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Driven: 2022 Kia ProCeed. Image by Kia.

Driven: 2022 Kia ProCeed
The ProCeed has been updated in line with the rest of the Ceed range, but can the Ceed SW’s stylish sibling justify its higher price tag and lower roofline?

   



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2022 Kia ProCeed GT Line 1.5 T-GDi

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Like the Ceed on which it's based, the swooshy ProCeed estate has had a little upgrade. A new grille heads up the changes, along with the introduction of Kia's latest badging. And no, you can't comment on the way it appears to say 'KN'. Some internal work has been done too, although that's mostly software. So can such a minor array of changes really keep the ProCeed up to the mark?

Test Car Specifications

Model: 2022 Kia ProCeed GT Line 1.5 T-GDi
Price: £26,190 (as tested)
Engine/motor: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Battery: N/A
Power: 159hp
Torque: 253Nm
Emissions: 131g/km
Economy/Range: 48.7mpg
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
Boot space: 594-1,545 litres

Styling

One of the most appealing aspects of the ProCeed is its design, and there's no doubt this is a very attractive car. The revamp sees the ProCeed inherit the latest Kia badge and the new grille from the conventional Ceed hatchback, while there are new lights too. Otherwise, it's much the same as its predecessor, and there's nothing wrong with that. The ProCeed's svelte estate-car shape is very appealing, and it makes this one of the most attractive 'mainstream' models on the market at present.

Interior

Kia hasn't made sweeping changes to the interior of the ProCeed, but then it didn't need to. The ProCeed's cabin was already solidly built and attractive enough, if not especially inspiring, and all the technology was perfectly serviceable. The latest car still has analogue dials, which feel a little dated by class leader standards, but the touchscreen is very good. It might not be the prettiest, but it's intuitive, clean and easy to use, which is the most important thing. Given the likes of Volkswagen are struggling to make their touchscreens ergonomic and stable, it's enough to make the Kia system one of the most appealing in the mainstream market.

Practicality

In the cabin, the Proceed is about as comfortable as the Ceed Sportswagon, with similar amounts of headroom and legroom in the front and rear. Perhaps the ProCeed has a little less space in the back, but the difference will only really be felt by the tallest passengers. Kids won't notice the difference at all. Similarly, boot space is more or less identical. The ProCeed has 594 litres of cargo capacity, while the Ceed SW has about 30 litres more space. In the real world, you aren't likely to notice that discrepancy very often, but now and then the Ceed SW's slightly more practical boot shape will come to the fore.

Performance

There's only one engine available for ProCeed customers, and that's the 1.5-litre petrol engine tested here. With 159hp and 253Nm of torque, it's more than powerful enough for most people's needs, managing 0-62mph in a respectable, if not especially exciting, 8.6 seconds. That engine is paired with a smooth, light, six-speed manual gearbox that's easy enough to use, if not especially sharp.

The result is a car that doesn't necessarily reward you for wringing every last drop of performance from it, but doesn't need to be ragged either. Using moderate throttle inputs will get you by most of the time, which is good news because the four-cylinder engine doesn't make an especially pleasant sound when you put your foot down. Keep the pedal above the halfway point in its travel, however, and the engine won't make too much noise.

Ride & Handling

Despite the extra length and weight of the ProCeed compared with the conventional Ceed hatchback, the shooting brake doesn’t drive so differently. The handling is more or less unchanged, with little more body roll and no difference in grip. It isn’t the sportiest car of its ilk – the Ford Focus is still more fun to drive – but it offers a good balance between handling and ride.

Speaking of which, the ProCeed also manages to match the hatchback’s level of comfort. Although it’s heavier, it doesn’t become any more unsettled over the potholes, although neither the ProCeed nor the standard Ceed is especially comfortable. The ride isn’t too firm – we’d stop short of calling it uncomfortable – but the odd pothole will make its presence felt through the springs. It’s no magic carpet, but it’s acceptable.

Value

Our test car came in at a smidge over £26,000, and for the space, style and power on offer, that isn’t bad money. Add in the sportily styled GT-Line variant and the proposition becomes even more impressive. Satellite navigation, keyless start and a reversing camera are all included, along with 17-inch alloy wheels and the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration systems. However, the ProCeed is about £1,000 more expensive than the Ceed Sportswagon estate – even though that car comes with a slightly less sporty kit list.

Verdict

The ProCeed looks great – noticeably better than the standard Ceed Sportswagon estate – but it’s also more expensive and less practical. Whether the looks alone are enough to drag you away from the Sportswagon will depend on your priorities, but the ProCeed is undoubtedly appealing. It drives well, comes with an appealing level of equipment as standard and looks the part. It won’t be the Ceed for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be.



James Fossdyke - 6 Sep 2022



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2022 Kia Proceed GT-Line 1.5 T-GDi 6MT. Image by Kia.2022 Kia Proceed GT-Line 1.5 T-GDi 6MT. Image by Kia.2022 Kia Proceed GT-Line 1.5 T-GDi 6MT. Image by Kia.2022 Kia Proceed GT-Line 1.5 T-GDi 6MT. Image by Kia.







 

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