I was first introduced to the Kia pro_cee'd GT at the international launch of the regular pro_cee'd model. It had been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show a week or so beforehand and as such was in attendance at the launch event as a static display, with no opportunity to drive it, but even sitting there under moody backlighting it looked good.

Beautifully shot press pack images can only provide so much insight into exactly how well Kia's first hot hatch looks. The pro_cee'd is a good looking car in its own right, but the unique exterior of the GT means it gets a lot of attention. With just the right amount of automotive steroids pumped in, it looks purposeful, ready to take on your favourite back road.

Since that day I have got to spend some time behind the wheel of the GT and can honestly say it drives better than it looks. At 204hp and 265Nm of torque the 1.6-litre engine is not as powerful as offerings from the likes of Volkswagen, Ford etc, but nor does it feel slow. At a shade under £20,000 it also significantly undercuts many of its more powerful rivals. I can live with a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds, the frenzied sound of the engine as it spins up to peak power at 6,000rpm AND have a few grand in my back pocket. What about you?

And don't think that the bargain basement price tag (in hot hatch terms) means that Kia scrimped on the interior; both driver and passenger are gripped by leather/suede finished Recaro sports seats that offer the right amount of support when you are driving 'enthusiastically'; the perforated leather steering wheel is chunky in hand giving you the confidence to pitch the GT into a corner as you dance on the stainless steel pedals.

It is practical too; being based on the regular pro_cee'd it can accommodate five adults (though the middle rear occupant will have to suck it in) and when you are done driving like you are late for the birth of your first child it can easily accommodate a weekly shop in its 380-litre boot. The forthcoming cee'd GT (due to arrive in early 2014) offers similar boot space but with the added practicality of five- rather than three doors. Either way both cars are equally adept at the Monday to Friday slog as they are at blowing out the cobwebs on the way home. Is that not what all good hot hatches should aspire to?

But what do I know? I am but a jaded hack that gets to spend a few days with a car, handing it back before I've drained the fuel tank. To find out more about the Kia pro_cee'd GT take a look at the video below or visit the Kia site to configure your ideal GT, but do me a favour, if you drive one let me know how you get on.



Sponsored post - 11 Oct 2013