Kia provides a sneak-peek of its new pro_cee’d GT

This is the ‘hot-hatch’ version of Kia’s redesigned pro_cee’d, due for launch in the second half of 2013, although the term ‘hot’ might just be a little ambitious for a model powered by a 200bhp 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo engine and offered with either a six-speed manual or double-clutch transmission.

Kia’s all-new pro_cee’d which had its global debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, will go on sale in Spring next year.

The new pro_cee’d was first seen at September’s Paris Motor Show and signals a new push by Kia to join the ranks of mainstream models such as Volkswagen’s Golf and Ford’s Focus.

However Kia appears to have fallen at the first hurdle, pitching 1.6-litres against the 2.0-litre class norm and just 200bhp against the 217bhp Golf GTI and 247bhp Focus ST.

Kia describe its new pro_cee’d GT as being “..perfectly aligned with Kia’s sportiness and fun-to-drive positioning”, but it will need a lot more than that if it’s to steal sales away from the hot hatch class leaders.

Written By

Steve Davies

Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.