Motoring writer IAN LAMMNG seeks validation when he addresses the new Kia ProCeed
THANK goodness for that; I’d started to doubt myself.
When posting a picture of the new Kia ProCeed to Insta I faced a torrid of abuse when suggesting that it looked a bit Porsche-like from the rear.
“It looks more like your backside than it does a Porsche,” said one obviously disgruntled Porsche fan.
And just as I resigned myself to a life of automotive trolling, as I brooded over a large mocha a fellow café dweller saved the day.
“Why’s that Porsche got a Kia badge on the back,” he said, as he stared from the window at the Kia parked right outside. Yes. Yes. YES! In your face doubters, cynics and disgruntled Porsche fans. I knew it!
But if you think about it and don’t simply fly of the social media handle, it’s obvious. Kia has been raiding the best people from Germany for some time, in fact the overall boss of Kia Peter Schreyer used to be the head of design at Audi and the man behind the original TT. See where I’m going with this because Kia does?
So, back to my original observation. The back of the ProCeed does have the look of the latest Porsches, particularly the Panamera. Not sure how pleased Porsche will be, although imitation is after all the sincerest form of flattery. Remember when Ford Fiestas looked like baby Astons…ha, ha, ha.
Enough to say then that the new ProCeed is a bit of an eye-catcher, not so much from the front, where it is pure Kia, but definitely from the back, rear three quarter view and side-on. Very nice!
This particular Pro is powered by a strong, economical and willing diesel – don’t worry there are plenty of petrol variants too if you want to be particulate-free – and comes with an excellent seven speed automatic gearbox. It’s a fabulous combo being smooth, fast and economical. It is fun to drive, yet relaxing on long journeys. It loves a straight and the bendy bits too and the ride is very comfortable, the dynamics sharp.
Quality is typically high with nice-to-touch materials, great build, clever design and the usual generous equipment levels. The boot behind the badge is large and accommodating. No elements of practicality have been sacrificed for style.
Kia boasts a range of cars to rival most and its bravery in design must be applauded. It will have a go at anything and anybody and, just to worry the opposition even further, Mr Schreyer is now in charge of design at Hyundai too. Thank goodness for that.
Fact File
Kia ProCeed 1.6 CRDi GT-Line
Engine: 1.6 turbo diesel
Power: 136HP
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Top speed: 124mph
Combined MPG: 67.3
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
CO2 g/km: 110
Price: £25,790.00