The Kia Proceed GT is a higher-performance version of the Proceed, which itself is a sleeker, sportier-looking three-door version of the Kia Ceed hatchback.

Although it undoubtedly looks like a high performance car, it certainly doesn’t drive like one. A combination of uninspiring handling and vague steering put paid to any hope of an enjoyably enthusiastic drive. That’s not the end of the story though, because it has a versatile engine which has bundles of pulling power, a seven-year warranty and you do get quite a lot of kit for your cash.

Powerful engine

It’s powered by a more powerful version of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged petrol engine wiith 201bhp and 265Nm of torque (compared to 133bhp and 164Nm for the standard engine). This extra power means it can get from 0-62mph in a respectable 7.9 seconds. Suspension and steering set-up is altered too for more responsive handling.

To distinguish it from the regular Proceed, Kia’s has given the GT a racier appearance with Recaro sports seats, two exhaust outlets and 18-inch alloy wheels with bright red brake calipers.

Sportier looks

A new front bumper design includes a larger, more aggressive looking lower grille with a red pinstripe at its base and new four-piece LED spot lamps with a glossy black surround in place of the standard Proceed’s lower lamp units. The side sills have also been clad with slightly wider skirts to make the car look longer and lower.

The Proceed’s so-called ‘tiger-nose’ grille sports a ‘GT’ emblem, which is repeated inside the car at the base of the leather-trimmed steering wheel. Interior trim combines fashionable piano-black trim elements and contrasting coloured stitching. It certainly looks the part of a hot hatch.

The GT also benefits from Kia’s popular seven-year warranty and the equipment list is set to include mobile phone connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.

You also get a swish dash which shows you car parameters you may want to know about when driving quickly, like how much torque you’re using or how much boost your turbocharger is producing.