Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Proceed GT review - All-round appeal for a competitive price - Kia Proceed GT engine and gearbox

A talented all-rounder, but one lacking the final few degrees of performance and ability to put it among the greats

Evo rating
RRP
from £23,510
  • Fun and appealing package
  • Soft-edged compared to rivals

Where most cars in the Proceed’s class make use of 2-litre engines, Kia has stuck to a 1.6-litre unit in the Proceed GT, a size more often found in cars in the class below. It’s a variant of the GDi petrol unit used across Kia and Hyundai’s ranges, and similar – albeit more powerful – than the 1.6 in the old Hyundai Veloster Turbo and the current Hyundai i30 Turbo. It's soon to be found in the Kia Soul, albeit attached to a dual-clutch transmission.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite the modest capacity, Kia has still managed to extract 201bhp from the turbocharged four-pot, with maximum power developed at 6000rpm. There’s 195lb ft of torque too, from a relatively low 1750rpm.

The standard (and sole) transmission is a six-speed manual, and power is transmitted to the front wheels through an open differential, though traction control is there to rein-in any excess wheelspin.

This relatively safe combination does leave the Kia short on firepower next to almost all of its rivals, but those new to the hot hatchback market should still find enough performance to keep themselves entertained.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch
Alpine A290 Rallye
News

New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch

The A290 has proven to be one of the best performance EVs yet, and now Alpine's taking it one step further with a rally variant
3 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025