Now in SA: Kia's lukewarm hatch

Kia has launched the long awaited Kia pro_cee’d three-door model, packed with kit and powered by a 2.0-litre powerplant.

Kia, which has always traded on offering value-for-money purchases, is hoping this car will attract new buyers to the brand.

Locally, pro_cee'd's cost may perhaps be a lot more prohibitive; there are two specification levels with the base model costing R214 995 and the top spec Sport costing R249 995.

The third in a line of cee'd models including the five-door hatchback and wagon models (neither of which are available in South Africa), the pro_cee'd's power is sourced from a 2.0-litre DOHC engine with CVVT continuously variable valve timing.

This powerplant develops 105 kW at 6 000 r/min and 186 Nm at 4 600 r/min, while a five-speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels.

Safety first

Cee'd's MacPherson front strut and multi-link rear suspension's spring and damper rates have been tweaked for use by the sportier three-door to give it greater cornering stability.

The car's safety credentials are sound and it was awarded the coveted five-star rating by EuroNCAP.

Pro_cee'd is equipped with ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control and a traction control system.

Furthermore, the top-spec Sport model car is fitted with a rear park assist system and a tyre pressure monitor.

All cars have a rigid passenger cell featuring high-strength steel, while dual front, side and curtain airbags and pretensioned seat belts provide additional protection in the event of a collision.

Two Isofix anchor points are available on the rear bench.

'Celebrated in Europe'

The only differences between the models are equipment levels. The base model is very well specced, but the Sport adds equipment such as rain sensing wipers, automatic light sensors and leather interior. The Sport's model also comes with a sport pack that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, alloy pedals and a different coloured interior.

And for those that need more convincing, the cee'd range is, according to Kia, the most decorated Korean-branded car yet in Europe.

As with all new Kias sold in South Africa, the pro_cee'd is sold with a five-year/100 000 km warranty, a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan and a three-year roadside assistance programme.