Used Kia ProCeed 2019-present review

For those who like the idea of the Kia Ceed but either need or fancy an estate car welcome to the ProCeed. This is the second-generation model, launched in 2019. The first Kia ProCeed, you might recall, had two fewer doors and more punctuation in its name than this one.

With this latest version, Kia replaced the 'Procee’d' with a sleek five-door wagon designed to show that an SUV isn't the only option for stylish, practical family motoring. It joined the regular five-door Kia Ceed hatchback and Kia Ceed Sportswagon estate in the South Korean manufacturer's line-up.

To achieve its svelte look, the ProCeed is 5mm longer than the Sportswagon and its roofline is 43mm lower, while its belly sits 5mm closer to the ground for extra sporty poise. In the family car arena, the only similar model is the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake but Kia’s offering is an awful lot cheaper.

There are three higher specification trim levels offered – GT-Line, GT-Line S and a performance-focused GT – and recent revisions mean you get a more powerful entry-level engine joining the existing 201bhp 1.6 found exclusively in the GT version.

The question is, with the Kia ProCeed costing a bit more on the used car forecourts than the more practical Ceed Sportwagon and markedly more than the Ceed hatch, does it offer more than added visual allure to justify the extra expense?

The Kia ProCeed’s petrol-only engine range is unlikely to get confusing because you get just two choices: a 158bhp 1.5-litre or a 201bhp 1.6-litre. There are also two gearboxes available, a six-speed manual reserved for the 1.5 and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s standard on the 1.6, and an option for the 1.5.

The 1.6 delivers its power strongly, with a broad spread of torque that kicks in from low revs and provides enough flexibility to take motorway overtakes in its stride. A prod of the Sport button sharpens the accelerator pedal’s response further and provides a rorty – but electronically enhanced – soundtrack when you put your foot down. Don’t expect hot hatch levels of performance, though – the 7.2sec 0-60mph time can't match the Cupra Leon and Ford Focus ST.

The less powerful 1.5 T-GDi can suffer with some initial hesitation at low revs, and despite being more potent on paper (0-60mph takes 8.3sec) than the equivalent 1.5 found in the VW Golf Estate, you need to thrash the ProCeed for a quick burst of pace. It's reasonably flexible once you’ve wound it up, though, and is our pick of the two engine choices in terms of price and economy.

The six-speed manual gearbox feels slightly notchy and not as slick as the Ford Focus Estate. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is impressively smooth during normal driving, but is hesitant to change down when you floor the accelerator.

Kia puts a lot of effort into ride and handling, and the ProCeed strikes a good balance between the two. The ride is composed, proving firm but not uncomfortable, while the handling is secure thanks to an impressive amount of grip. There’s not much body lean, even when cornering hard, putting it up there with the Focus for satisfaction when driven enthusiastically.

The ProCeed GT gets even stiffer suspension which certainly makes it feel more agile, but that comes at the expense of ride comfort. Although it never gets truly uncomfortable, some may find it too lumpy for a family car. It’s also worth pointing out that road noise in all versions is very noticeable at all times, plus the 1.5 can be a bit raucous when revved compared with the more refined alternatives found in the Focus and Golf.

The interior of the Kia ProCeed looks much like that of any other Ceed, with sound ergonomics and a decent enough feel for the price.

There’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel, and the pedals line up nicely so you’re not forced to sit crookedly. Adjustable lumbar support is standard and GT-Line S models get a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

There’s no faulting the view out of the front, but over-the-shoulder visibility is quite restricted. That strikingly sloping roofline dictates a rather shallow rear windscreen with a limited view out. It’s as well, then, that a reversing camera and rear parking sensors and are standard.

At a time when more and more manufacturers are moving key functions on to touchscreens, the ProCeed retains separate buttons and knobs for its air-con, which makes it much easier to tweak things on the move.

The standard 10.25in touchscreen infotainment system includes sat-nav and DAB radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The screen is more responsive than the somewhat buggy systems we’ve encountered with the latest Skoda Octavia Estate and VW Golf Estate.

The menu layout in the ProCeed could have larger icons, but we found it more intuitive to use than Octavia and Golf set-ups that feature images of the interior or exterior of the car for controlling various functions.

The GT-Line S trim is generously equipped, but its sunroof eats into headroom and the electrically adjustable driver’s seat doesn’t drop as low as the manual one in cheaper Kia ProCeeds. With that in mind, taller drivers might be better off spending less.

The car’s steeply raked rear window and sloping roofline don’t inhibit rear accommodation or boot space severely. The rear seats are spacious enough for a near six-footer to sit comfortably behind someone similarly tall in the front

At 594 litres, the ProCeed’s boot is only 11 litres shy of the one in the Golf Estate and 16 short of that of the giant Octavia Estate. It’s also only marginally smaller than the 625-litre Ceed Sportwagon boot, but has a narrower opening, a high loading lip and its lower roofline is less compatible with bulky loads. Still, it’s well up to the task of being a main family car.

You get 60/40 split-folding rear seats as standard, or a more versatile 40/20/40 split with GT-Line S trim. The Kia ProCeed can’t match the Sportswagon estate’s flat load lip (blame the location of the number plate), but there are loads of hidden storage areas under the floor of GT-Line models, and GT-Line S gets floor rails that you can attach luggage restraints to.

If you're interested in buying a used Kia ProCeed, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds site here.

Prices for the Kia ProCeed start at £14,000 for an early 2018 car. If you fancy a better-equipped one then you'll need to up your budget to £16,000, while GT-Line models can be found for closer to £17,000. Spend between £16,000 and £18,000 on good 2019 and 2020 cars, £18,000 to £24,000 on 2021 and 2022 models. To keep up to date, use our free valuation tool to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Kia ProCeed with What Car? Valuations

MPG

The petrol 1.6 T-GDi is on the thirsty side at 41.5mpg combined, but those who can live with a bit less power will find the 1.5 T-GDi a good compromise between performance and running costs at 48.7mpg, which is a little better than a similarly powerful CLA Shooting Brake.

Road tax

Road tax for all models registered after 1 April 2017 will have the same flat rate fee for cars that cost less than £40,000 when new, currently £155 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing

Kia has a number of service packs, so it's worth finding out if your car has any services remaining with your local Kia dealer. Petrol models require a service every year or 10,000 miles, while diesels need an oil change annually or every 20,000 miles.

Engine

The Kia ProCeed’s petrol-only engine range is unlikely to get confusing because you get just two choices: a 158bhp 1.5-litre or a 201bhp 1.6-litre. There are also two gearboxes available, a six-speed manual reserved for the 1.5 and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s standard on the 1.6, and an option for the 1.5.

The 1.6 delivers its power strongly, with a broad spread of torque that kicks in from low revs and provides enough flexibility to take motorway overtakes in its stride. The 1.5 T-GDi can suffer from some initial hesitation at low revs, and despite being more potent on paper (0-60mph takes 8.3sec) than the equivalent 1.5 found in the VW Golf Estate, you need to thrash the ProCeed for a quick burst of pace. It's reasonably flexible once you’ve wound it up, though, and is our pick of the two engine choices in terms of price and economy.

Specification

We reckon there’s no need to go higher than entry-level GT-Line is well equipped. Alongside the infotainment system and parking aids, you get heated front seats and steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone climate and 17in alloy wheels.

Our favourite Kia ProCeed: 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line

If you want maximum interior space, the Skoda Octavia Estate is better than the Kia ProCeed. It also offers a broader range of engines, from a tiny yet capable 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol to the 242bhp 2.0-litre unit found in the vRS hot hatch model, as well as a few fuel-sipping diesels. All versions are easy to drive and make very competent motorway cruisers.

The current Ford Focus Estate improves on the weaknesses of its forebear, with much more interior room and a more intuitive infotainment system, even if the dowdy interior does it no favours. It’s excellent to drive, too, no matter which engine you choose.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here

If you're interested in buying a used Kia ProCeed, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds site here.