Kia pro_cee'd GT: Warm Hatch Comparison 2014

If first impressions mean anything, the others should leave the track immediately. The pro_cee'd GT signifies its intent with a three-door body, suave 18-inch alloys and hip-hugging (though high-set) Recaros.

Things improve further under the bonnet with a 150kW (at 6000rpm) and 265Nm (from 1750-4500rpm) turbocharged 1591cc four-cylinder engine and snappy six-speed manual transmission.

The Kia delivers its punch with a sweet-sounding turbo 'whoosh' which begs you to drive harder, and yet returns an entirely acceptable fuel-use average of 8.4L/100km (as tested).

In cold conditions, the Kia's 8.3sec 0-100km/h time is a lesson in managing traction, though its punchy 1.6sec 50-70km/h and 2.5sec 80-100km/h bursts are more indicative of its accelerative ability.

Riding more firmly and flatter (and with intrusive tyre noise from the 225/40-series Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres), the Kia was the hot favourite to win the lap dash, but failed to pip the Alfa by 0.1sec.

Turbo torque sees time-sapping wheelspin on corner exits. And while overall grip levels impress, when it lets go it really lets go – either into front-led understeer or a snap of the tail on trailing brakes.

Both braking and steering response are exceptional, though one tester thought the brake pedal needed more assistance. But despite the impracticality and road noise, the Kia proves the most complete car when performance driving is the goal.

Similar to the Hyundai i30 SR, the slinky pro_cee'd GT impresses with arresting style and a suitably sporty interior. But look a little closer and you'll find the Slovakian-built Kia is not a match for the likes of Ford's Focus, with too much coarse grained plastic that feels cheap to the touch.

That aside, interior panel fit is excellent with small, consistent gaps and no roughly finished edges. The Kia's door jambs are likewise very clean, with no signs of half-hearted paintwork or sloppy welding.

The same applies to the paintwork which is consistently glossy with minimal orange peel. The flawless fit and uniformity of the external panels is commendable.

While joining the five-door Alfa Romeo as a genuinely sporty hatch, the Kia doesn't quite extend the concept into the engine bay. The bonnet is propped open and engine presentation is 'neat', rather than special. Service points, however, are easily accessible.

The Kia pro_cee'd GT feels tech savvy, despite not having all of the kit of its rivals in base form.

Technology at hand is divided into various zones that all share the same orange LCD display. The basics include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a trip computer, cruise control, a reversing camera and sensors, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and a speed limiter.

The dash is fronted by a centrally-located 7.0-inch instrument binnacle which switches between digital and analogue format at the push of a button. The former displays nifty car performance info such as torque and turbo activity, as well as general trip and consumption figures.

In spite of its easy-to-pair telephony the Kia omits some features found in its rivals like sat-nav, voice control and touchscreen functionality. You have to move up to the pricier pro_cee'd GT Tech for all that.

Outside, it scores 'ice cube' LED daytime running lights, front and rear foglights, and height-adjustable headlights.

At $29,990 (as tested, plus ORCs) the pro_cee'd GT is the third-most expensive hatch on test. That said it's $2400 cheaper than the Pulsar SSS and a whopping $9160 behind the Giulietta QV.

No sat-nav is a negative, and metallic paint is expensive at $595. Especially, given there are only four paint colours from which to choose.

On the up side, a 60-month/unlimited-kilometre warranty highlights Kia's impressive aftersales support. Capped-price servicing is included for 60 months/75,000km, with the first six-monthly service priced at $183.

Roadside assist is included for 12 months from the time of purchase, and can be renewed annually by participating in the capped-price servicing programme.

At the time of publication, the pro_cee'd GT remained too new to ascertain an estimated resale value from RedBook.com.au

Unlike the other vehicles on test, Kia's pretentiously-named pro_cee'd GT is more coupe than handy hatchback. Ergo its packaging has a different focus – and more compromises.

It can accommodate at least four passengers in reasonable comfort, though the back-seat is compromised by awkward entry and exit. And as is the case with many big-doored, three-door models, getting in and out in tight parking spaces is also an issue.

Headroom is tight in the rear, the windows don't open and there are no face-level air vents. It's a tad claustrophobic, really. At least the seats are well shaped and the legroom decent.

In contrast, the driver and front-seat passenger have little to complain about with ultra-supportive leather and suede finished Recaro seats, plenty of legroom and a driver's footrest. A wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment delivers a satisfactory driving position for most, and both front windows are auto-down.

The Kia's boot shows hatchback origins, and with a quoted load space of 380 litres is roomier than all expect the Holden Cruze. The rear seats fold 60/40 to yield 1225 litres of carrying capacity while tie-down points help secure everything in place.

2014 Warm Hatch Car Comparison