Kia’s stylish pro_cee’d GT launched from $29,990

MY15 Kia pro_cee'd

Kia’s increasingly sporty image has just been up a notch with the arrival of the stylish three-door pro_cee’d GT in Australia.

Priced from $29,990, the pro_cee’d GT is the second turbocharged model to join the Kia Australia garage, following on from the new generation Cerato Koup.

Click for Kia Cerato Koup review

First debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the latest Kia hot hatch is aimed at performance-minded drivers. Powered by a turbocharged version of the ‘Gamma’ 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine developing 150kW and 265Nm of torque, the pro_cee’d GT promises to engage the driver with a good mix of performance and everyday usability and civility. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 230km/h.

MY15 Kia pro_cee'd

The pro_cee’d GT received extensive Australian input for its suspension tuning to cater for local demands and road conditions. Increased damper rebound and compression rates, stiffer springs and bushes and a larger rear anti-roll bar are joined by stylish 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres to ensure optimum handling and ride quality.

A highlight of the Australian tuning is the unique steering map which gives the car an engaging and direct connection to the driver.

Two trim lines – ‘GT’ and ‘GT Tech’ – will be offered at launch, with four colours available – standard Track Red and premium Black Pearl, Machine Silver and Deluxe White.

MY15 Kia pro_cee'd

The T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine develops its 150kW at 6000rpm, while the 265Nm of torque is available from 1750rpm to 4500rpm. The pro_cee’d GT accelerates from 80-120km/h in fifth gear in 7.3 seconds thanks to the wide torque band, with more than 80 per cent of maximum torque available from less than 1500rpm.

Performance benefits from the integration of the twin-scroll turbocharger into the exhaust manifold, a design which improves responsiveness – eliminating the ‘turbo lag’ between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger building up boost pressure – while simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency. The GT’s combined fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100km, while CO2 emissions are 171g/km.

The engine drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission featuring revised ratios and a lower final drive to allow the GT to make the most of its torque with minimal fuel consumption.

MY15 Kia pro_cee'd

The performance-oriented exterior design features a lower, broader front bumper, air dam and a wide central lower air intake underscored by a red trim line. This is flanked on either side by high-gloss black inserts housing the GT’s unique ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lamps and foglights.

At the rear, a diffuser and dual sports exhaust outlets further outline the GT’s sporting potentials. The rear number plate is framed in high-gloss black and straddled by a vertical reversing light, fog lamp and reflectors, while the combination lamp units are LEDs

Inside, the driver and front passenger are gripped by Recaro sports seats – for the first time in a Kia – adorned with ‘GT’ and ‘Recaro’ logos.

Power-adjustable lumbar support is fitted to both front seats. The upholstery is part leather and part suede, and there is red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and door trims. The leather steering wheel also features perforated grip areas and an overstitched ‘GT’ logo, and there are alloy sports pedals with non-slip rubber inserts.

MY15 Kia pro_cee'd

The standard comprehensive safety specification includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), six airbags, seat-belt reminder, impact-sensing door unlocking and three child seat anchors plus two ISOFIX child-seat mounting.

The ‘GT Tech’ adds a panoramic sunroof, smart key with push button start and door handle lighting, active HID headlamps with washer, privacy glass and luggage net.

Like every Kia the pro_cee’d GT comes with a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, all the benefits of Kia Connect and five-year capped-price servicing.

The pro_cee’d GT is priced at $29,990 while the pro_cee’d GT Tech  is $33,490. The premium paint option adds $595.

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