Kia surprised everyone with their decision to add
what can only be described as a five-door shooting brake in the Ceed model
family, the new ProCeed. It’s our first time watching it at the Paris Auto Show. They already offer both a classic five-door hatchback and a classic
wagon version of the Ceed, so taking the decision to add another long-roof
version in the form of the new ProCeed is bold, to say the least.
The new Kia ProCeed poses as the most dynamic member
of the range, featuring a very attractive design and much more
pleasing-to-look-at proportions than the other two Ceed bodystyles. Compared to
the Sportswagon, the new ProCeed sits 43mm lower and is 5mm longer while the
boot capacity is only slightly smaller, at 594lt over the Sportswagon’s 625lt.
The engine range includes three engine options for
the GT-Line versions of the ProCeed, starting with the 118 hp 1.0-liter T-GDI
petrol, the 138 hp 1.4-liter T-GDI petrol and an all-new 134 hp 1.6-liter CRDi
Smartstream diesel unit. Transmission options include a six-speed manual as
standard and an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The range-topper is the Kia ProCeed GT, which is
powered by the 1.6-liter T-GDI petrol unit and offers the same 201 hp and 265 Nm of torque with the Ceed GT. There’s no manual option here, only the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
transmission with steering paddles made out of metal alloy.
The chassis also features model-specific suspension
geometry, stiffer springs and softer anti-roll bars in order to make the new
ProCeed offer better agility and faster responses as a proper Gran Turismo,
which is how Kia wants you to see it.
Sales of the new Kia ProCeed will begin across
Europe during the first quarter of 2019. Kia has also confirmed that they will
sell the new ProCeed exclusively in Europe.
