Kia Pro_cee’d 1.6 CRDi

The Kia Pro_cee’d is a serious challenger to the Vauxhall Astra GTC and Renault Megane Coupe. For similar money, it matches or beats both on handling, style and interior fit and finish. However, it’s still some way off class-leading VW Group cars such as the SEAT Leon SC and VW Golf for driver involvement and cabin quality.

The new Kia Pro_cee’d is the manufacturer’s rival to stylish three-door hatchbacks such as the Vauxhall Astra GTC, Renault Megane Coupe and SEAT Leon SC. After driving it in Europe, we’ve taken the wheel again to see how it fares on UK roads.

On the move, the Pro_cee’d’s 126bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel and six-speed box work well together, with a slightly wider spread of torque than some rivals’ diesels, adding extra flexibility.

However, there’s a degree of body roll in corners, and the steering is nicely weighted but offers little feedback. While the Kia is satisfying to drive, cars like the VW Golf are more fun.

Bold light clusters at the front and rear help make the Pro_cee’d stand out, and its visual appeal is increased with a steeply raked rear screen and stylish alloys.

The cabin is attractive, too – our SE test car had smart piano-black inserts and silver trim to break up the grey plastic that would otherwise dominate the dash.

Most drivers should be able to get comfortable in the Pro_cee’d without too much fuss, although the steering wheel feels a little hard and cheap. Occupants up front enjoy plenty of space, too.

It’s a little cramped in the back, though, and this slightly claustrophobic feeling isn’t helped by small, triangular rear windows that restrict the view out.