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Auto Express Car Reviews
Kia Pro_cee’d vs rivals
Cutting-edge design is not something you associate with budget car brands. But Kia’s new Pro_cee’d aims to change that. We line it up against classy rivals from Volvo and Vauxhall...
Photos: Matt Vosper March 2008
Name some manufacturers which pen great car designs, and you’re likely to include the likes of Alfa Romeo, Audi and Citroen.
But as quickly as the world of fashion changes, so does automotive styling. Lately, brands better known for making humdrum everyday models have started to produce cars with real visual impact. Take Kia, for example.
The Korean company is building a strong reputation in the UK thanks to the Cee’d hatchback, and is now introducing its first sporty model: the Pro_cee’d.
Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door brother, it’s moving Kia into uncharted territory by aiming at style-conscious buyers.And it’s not alone. While the idea of making distinctly different three and five-door hatches isn’t widespread, it’s not unique, either. Vauxhall’s three-door Astra Sport Hatch is radically different from its five-door brother, and looks great from all angles.
Like the Kia, it doesn’t follow convention – but neither is it as unusual as the Volvo C30, which brought the Swedish brand back to the hatch sector with a bang. As with its rivals, it stands out from the norm – but which of
our trio is king of the catwalk?
Full Car Reviews
1st Volvo C30
Head-turning looks and premium badge make C30 a strong choice
2nd Vauxhall Astra
Smart styling and unique glass roof give Luton offering an edge
3rd Kia Pro_cee’d
Five-door is a genuine class contender. Is the same true of three-door?- Advertisement -
Facts and Figures
Verdict
We appreciate that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most of our team thought Volvo’s C30 was the best looking car here. Some staff opted for the angular Astra, yet surprisingly no one was enamoured with the Kia.
While we think the Pro_cee’d has an attractive shape, its not quite fresh or daring enough to win us over. It’s easy to drive, affordable and well built, but simply isn’t innovative or stylish enough compared with its rivals here.
The Vauxhall finishes just ahead of the Korean newcomer, thanks to its sharper lines and dramatic glass roof, even if it doesn’t turn many heads on the road. That’s not the case with the C30. The Volvo really stands out from the hatch crowd. The interior is also the best here, with its floating centre console and a neat, fuss-free layout making it a good place in which to spend time. It’s expensive, but if you want a stylish hatch, it’s a price worth paying.
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