2014 Kia Pro Ceed

2014 Kia Pro Ceed Front

SPECIFICATION:

To reflect how different the new pro_cee'd is to the rest of the line-up, it uniquely moves away from Kia UK's customary model nomenclature of '1', '2' and '3' for entry, mid-range and top-of-the-range versions. The 'S' grade offers a high level of specification for an 'entry-level' version whilst the 'SE' adds the comfort and refinement of many high-end features.

'S'

On the outside, the 'S' and 'SE' grades share all the same visual cues except for the alloy wheel size and design - they are 16-inch on the 'S' and 17-inch on the 'SE'.

At the front there is a narrower 'tiger-nose' grille with a dark chrome surround and gloss black mesh, projection headlights with dedicated cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights. Puddle-lights are built into the colour-coded door mirrors, the door handles are also painted to match, and a chrome surround outlines the side window profile with privacy glass fitted to the side-rear and tailgate windows.

At the rear there's a high-level spoiler with integrated LED brake light, signature LED rear tail lights and a chrome-tipped oval exhaust.

On the inside there's a sporting appearance to the cockpit with black cloth upholstery with a contrasting grey 'mesh' design and faux leather inserts, black headlining, piano black fascia and door trims, a leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake.

Standard convenience features include automatic lights with welcome and follow-me-home functionality, 'one touch' electric windows, electrically-operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, cruise control with speed limiter and steering wheel mounted controls. Reversing sensors and a trip computer are also standard.

Air-conditioning keeps the vehicle at comfortable temperatures whilst the six-speaker Radio/CD player with iPod and USB connectivity ensures occupants are always able to enjoy the music of their choice. Music can also be streamed to the hi-fi by Bluetooth - sharing the same technology as the car's Bluetooth hands-free phone system which can also be controlled via voice recognition.

First fitted to the cee'd, Kia's Flex Steer steering system provides the driver with the choice of Normal, Comfort or Sport steering modes allowing them the option, at the touch of a button, of making the steering feel lighter or heavier depending on their preference.

Kia has a democratic approach to safety - all models within a range are given the same active and passive systems and the pro_cee'd is no exception.

Standard active systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS). Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) triggers the brake lights to flash under heavy braking and the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) keeps the car held on a slope whilst the driver pulls away.

Inside the car, passive features include six airbags (front, side and curtain) as well as all-round three-point seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat mountings. Deadlocks and an alarm and immobiliser help to deter unwanted intruders.

 

'SE'

Building on the comprehensive specification of the pro_cee'd 'S', the 'SE' adds a host of additional equipment. On the outside, 17-inch silver alloy wheels with contrasting anthracite highlights enhance the car's visual appeal and the exterior door handle illumination provides a practical touch and premium feel.

Moving inside there are stainless steel door sill plates and pedals, power lumbar seat support for both driver and passenger, automatic dual-zone climate control and automatic rain-sensing wipers with a built-in de-icer function.

The 'SE' also boasts a 7-inch touchscreen European-wide satellite navigation system with full UK postcode functionality and TMC - this screen doubles up to display the images from the colour reversing camera when the vehicle is in reverse - and an automatically-dimming rear view mirror and keyless smart entry system with start/stop ignition button.

ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS

The new pro_cee'd is available with a choice of the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine or the 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel motor. Both engines are available in 'S' and 'SE' trim levels and all versions have a six-speed manual transmission with ISG. Kia's six-speed DCT automatic gearbox is also available on the 1.6 GDi in 'SE' trim.

The 1.6-litre GDi provides 133 bhp at 6,300 rpm and 164 lb/ft at 4,850 rpm. Top speed is 121 mph across all variants. In 'S' trim, the 0-60 mph dash takes 9.8 seconds (9.5 on the 'SE') and returns 62.8mpg on the official combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 124g/km.

The 1.6-litre CRDi provides 126 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 192 lb/ft in between 1,900 rpm and 2,750 rpm. Top speed is 122 mph. In 'S' grade guise, the 0-60 mph sprint takes 11.5 seconds (10.5 on the 'SE') and returns 78.5 mpg on the official combined cycle. CO2 emissions of 100g/km, also in 'S' spec, place this stylish hatchback in Vehicle Excise Duty Band 'A' meaning free road fund licence and exemption from London's Congestion Charge.

Kia Pro Ceed Front Up

Kia Pro Ceed Front Angle

Kia Pro Ceed Engine

Kia Pro Ceed Side

Kia Pro Ceed Rear Angle

Kia Pro Ceed Rear

New Car : 2011 Kia Sportage

The Sportage series has a uniqiue place for the manufacturer production and they are taking it a few notches higher with the 2011 Kia Sportage. It marks the second generation of the same series that was introduced in 2005, although this time this five-passenger SUV has got more to showcase both on the interior and exterior department.

With a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh, bold styling that introduces a new kind of dynamic aesthetics, the latest Kia Sportage is an urban-friendly compact SUV for today's families - consuming less fuel and emitting less CO2.

Longer, wider and lower than the previous model - by 90 mm, 15 mm and 60 mm respectively - the all-new design successfully retains the key SUV features - a commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence - that made the second-generation Kia Sportage so popular.

2011 Kia Sportage will retain the four-cylinder engine, which is a 2.4-liter engine developed by Hyundai. This one can deliver up to 173 horsepower to ensure reliable engine and on-road performance. The fuel economy rating for this vehicle, although improved, vary from one model to another – the LX model with manual transmission and front-wheel drive brings in an average of 23 mpg on the city and 31 mpg on the highway. This rating is therefore quite impressive amoung its class of compact SUV.

Standard features on the interior are pretty standard such as keyless entry, power windows and locks, heated front seats, climate control, to name a few. But the 2011 Kia Sportage also offers some more options to upgrade the quality of your ride, such as the dual-panel panoramic sunroof, voice-activated navigation system, and a 6.5-inch LCD dashboard touchscreen.

Pro’s of 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Kia Sportage comes with Increased maneuverability, especially during close quarters; Lesser body weight improves fuel economy rating; Increased ride height; Generous passenger space; It is pleasing to the eyes; Budget-friendly.

Pricing Details

The 2011 Kia Sportage is expected to release mid-2010, hence the pricing information is much clearer now and it is quite appealing for budget-conscious auto consumers. The LX model equipped with a front-wheel drive system and manual transmission is expected to start at $19,000. For the LX model built with automatic transmission will sell at $22,000. Meanwhile, you can get the LX AWD version for no more than $25,000.

The Sportage EX model built with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is priced at $25,000. But if you switch onto an all-wheel drive comes with a $27,000 price tag. For such price, you can also enjoy Kia’s generous warranty that stretches up to 100,000 miles powertrain or 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper.

The Bottom Line

The 2011 Kia Sportage is the best choice of vehicle for those who appreciated this vehicle before for its performance, despite of lacking stylish appeal. But this time around, it has been given the much needed styling revision to give it a shapely new form and more pleasant appeal to rise above its class. It is also one of the most affordable in the compact crossover lineup to provide more value to your money.

Lots of Content

The level of standard equipment is predictably high. The base Sportage LX gets 16-inch wheels; air-conditioning; a tilting steering column; auxiliary, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity; six airbags (driver and passenger front and side, and two-row curtains); hill-start assist; and a low-speed, off-road hill-descent control. The only other trim is the top-spec EX, which adds 18-inch wheels, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, a power driver’s seat, a telescoping function for the steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and additional styling flash in the form of a roof spoiler and more chrome, among other bits.

The list of optional gear will run into luxury territory and includes a navigation system with Sirius traffic data, heated and ventilated front seats, backup sensors or a rearview camera, paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, a panoramic sunroof, and push-button start. The Sportage also will be the second Kia to offer the company’s new Microsoft-based Uvo infotainment technology, which works essentially like Ford’s Sync setup. The base price of the 2011 Sportage could creep above the outgoing model’s $17,690 starting point, but probably not by much. If it were us, we’d happily pony up the extra cash just for the fresh styling.