We have currently tested the Kia Proceed in the GT Line Plus version for you. The Kia Proceed is a stylish car that very successfully complements the Ceed model portfolio. It is available either as a classic hatchback or as a station wagon under the name Ceed SW. The tested Proceed is designed as a dynamically cut shooting brake, i.e. a practical station wagon with coupe proportions.
The variant with the only offered diesel engine, 1.6 CRDi with a six-speed manual and with the already mentioned GT Line Plus equipment level, passed the editorial test.
Exterior
The emphasis on practicality and sporty spirit has been clearly reflected in the exterior concept of the car. The elegant lines of the shooting brake body fully reflect its character.
In the side part, the car thus combines the massiveness of the lower part with an elegant and dynamic curve that forms the course of the entire roof of the car. The side profile is definitely the most successful of the entire car.
The rear part will offer horizontally oriented lamps, which are effectively connected by a discreet light line. Similar to the side and rear parts, it will offer massive proportions, which are softened in the lower part by a pair of "false" exhaust tips, and in the upper part by a very discreet triangular brake light.
The front part comes with the traditional "Ceed" treatment, which has a classically shaped front mask, as well as relatively bulky headlights (on the tested car equipped with Full LED technology) and a dynamically cut front bumper.
I evaluate the external concept of the tested Proceed model as unequivocally positive. But I would know about a nicer piece within the portfolio of the Kia car company. This is the top-of-the-line Proceed GT model, which also stands on very decent 18" discs, is further spiced up with red elements and, above all, full-fledged chrome exhaust tips, which is also equipped with an active valve.
Interior
In the case of the tested Proceed model , the pleasant exterior is followed by a good interior. Its good workmanship is then supported by elegant materials in this equipment level, and the interior is therefore very handsome at first glance.
Another positive is its interior spaciousness, the extra-charged front seats are excellent, they have lateral guidance and their massiveness greatly enriches the interior visually. The rear bench also offers plenty of space, even in places above the head. The dynamic roof line does not significantly restrict the crew in these positions.
The only negative that the body shape of the Proceed model brings is the impaired rear view. The rear window is not only small, but also quite low. And while we're talking about the negatives regarding the interior, I also have to mention the black painted areas that the dashboard and center tunnel had. It is difficult to keep their surface free of dust or fingerprints.
But let's get back to the positive elements of the interior, which definitely includes the multifunctional steering wheel, which pleases with its shape and, above all, its excellent workmanship. I would also like to praise the digital instrument panel, as well as the main display of the on-board infotainment. Both displays offer very attractive graphics, especially the instrument panel display, its digital concept of classic alarm clocks is really precise.
The volume of the luggage compartment is quite logically smaller than that of a classic station wagon by 31 litres. However, it will still offer a very respectable 594 liters in an extensive floor plan, which is also equipped with additional storage spaces, under its floor.
Engines offered and current driving impressions
The new Kia Proceed is currently available with three petrol and one diesel engines. Gasoline engines are represented by the basic turbocharged liter T-GDI variant with an output of 120 hp, then a turbocharged 14-liter T-GDI with an output of 140 hp, and the top GT variant is equipped with a turbocharged 16-liter T-GDI, which offers a very respectable 204 hp.
The diesel motorization is then represented by the only one currently tested by us, the sixteen-cylinder CRDi with 136 horses.
All engines, except for the basic liter, are available with both a manual six-speed manual and a seven-speed DCT automatic.
The engine tested by us was characterized by a more substantial sound when idling, and slightly higher revs refined its sound. The power of 100 kW, i.e. 163 horses, is not surprising in the new Proceed, but in most situations the car has enough power and will fully satisfy the average driver. However, I would like to praise the engine for its cooperation with the well-graded manual, and also for its consumption, which was around 5.5 liters per 100 km during the weekly test.
Another strong point of the Proceed is the chassis, which feels rather stiffer and very sure. It keeps the track very well and broken circles will definitely not "break" it. Its noise reduction is very good. But I also have to praise the steering itself, from which, via the ergonomically well-fitting steering wheel, you receive clearly legible information.
In conclusion
As a result, I was really impressed by the diesel Kia Proceed, and not only because I took my son home with it. It is simply a very good-looking car that is practical, economical and, in addition, simply drives great.
In terms of price, the new Proceed in GT Line equipment and with the basic liter engine starts at a special price of CZK 494,980 including VAT. You can buy the cheapest diesel in GT Line equipment from 619,980 CZK including VAT. The piece tested by us, which had GT Line Plus equipment and a diesel engine, starts at CZK 684,980 including VAT.
And how is the snarky "ghetto" with a supercharged 16-liter? So you can get it with a manual transmission for a promotional price of CZK 724,980, and with an automatic for CZK 774,980 including VAT.
