Kia Pro_Cee'd (2008 – 2013) Review

April 2008

Longer, lower, more sporty 3-door hatchback version of Cee'd, built at same plant at at Zilina in Slovakia. Prices from launch:

• pro_cee’d 1.4 petrol 104 2 £11,794
• pro_cee’d 1.6 petrol 124 2 £12,295
• pro_cee’d 1.6 diesel 89 2 £13,045
• pro_cee’d 1.6 petrol 124 3 £13,295
• pro-cee’d 1.6 petrol auto 124 3 £14,295
• pro_cee’d 1.6 diesel 113 3 £14,295
• pro_-cee’d 2.0 diesel 138 Sport £15,495

May 2008

In May 2008 a Kia pro cee'd drove from Milan to the Nürburgring, won its class in a 24-hour race, then drove back to Milan. Not only that, but the Kia Italy/Continental Tyres entered car suffered zero mechanical issues throughout the race and was exceptionally light on its feet, using only six 225/35 18-inch ContiSportContact production tyres for the whole event. The pro_cee'd started the race on the same road tyres which had already
completed around 900km on the trip from Milan.

The pro_cee'd was one of 217 cars to start the race. A total of 67 cars dropped out through accidents and mechanical failures, but the pro_cee'd ploughed on to make-up over 100 places from its starting position to finish 104th out of 150 survivors.

January 2010

New 7-Year Kia Warranty. No mileage limit to the warranty for the first three years, except for vehicles used as a Taxi, when coverage is limited to 100,000 miles. Over the full period of the warranty, the overall mileage limit is 100,000 miles. Qualifications to the new warranty include: paintwork is covered for
5 years (depending on model), audio for 3 years and 60,000 miles and service parts, accessories and batteries for 2 years. Normal 'wear & tear' on items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings, are excluded from cover.

August 2010

• Kia New Vehicle Warranty Terms & Exclusions:
• There is no mileage limit during the first 3 years, except for vehicles used as taxis where a limit of 100,000 miles applies.
• There is a 100,000 mile limit between years 4 and 7.
• Paintwork is covered for 5 years / 100,000 miles.
• Audio is covered for 3 years / 60,000 miles.
• Batteries are covered for 2 years.
• Normal 'wear and tear' on items such as brake linings and clutch linings, etc. are excluded from cover.
• The warranty is transferable, at no cost, to subsequent owners and is valid across Europe.

December 2010

Initially launched as a 1.4-litre petrol version in September, the VR-7 special edition is now available with Kia's economical 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel engine in both the cee'd and pro_cee'd family hatchbacks.

The VR-7 special edition adds a host of extra equipment, as well as offering a cost saving of up to £815, over the entry-level ‘1' trim 5-door model it is based upon. Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and reverse parking sensors add extra convenience whilst 16-inch alloy wheels and body-coded, heated and electrically operated door mirrors enhance the exterior looks. Inside, a 6-speaker CD/stereo, leather finish to the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever and ‘one-touch' electric front windows complete the list of additional equipment.

Powered by Kia's 1.6 CRDi engine, and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the VR-7 versions deliver 89bhp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 173lb/ft from just 1,750rpm. The 0-60mph dash takes 13.5 seconds and a comfortable motorway cruise is ensured by a 107mph top speed. Emissions of 113g/km (VED band ‘C') and a combined cycle economy of 65.7mpg ensure low running costs.

The cee'd was the first vehicle from any Korean manufacturer to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested back in 2007 and the VR-7 has a comprehensive array of safety features. A Vehicle Stability Management System - Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake-Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Hill-start Assist System (HAC) - serves to actively help prevent incidents.

The VR-7 1.6 CRDi pro_cee'd is priced at just £13,220 OTR and the VR-7 1.6 CRDi cee'd at £13,420 OTR (both prices include VAT at the new 20% rate). As with every new Kia, an industry-leading seven year warranty comes as standard. Ordering opens today across the UK Kia dealer network.

April 2011

Facelifted pro_cee'd ‘4' features new grille and a new higher output 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 126bhp @ 6,200rpm - 13bhp above the current engine. Top speed is 122mph and 0-60mph in just over 10 seconds.

The new pro_cee'd ‘4' comes on 17-inch alloy wheels and has black bezel headlights and privacy glass. The interior features full black leather upholstery combined with front heated seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel to add a luxurious feel. Cruise control is standard with controls on the steering wheel.

For the first time in the cee'd range, the new ‘4' grade adds, as standard, a fully integrated Sat-Nav system with a 7" full colour touch screen system. A variety of extra features includes a large selection of European maps, points-of-interest and multi-route planning.

The Bluetooth system can be operated through the touch screen with the ability to download mobile phone directories from up to eight mobile phones. An advanced reversing camera system offers a view of obstacles to the rear of the vehicle and is displayed though the Sat-Nav screen.

The new pro_cee'd 4 is available at £18,495 'on the road' and benefits from Kia's pioneering seven year, 100,000 miles, fully transferable manufacturers warranty.