pretty shallow, too. Rear space isn’t all that good, either.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Even as standard, the ProCeed GT-Line gets plenty of kit, including heated front seats, LED rear lights and a reversing camera. The sporty GT has dynamic tweaks and a more powerful engine plus LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels and smart sports seats. The GT-Line S, meanwhile, boasts features such as a sunroof, electric boot and JBL sound system.

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The changes on the ProCeed reinforce what a great piece of design this Kia remains, and one that’s undoubtedly helped attract new customers to the South Korean firm. The smarter interior has certainly helped improve it further, but the compromised practicality and middling driving experience mean it’s by no means an all-rounder. However, if you’re tired of the same old hatchback/estate formula and want something refreshingly different to the swathes of new SUVs, the ProCeed deserves a look.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Kia ProCeed 1.5 T-GDI GT-Line S DCT

Price (as tested): £30,240 Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged

petrol

Power:

158bhp

Torque: 253Nm Max speed: 130mph 0-60mph: 8.6 seconds MPG: 46.3 Emissions: 139g/km CO2

TARGET BUYERS:

Those looking for a more stylish alternative to a conventional estate car/SUV.

THE RIVALS:

Ford Focus Estate Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Volkswagen Golf Estate

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Smart, glamorous design. 2. Generous equipment levels. 3.Very pleasant interior.

DEAL CLINCHER:

The ProCeed is a car that looks and feels far more expensive than it actually is.

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