New Kia ProCeed Shooting Brake revealed
Kia reveals its stylish new small coupe/wagon for Europe, but it stands little chance of travelling Down UnderKia has unveiled the production version of the ProCeed concept it first showed at the Frankfurt motor show last year.
Created to replace the old three-door Pro_Cee'd hatchback, which was sold in limited numbers in Australia, the new ProCeed has emerged in practical 'Shooting Brake' wagon form.
Perhaps confusingly, the new ProCeed is based on the current Ceed sold in Europe, where it's already available as a wagon, but the more rakish new variant is some 5mm longer and 43mm lower than its more versatile sibling.
Other changes over the normal wagon include a full-width rear LED light bar, a nifty rear spoiler and a redesigned bumper that is more angular and features twin exhaust exits.
Inside, the interior of the regular Ceed carries over, meaning there's a 7.0- or 8.0-inch infotainment system, although the ProCeed does come with sportier black headlining, metal kickplates and a flat-bottom steering wheel. There's also a pair of sport seats too.
That rakish rear styling has also taken its toll on the boot space – although it's not quite as bad as you think – with boot space reduced from 625 litres to 594 litres for the ProCeed.
Under the skin, the ProCeed is said to have been retuned for a firmer, sportier feel to reflect its exterior styling, Kia says.
Lift the bonnet and European buyers will have the choice of either a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder, a 1.4-litre and a flagship 150kW 1.6-litre turbo, as well as a single 1.6-litre turbo-diesel.
The new ProCeed Shooting Brake is due on sale in Europe in early October following its global debut at the Paris motor show, but it's unlikely we'll ever see the return of the ProCeed moniker Down Under.
Despite being careful to not rule it out altogether, Kia Australia has told motoring.com.au it has 'no plans' to introduce the stylish small wagon Down Under, citing its conversion price and low demand.
Even the rumour that Kia will shoehorn the turbo engine from the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch into a ProCeed isn't likely to sway a decision, says senior execs.
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