The first batch of Kia's new sports hatchback the Pro Ceed have arrived at our Kia branches in Darlington and York in time for the official launch on 1st February.
Following last Friday’s National Dealer Conference, Kia shortly announce the release of advance model information and specification which has now neen updated on our Kia Pro Ceed microsite.
The dynamic Pro Cee’d model is the latest edition to the Cee’d family, and with the arrival of the Pro Cee’d, the Cee’d model range will cover a 95% share of the C segment.
Following the success of its 5dr hatchback brother, the Pro Cee’d will mirror the same basic concept of unrivalled levels of standard equipment, class leading interior space, exceptional safety credentials and a selection of powerful yet fuel efficient engines. In addition to this however, the Pro Cee’d gains more aggressive and dynamic sports styling, added specifications and equipment, new interior trims, an extended engine range, and a new exterior colour offer.
Pro Cee’d will also be available under the new subvented Kia Access PCP programme from 8th February. Full details of this will be announced later.
Coupled to these credentials, is the same industry-leading 7-year bumper-to-bumper/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty as that of the 5dr hatchback and Cee’d SW. Also included are a 10 year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty and a 7 year/unlimited mileage paint warranty.
Changes between the 5dr and 3dr
Pro Cee'd remains faithful to the concept car of the same name that Kia exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in 2006. Unlike the three-door cars from the majority of rival manufacturers, it is a unique sporty model in its own right – longer, lower and lighter than the five-door Cee'd.
Only the bonnet and front wings are transferable from the five-door hatchback. A long, 2650mm wheelbase is common to all cee'd body styles, but the overall length of Pro Cee'd is 15mm greater (12mm at the front; 3mm at the rear).
Combined with a 30mm reduction in overall height, it gives Pro Cee'd an elongated, low, coupe-like stance, an impression reinforced by the +245mm longer side doors compared to the five-door, and the subtly sporty rooftop spoiler.
The key differences inside Pro Cee'd are the lower roofline and larger side doors, plus a rear seat that has been totally redesigned to enhance usability with the three-door body. 
The shallower windscreen, lower roof lining, big side doors and slimmer glasshouse give Pro Cee'd a sporty, cockpit-like feel that seems more driver-focused. The lower roofline marginally reduces headroom a little compared with the five-door car, but it remains competitive with similar models from rival manufacturers.
To boost practicality and make it easy for owners to enlarge the 340 litre luggage area despite the absence of rear side doors, Kia have restyled the rear seat, which now has a fixed cushion in place of the forward-folding split system in cee'd. The 60:40 split rear backrest has been re-engineered so that it is easy to release and simply folds down onto the cushion, with no need to first remove the headrests. The resulting load floor extension is stepless.
Access to the rear is aided by the side doors which open in three stages to a maximum width of 70 degrees, and by new front seats with a top-mounted handle which can be used to tilt the backrest. As it does so, the whole seat also slides forward in one smooth, continuous movement. A recline-memory function ensures the seat reclines back to the position it was in previously.
Model Line-Up and Specification
The Pro Cee'd will benefit from the new grade name nomenclature first introduced on Picanto models. The Pro Cee'd grades will follow a numerical series, designed to be modern, effective and simple for customers to understand.
The Pro Cee'd concept is based on one which mirrors the 5dr in grade equivalent spec and price, yet adds extra specification in combination with more sporty and compelling styling.
There are 3 trim grades which are shown below with their equivalent level 5dr model.
As such the line-up is as follows –
- Pro Ceed 2 - Ceed GS
- Pro Ceed 3 - Ceed LS
- Pro Ceed Sport
There are 6 derivatives in total when engine and transmission combinations are accounted for.
Engines and Transmissions
Utilising the same engines as the 5dr hatchback, the Pro Cee'd is available with a 1.6 litre petrol engine (the 1.4 engine will not be available from launch), or a CRDi diesel range consisting of a 1.6 litre (89bhp); a 1.6 litre (113bhp) and a 2.0 litre (138bhp).
All engines are Euro IV compliant and feature technical advancements that translate into improved durability and power, yet less maintenance. State-of-the-art engineering allows customers to enjoy more power and torque without having to compromise fuel efficiency or refinement.
- 1.6 litre Petrol – this powerful engine produces power of 124 bhp @ 6,300rpm with torque of 154Nm @ 4,200rpm. Featuring CVVT technology (Continuously Variable Valve Timing), power is boosted at low and medium revs, whilst also reducing fuel consumption.
- 1.6 litre Diesel – available on ‘2’ grade with a standard output of 89 bhp @ 4,000 rpm and torque of 235Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm
- 1.6 litre Diesel on the ‘3’ grade with a higher output of 113 bhp @ 4,000 and maximum torque of 255Nm @ 1,900-2,750rpm
- 2.0 litre Diesel – offered on ‘Sport’ grade only, this turbocharged engine delivers maximum horsepower of 138bhp @ 4,000 rpm and 305Nm of torque @ 1,800-2,500 rpm. Featuring VGT technology like the 1.6 litre units, this engine’s performance is further enhanced by advanced fuel injection
All engines come with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, except the 2.0 diesel which comes mated to an advanced 6-speed manual. Each has undergone significant testing to ensure efficient and responsive shifting with less friction and noise.
Grade ‘3’ on the 1.6 petrol is also offered with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, equipped with technology which adapts to the driver’s unique style and adjusts shifting behaviour accordingly.
Colours & Trims
There are 6 exterior colours available on pro_cee’d, dependant upon trim grade – 1 solid white and 5 metallic. The majority are shared with the 5dr and SW models; however there is one new and unique colour to the model – ‘Mars Red’ - a sporty metallic red.
For more information on the all new Kia Pro Ceed sports hatchback call Kia Darlington on 0845 112 5007 or Kia York on 01904 466600.