Kia Pro_cee'd 2014 Review

Just as the mid-sized Optima showed Kia could build cars that look European, the Proceed GT proves it can build cars that feel European.

It's not as classy as a Volkswagen Golf, there are some easy ways it could be improved yet the Proceed - forget the silly Korean spelling, pro_cee'd - is a landmark car for Kia and Korea.

It is as important as the Hyundai i30, which finally killed the belief that Korean companies could only build cheap, disposable cars for people who would otherwise be shopping on a second-hand lot. It's now better than a Toyota Corolla.

DESIGN

The Proceed looks good, is well equipped and comfortable, drives well in all conditions, and has the same five-year support package that's been both a safety net and 'permission to buy" to attract converts to the brand.

To get the complaints out of the way, rearward vision is awful, it needs a proper screen for the rear-view camera (not an image in the mirror), the front end feels a bit wonky and it only comes as a six-speed manual.

Also, for me, the chassis is so good it desperately needs a larger turbo engine, say a 2.0-litre in place of the current 1.6, to justify the GT tag. But that's about it. Apart from tight access to the rear seat belts if you're using a child seat for your five-year old.

The Proceed looks good, from the basic shape to the grid of LED cornering lights each side of the nose and the dashboard design and control layout. It's clearly got sporting intent. The seats also have sporty support, the 18-inch alloys are meaty with good grip from Michelin tyres, the shift feel is positive and the brakes work well.

DRIVING

I come to the Proceed after an underwhelming week with Kia's Koup Turbo, and the contrast is massive. The Koup is underdone in too many ways where the Proceed, which is aimed at European buyers, is a complete package.

The turbo engine has strong linear response almost from idle, which is perhaps why it feels a bit underpowered, and the ride comfort is great. It corners well but, for me, the steering feels as if the front-end settings are a bit 'knock-kneed" and I can't say I was happy with the feedback to the wheel.

Also, I'm sure Kia could easily double Australian sales of the Proceed if it had a double-clutch automatic gearbox for sporty drivers, even though it would push the price tag over the $30,000 barrier.