GT EXPECTATIONS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 39

Kia's pro_cee'd GT coupe, sold between 2012 and 2018, offers a sensible spin on sporty motoring. It's also good looking, reasonably priced and drives remarkably well. A sensible choice then - but one with a little sexiness thrown in.

Modelsword count: 5

3dr coupe (1.6 petrol turbo)

Historyword count: 121

Launched in 2012, Kia's pro_cee'd GT was Korea's first really credible performance-orientated model. It didn't set its sights too high - just over 200bhp wasn't an enormous amount of power in the hot hatch segment even back then - but there was enough speed to satisfy and enough value to make this car stand out from its European rivals. When the second generation pro_cee'd range was revised in the Autumn of 2015, the brand took the opportunity to give the GT model a handling upgrade. With sharper suspension, larger brakes and an electric sound generator to amplify the engine note, more of an enthusiast-orientated package was delivered. It sold until 2018, after which, it was replaced by a Fastback estate model.

What You Getword count: 308

This pro_cee'd GT certainly has plenty of streetside appeal, helped by the fact that this model's basic shape lends itself to this variant's sportier, more dynamic look. There's a lower, broader bumper and air dam. And on the facelifted post-'16-era version, the wide central lower air intake that cools the turbocharged engine is flanked on either side by high-gloss black inserts housing 'ice cube'-style LED daytime running lamps and foglights. The high gloss black theme is continued by the chrome-framed main radiator grille, while finishing touches on the facelifted car are supplied by graphite grey 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers, plus bold side sill mouldings and a potent rear diffuser. This purposeful feel continues when you take a seat behind the wheel. Here, you're gripped by bespoke part-leather, part-suede Recaro racing-style seats and grip a 'D'-shaped sports steering wheel featuring red stitching you'll also find on the gearstick and the door trims. You also get stainless steel pedals, while high gloss black finishing on the air vent surrounds, the front console tray and the door trims aims to add a premium flourish. Ahead of you, there's Kia's familiar three-dial instrument layout, enhanced by a TFT LCD multi-function high-definition display that allows the driver to switch between analogue-type or GT performance digital read-outs. Getting into the rear is made easier by front doors that are 270mm longer than those in the five-door cee'd - though that might be a problem in tight parking spaces. Once there, thanks to a wheelbase length identical to that of the five-door cee'd, space for a couple of adults is reasonable on all but the longest journeys. Out back, there's the same 380-litre boot you'd get on the five-door model. The 1210-litre total capacity you get when the seats are flattened is only 93-litres less than you'd have in a five-door cee'd.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227