Sporty pro_cee d is a cracker

Sep 1 2008 Peter Hayward

IT sounds odd that Kia¿s top sporting pro_c¿eed is a two-litre turbo diesel but from behind the wheel it¿s a cracker.

The engine pulls hard from fairly low revs, so as long as you don¿t let it drop too low it¿s pretty quick.

It¿s also refined and quiet and just as good as the best diesels from European car makers.

The only downside is a firm ride to go with its sporting pretentions, which makes things uncomfortable at slow speeds on the usual bumpy town roads.

That firmness does give excellent roadholding and safe, well-balanced handling. Cornering is very flat and there is plenty of grip to keep it on the road even at decidedly high speeds.

Even on a very wet road, when most front wheel drive cars tend to lose grip at the front when pressed, it feels better balanced than some much more expensive offerings.

Add the standard Kia seven year warranty plus decent discount off the list price and you have a great bargain which I could very easily live with.

Interior

The pro_c¿eed is very pretty - rather like the SEAT Leon - and it¿s very well equipped in this form, with leather upholstery, height adjustable wheel and seat and climate control.

It is also a very good size, with better than average rear legroom and a large, easily accessible boot.

FAST FACTS

Kia pro_cee'd 2.0 CRDi Sport 3dr

Price : £15,595

Mechanical : 138bhp, 1,991cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 127mph

0-62mph : 10.1 secs

Combined mpg : 50.4

Insurance group : 9

CO2 emissions : 149g/km

BiK rating : 19%

Warranty : 7yrs/ 99,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : SEAT Leon