After much buzz and anticipation, the Kia pro_cee’d GT was finally launched in Australia with a starting price of $29,990 or $33,490 with the optional Tech Package added.
The makes the hot hatch the bargain of its class.
It is also the second turbo petrol car that Kia has added to their line-up, following on the heels of the impressive Cerato Koup that was released last October.
The cee’d has very much been a European focused model, but the pro_cee’d GT looks to go global when it lands in Australia.
Pro_cee’d GT Hot Hatchback Competitors
It will be up against some stiff competition, with the likes of the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo and the Volkswagen Scirrocco also in the same hot-hatchback segment.
The pro_cee’d GT is almost exactly the same size as the aforementioned rivals it will go up against.
One similarity it holds with the Veloster is the same 1.6-litre petrol engine making 150kW at 6000rpm and 265Nm over 1750-5600rpm.
Kia claims that the power in said engine is enough to get the GT from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 230km/h.
The fact that the pro_cee’d GT only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission could be off-putting to some consumers, but the expected addition of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission next year may turn those heads around.
Kia has done the usual great job of making sure that the GT suspension has been tuned for local conditions, which is something they do across their entire line-up.
Best-Looking Hot Hatchback In Australia
The GT comes with some sporty looking 18-inch alloy wheels that wear Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires. All-disc brakes are included and have been given a real sporty look with the addition of red calipers.
The entry level GT is very noticeable thanks to the addition of “ice-cube” LED daytime running lights.
LED’s are also used around back, as well as on the folding wing mirrors, indicators and puddle lights.
Finishing off the sporty styling are dual exhaust outlets, a sunroof, door handle lighting, privacy glass, and active HID headlights.
High-Tech Features, Sporty-Looking Interior
Equipment levels come with a host of features, such as Recaro leather and suede combination seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, dual-zone climate-control, cruise contol, automatic headlights, reversing sensors, a reversing camera and electric windows and mirrors.
Keyless start and entry are added to the Tech models.
Both models come equipped with a 6-speaker audio system that features a ‘GT’ TFT LCD instrument binnacle screen.
There is also space for iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, and audio streaming. There is no sat nav in this range, but it is expected to be added in later versions of the Tech model.
The Kia pro_cee’d GT arrives at your local Kia showrooms later this month!
New Kia Pro_cee’d GT pricing and specifications
– Price: From $29,990 plus on-road and dealer costs
– Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo
– Power, torque: 150kW at 6000rpm, 265Nm at 1750-4500rpm
– Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox
– Fuel economy: 7.4L/100km