Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018) Review
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Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018) Verdict
Good-looking and well equipped as standard. GT model is sufficiently sporty to feel fun while 1.6-litre diesel engine is swift and frugal.
Long doors aren't ideal in narrow spaces. The Pro_Cee’d has the looks but is not a sporty drive unless you opt for the GT.
Find out more about the Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018)
The Kia Pro_Cee’d avoids being just a three-door version of the Cee’d hatch by virtue of its more coupe-like roof line. It’s a handsome car that adds a sporting tone to Kia’s mid-size car, with the performance to back it up in GT guise.
Opting for the Pro_Cee’d over the Cee’d means losing some of the five-door’s practicality, though access to the back seats is reasonable thanks to the long doors. You can also fit a couple of adults in there, though they may feel a little hemmed in due to the high window line.
There’s no arguing about the space, quality and amount of standard equipment for those in the front of the Pro_Cee’d, though. All models come with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and steering wheel controls for the stereo.
You can choose from S, SE, SE Tech and SR7 trim levels, with the last one offering the lowest entry price. This means the Kia Pro_Cee’d is very competitively priced against the likes of the Alfa Romeo Mito and Vauxhall Astra GTC.
There are also alloy wheels for every Pro_Cee’d model to follow through on the sporty intent of this model. In the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6 diesel models, economy and emissions are on a par with most in the class, but don’t expect much in the way of excitement.
For more verve, you need to look to the Pro_Cee’d GT, which has a 201PS turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. While it’s almost as powerful as a Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Kia is very much a warm hatch rather than hot one, so 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds is nippy rather than swift. Still, it’s good to drive, well kitted out and cheaper to buy than faster hot hatches.
Kia Pro_Cee'd Range 2013 Road Test
Kia Pro_Cee'd 1.6 GT 2012 Road Test
Reviews for Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0T GDI 98 to 1.6T GDI
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–61 mpg
Expectations of how the Pro_Cee’d will drive are raised compared to its five-door hatch sister model as the Pro_Cee’d has some sporting connotations due to its coupe style. Approach the car with this mindset and you will be disappointed unless you choose the GT model.
In all but the GT version, the Pro_Cee’d is set up much more for comfort and long distance refinement than short bursts of enthusiastic driving. While this may come as a let-down for some, it’s good news for the majority of people as it means the Pro_Cee’d is good at getting from here to there without putting a strain on its occupants.
The ride is more than able to deal with the UK’s broken road surfaces and enjoys a well padded comfort. Coupled to decent refinement and insulation from wind and road noise, the Pro_Cee’d covers ground in a calm and composed way.
For the keener driver, however, this means the Pro_Cee’d does not offer the handling precision or fun of a Volkswagen Scirocco or Vauxhall Astra GTC, both of which lean much less in corners, feel more planted and have significantly better steering feel.
It’s the feel of the steering that really lets down the Pro_Cee’d. In the straight ahead, there is little sensation of what the front wheels are up to. Move the steering slightly off-centre, as you would perhaps when changing lane on the motorway and the same shortage of connection between the driver’s hands and the front wheels remains.
All Pro_Cee’ds other than the SR7 come with Kia’s FlexSteer system, which lets the driver choose from three different steering modes. In Sport setting, the steering is just heavier rather than offering any more sensitivity to the driver.
Try the Pro_Cee’d GT and things are markedly better. While the steering in the GT is not has full of feel as a Volkswagen Golf GTI’s, it’s much more accurate than the other models in the Pro_Cee’d range to work with the driver on a twisty road.
The GT’s 1.6-litre turbo engine has a briskness to it that gives it just enough performance to be fun. It needs to be revved to get the best from it, but it’s not raucous when driven like this.
Other petrol engines in the Pro_Cee’d work well, though the 1.4-litre unit needs to be worked hard to get the best from it. Much better is the 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 260Nm of shove to make it feel surprisingly brisk
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0T GDI 118 | 58 mpg | 10.7 s | 115 g/km |
| 1.0T GDI 98 | 58 mpg | 12.4 s | 113 g/km |
| 1.4 | 46–47 mpg | 12.3–12.4 s | 138–143 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi | 66–74 mpg | 9.5–11.5 s | 99–112 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi DCT | 67–72 mpg | 10.2 s | 103–109 g/km |
| 1.6 GDI | 47–52 mpg | 9.5–9.8 s | 124–137 g/km |
| 1.6 GDI DCT | 46 mpg | 10.4 s | 140 g/km |
| 1.6T GDI | 38 mpg | 7.3–7.4 s | 170–171 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
77%
Real MPG
25–61 mpg
MPGs submitted
76
Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 362–1318 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4310 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1425–1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
Anyone choosing the Pro_Cee’d over its five-door Cee’d hatch sister will be aware the three-door model sacrifices some practicality in favour of style and coupe looks.
It’s a trade worth making if you don’t need the extra seat of doors to ease entry and exit to the rear seats as the Pro_Cee’d is a good looking car. Even more relevant, it also retains the ability to seat two adults in complete comfort in the rear seats.
While there’s plenty of space in the rear bench for two adults, access is more of a problem. The long doors open wide, which helps ease entry and exit but makes tightly packed car parks a challenge. Also, the front seats slide forward but it’s still a yoga-like process to get in and out, though not any different from other cars of this ilk. Further back still, the boot has quite a high floor but can accommodate up to 380 litres of luggage.
Move to the front seats and the Pro_Cee’d offers very much the same fine driving position and comfort as the Cee’d hatch. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, while the driver’s seat can also be moved for height to help achieve the ideal seating position.
Ahead of the driver is a central speedo with rev counter on one side and fuel gauge on the other. A digital on-board computer tells the driver of other functions, while steering wheel controls allow the driver to operate the stereo, cruise control and a mobile phone while maintaining steering control.
In the centre console, Kia offers two options for the display screen. Lower spec models have a smaller screen, while the upper scale models have a 7-inch touchscreen display for the stereo, phone and navigation. The GT model has a standalone specification that includes the touchscreen for Tech versions.
All GT models come with Recaro front sports seats with part-leather upholstery and red stitching. They also have a speedo that can be switched into a sport mode should the driver feel the need for the dash to match his mood.
As well as the GT and GT Tech models, the Pro_Cee’d comes in S, SE, SE Tech and SR7 trims. The SR7 is the entry point and includes air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary ports, heated door mirrors and cornering lights to help the driver see round bends more readily. There are also rear parking sensors to help counter the thick rear pillars and high boot line.
The S model adds Kia’s FlexSteer system that lets the driver choose between three modes for the steering feel. This model comes with rear privacy glass too. Move to the SE and you gain a reversing camera, keyless entry and ignition, voice recognition and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. With the SE Tech, you get a tilt and slide sunroof, black leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and electric parking brake.
Kia Pro_cee'd (2013 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4310 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1425–1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1247–1490 kg |
| Boot Space | 362–1318 L |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,700–£23,860 |
| Insurance Groups | 8–30 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–H |
| Official MPG | 38.2–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until April 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 T-GDi 118 Gt-Line ISG 3dr | £20,085 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.0 T-GDi 118 Gt-Line S ISG 3dr | £21,885 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| 1.0 T-GDi 98bhp 2 ISG 3dr | £17,645 | 57.6 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.4 98bhp SR7 3dr | £15,250 | 47.1 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.6 CRDi 134 2 DCT ISG 3dr | £20,660 | 67.3 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.6 CRDi 134 Gt-Line ISG 3dr | £20,660 | 72.4 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.6 CRDi 134 Gt-Line S ISG 3dr | £22,460 | 72.4 mpg | - |
| 1.6 CRDi 134 Gt-Lne DCT ISG 3dr | £21,930 | 67.3 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2 ISG 3dr | £19,240 | 74.3 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 CRDi Gt-Line S DCT ISG 3dr | £23,860 | 72.4 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI 133bhp 2 ISG 3dr | £18,155 | 52.3 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.6 T-GDi 201bhp GT 3dr | £23,525 | 38.2 mpg | 7.3 s |
On sale until April 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 T-GDi 118 Gt-Line S ISG 3dr | £21,720 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| 1.6 CRDi 134 Gt-Line S ISG 3dr | £22,295 | 72.4 mpg | - |
| 1.6 CRDi Gt-Line S DCT ISG 3dr | £23,695 | 72.4 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| GT Tech 1.6 T GDI 201 3dr | £22,900 | 38.2 mpg | 7.4 s |
| S 1.6 CRDi 126 IGS 3dr | £18,995 | 74.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
| S 1.6 GDi ISG 133 3dr | £17,895 | 52.3 mpg | 9.8 s |
| SE 1.6 CRDi 126 ISG 3dr | £20,995 | 65.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
| SE 1.6 GDi 133 ISG 3dr | £19,905 | 47.1 mpg | 9.5 s |
| SE 1.6 GDi DCT 133 3dr Auto | £21,205 | 46.3 mpg | 10.4 s |
| SE Tech 1.6 CRDi 126 ISG 126 3dr | £23,095 | 65.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
On sale until April 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SR7 1.4 98 3dr | £15,150 | 46.3 mpg | - |
On sale until January 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| GT 1.6 T GDI 201 3dr | £20,500 | 38.2 mpg | 7.4 s |
| GT Tech 1.6 T GDI 201 3dr | £23,200 | 38.2 mpg | 7.4 s |
| VR7 1.4 98 3dr | £14,700 | 46.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
Model History
- February 2013: Kia announced Pro_Cee'd pricing
- June 2013: Kia Pro_Cee'd GT launched
- January 2014
- April 2014: Pro_Cee'd SE Tech added to range
- September 2016: Upgraded Kia Cee'd goes on sale
February 2013
Kia announced Pro_Cee'd pricing
Choice of two trim levels - ‘S' and ‘SE' - both of which are new and unique to the Pro_Cee'd.
Two engines are offered in the new Pro_Cee'd line-up - a 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) - and both are available in each trim grade. A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the range and Kia's six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox is also available in 1.6 GDi ‘SE' guise.
With the exception of the front body structure, several major parts of the bodyshell - the roof, body sides, and rear-end - have been redesigned compared to the current cee'd. Ring-shaped structures on centre pillars and tailgate opening area have been added in to ensure rigidity and collision safety. New pro_cee'd shares all the same external dimensions as the current cee'd save for its height - new pro_cee'd is 40mm lower than its 5-door sibling.
As with the previous generation, the rear of the Pro_Cee'd is characterised by a steeply-angled rear window and bulbous tail lamps that sit astride broad shoulders. A black lower bumper strip with a set of integrated combination lamps and reflectors help to lend a hunkered-down feel to the rear.
The five-seat interior has been designed to be as ergonomically intuitive as possible with all the on-board and infotainment controls conveniently located for driver and passengers. Practicality is improved compared to the last generation model too. Boot storage is up 40 litres to 380 litres - the same as the 5-door cee'd - and up 15 litres to 1,225 litres with the 60:40 split-rear seats folded down and there are storage compartments in the front and rear, centre console and under the boot floor.
On the outside, the ‘S' and ‘SE' grades share all the same visual cues except for the alloy wheel size and design - they are 16-inch on the ‘S' and 17-inch on the ‘SE'.
On the inside there's a sporting appearance to the cockpit with black cloth upholstery with a contrasting grey ‘mesh' design and faux leather inserts, black headlining, piano black fascia and door trims, a leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake.
Standard convenience features include automatic lights with welcome and follow-me-home functionality, ‘one touch' electric windows, electrically-operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, cruise control with speed limiter and steering wheel mounted controls. Reversing sensors and a trip computer are also standard.
Air-conditioning keeps the vehicle at comfortable temperatures whilst the six-speaker Radio/CD player with iPod and USB connectivity ensures occupants are always able to enjoy the music of their choice. Music can also be streamed to the hi-fi by Bluetooth - sharing the same technology as the car's Bluetooth hands-free phone system which can also be controlled via voice recognition.
Flex Steer steering system provides the driver with the choice of Normal, Comfort or Sport steering modes allowing them the option, at the touch of a button, of making the steering feel lighter or heavier depending on their preference.
The ‘SE' adds 17-inch silver alloy wheels with contrasting anthracite highlights enhance the car's visual appeal and the exterior door handle illumination provides a practical touch and premium feel. Inside there are stainless steel door sill plates and pedals, power lumbar seat support for both driver and passenger, automatic dual-zone climate control and automatic rain-sensing wipers with a built-in de-icer function.
The ‘SE' also boasts a 7-inch touchscreen European-wide satellite navigation system with full UK postcode functionality and TMC - this screen doubles up to display the images from the colour reversing camera when the vehicle is in reverse - and an automatically-dimming rear view mirror and keyless smart entry system with start/stop ignition button.
The new pro_cee'd is available with a choice of the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine or the 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel motor. Both engines are available in ‘S' and ‘SE' trim levels and all versions have a six-speed manual transmission with ISG. Kia's six-speed DCT automatic gearbox is also available on the 1.6 GDi in ‘SE' trim.
The 1.6-litre GDi provides 133 bhp at 6,300 rpm and 164 lb/ft at 4,850 rpm. Top speed is 121 mph across all variants. In ‘S' trim, the 0-60 mph dash takes 9.8 seconds (9.5 on the ‘SE') and returns 52.3mpg on the official combined cycle with CO 2 emissions of 124g/km.
The 1.6-litre CRDi provides 126 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 192 lb/ft in between 1,900 rpm and 2,750 rpm. Top speed is 122 mph. In ‘S' grade guise, the 0-60 mph sprint takes 11.5 seconds (10.5 on the ‘SE') and returns 74.3 mpg on the official combined cycle. CO2emissions of 100g/km, also in ‘S' spec, place this stylish hatchback in Vehicle Excise Duty Band ‘A' meaning free road fund licence and exemption from London's Congestion Charge.
|
Pricing |
CO 2 (g/km) |
OTR Price |
|
pro_cee'd ‘S' 1.6 GDi |
124 |
£17,495 |
|
pro_cee'd ‘S' 1.6 CRDi |
100 |
£18,595 |
|
pro_cee'd ‘SE' 1.6 GDi |
137 |
£19,495 |
|
pro_cee'd ‘SE' 1.6 CRDi |
112 |
£20,595 |
|
pro_cee'd ‘SE' 1.6 GDi DCT |
140 |
£20,795 |
June 2013
Kia Pro_Cee'd GT launched
On sale at from £19,995. Spec includes suade and leather recaro seats, TFT analogue/digital dash with torque and turbo boost display. 18-inch wheels with 225/40 R18 Michelin tyres.
- Pro_cee’d 1.6-litre GT £19,995
- Pro_cee’d 1.6-litre GT Tech £22,495
- Pro_cee’d 1.6-litre GT ‘1 st Edition’: £23,995
1.6 GDI 1,591cc 4 cylinder DOHC chain cam petrol turbo: 201PS @ 6,000rpm; 265Nm torque from 1,750-4,500rpm. 0-60mph 7.4 seconds; top speed 143 mph; combined mpg 38.2; CO2 emissions 171g/km. VED Band H: £200pa.
January 2014
SR7 versions of Kia Cee'd announced Every SR7 has a higher specification than the 2014 VR7 special-edition models. LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, front foglights, automatic headlight control, privacy glass, UV-reducing solar glass, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and roof rails are the highlights of the equipment additions, depending on model. There are also new alloy wheels and colour options.
The new Pro_Cee'd SR7 slots just below the regular ‘S' grade, while the Cee'd and Cee'd Sportswagon SR7 fit between regular tiers 1 and 2. All three body styles are available with a 98bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, while the five-door cee'd also offers an 89bhp 1.4-litre diesel.
Every version has LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, front foglights, automatic headlight control and privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate which were not available on the 2014 VR7. Key features carried over include air conditioning, reversing sensors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, Bluetooth, USB and AUX ports, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and electric windows (all four on five-door versions). The upholstery is black Abstract, also found on the level ‘1' cee'd and Sportswagon, while the double-five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels replicate those on the cee'd ‘2' and ‘3'. The four colour options include solid Track Red plus Silver Storm, Phantom Black and Fusion White metallics.
April 2014
Pro_Cee'd SE Tech added to range
Powered by 1.6-litre 126bhp CRDi turbodiesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, and is priced at £22,795. It has identical insurance, economy and performance figures to the SE fitted with the same engine - officially rated 65.7mpg on the combined cycle, emissions of 112g/km, 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds, 192lb/ft torque between 1,900rpm and 2,750rpm, and a 122mph top speed. The insurance category is group 13.
Standard equipment additions over the ‘SE' include black leather seats with contrasting mesh inserts, an electric tilting and sliding sunroof with an automatic electric roller blind, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors and Kia's Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS), that identifies suitable kerbside spaces and steers the car into them automatically. The instrument cluster features a totally digital LCD colour display that graphically illustrates the chosen Flex Steer system mode and the operation of the PPAS. The font size can be enlarged if required and the display can be switched to kilometres per hour for European driving. The upgraded equipment is completed with an automatic parking brake that frees space in the premium centre console for a new sliding armrest and cup-holder. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is also standard.
September 2016
Upgraded Kia Cee'd goes on sale
The improvements include Kia’s all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine, as well as a range of new safety, comfort and convenience upgrades.
The upgraded model will come with a new ‘GT Line’ specification, offering buyers the sporty looks and dynamics of the GT models. Changes to the ‘face’ of the Cee’d include a more angular and wider bumper, with chrome trim around the fog lamps, and a new oval-shaped grille mesh.
A similar change has been made to the rear with reshaped bumpers and reflectors. LED rear lamps complete the rear of the car while stylish new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs are also now available across the range.
The dashboard receives a flash of chrome around the instrument binnacle, driver-side and central air vents and around the upper edge of the instrument panel. The central fascia panel is now finished in a high quality, anti-scratch gloss black for a more premium look.
For diesel variants, the upgraded interior of the Cee’d offers improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics. Additional sound-absorbing materials have been adopted for the carpet and ventilation system, while twice as much anti-vibration foam has been added to the dashboard panel to cut engine vibrations intruding on the calm of the cabin. All diesel engines have also been fitted with sound-absorbing material to the engine block, oil pan and diesel particulate filter.
The upgraded cee’d offers a wider choice of powertrains than before, with all engines now compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
For the launch of the 2016 Cee’d, Kia is introducing its all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDI’ (turbo petrol direct injection) engine. This new downsized, three-cylinder power unit has been engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions, while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input.
In its basic state, the new engine produces 100PS and 172Nm torque, while the higher powered 1.0-litre T-GDI produces 120PS and the same 172Nm torque.
Available with both the enhanced Cee’d range and the new GT Line variant, the higher powered 1.6 CRDi engine now produces 136PS and 285Nm torque. The Kia cee’d will continue to be offered with the 128PS 1.6-litre GDI and 100PS 1.4-litre MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines, as well as the popular 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine, all of which now also meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.
The upgraded Cee’d features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand’s all-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), available exclusively on models equipped with the higher powered 136PS 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine.
