More details have emerged about Kia’s replacement for its three-door pro_cee’d, with the new car morphing into an upmarket model that’s set to take the top spot in the Ceed range, boasting a shooting brake bodystyle. Following its Paris Motor Show debut, the ProCeed will arrive in showrooms early in 2019 with a striking design and new ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine.
KIA PROCEED EVOLVES INTO RAKISH SHOOTING BRAKE
Kia’s president of design, Gregory Guillaume, attributes the ProCeed’s design to a necessity to move away from a three-door model, but still marks it out as the most emotional and engaging in the Ceed range. It’s 5mm longer than the Ceed Sportswagon estate, but 43mm lower thanks to a much more rakish roofline. Unlike most models, the ProCeed’s tail is its most distinctive aspect, with a lower and wider bumper, LED rear lights and prominent badging. 10 colours will be offered, with diesel versions finished in GT-Line trim, with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.
Its interior is pure Ceed, but with some added upgrades. There’s a black roof liner, metal scuff plates, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and more heavily bolstered sports seats. Twin-clutch automatic models will also get new alloy steering wheel paddles and there’s a ‘floating’ infotainment screen and powerful JBL sound system.
The effect of the lower roof on headroom is said to be offset by lower rear seats, and the ProCeed has a 594-litre boot that’s 50 per cent bigger than the Ceed hatch and 31 litres smaller than the Sportswagon. The 40:20:40 back seats can be folded using a lever in the boot, providing a completely flat loading space that’s accessed by a powered tailgate with a proximity sensor.
Kia’s Smartstream 1.6-litre diesel engine has 134bhp and comes with a six-speed manual or seven-speed twin-clutch automatic, using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce harmful exhaust gases. In keeping with the ProCeed’s character, a Sport mode will make the throttle sharper, adjust the steering and tune the automatic gearbox to hold on to gears longer.
Its chassis has been signed off by Albert Biermann, who recently oversaw development of the Hyundai i30N hot hatch, and sits 5mm lower than the standard Ceed on firmer suspension. While it’s still said to be relaxing, it’s also claimed the ProCeed will be able to corner faster than many hot hatches, partly thanks to its standard high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
“Unlike most models, the ProCeed’s tail is its most distinctive aspect, with a lower and wider bumper…”
