The Proceed’s interior doesn’t quite match a Golf GTI’s for quality but it isn’t far off either. Interior materials, be they textured or polished plastics on the dashboard or Alcantara on the Recaro seats, more than justify the Kia’s price tag.
In general, it’s fairly difficult to complain about any aspect of the Kia’s interior. Those seats are comfortable and supportive, and they’re mounted just about low enough to feel part of the car. The TFT instrument display is clear in either mode (a standard speedometer normally, with boost and torque gauges and a digital speed readout in GT mode) and the dashboard layout is logical.
Subscribe to evo magazine
The basics are right too – the relationship between seat, wheel, pedals and gearstick feels good, and the floor-hinged throttle pedal is within reach of the brake pedal for easy heel-and-toe downshifts.
There’s no groundbreaking tech on offer but what there is works perfectly well. Kia’s touchscreen display (with DAB and navigation) is easy to operate and it’s refreshing to be able to plug in a smartphone and instantly play your favourite songs, without searching through endless menus.
Some road noise leaks through to the cabin but in general it’s a refined space too, as well-suited to the daily commute as it is to B-road fun.
