There’s something undeniably poetic about taking a car like the Kia ProCeed GT and setting it loose in the rolling hills of Germany’s Franconian Heights. The region, with its winding country roads, subtle elevation changes, and postcard-perfect villages, offers the kind of driving environment that tests not just a car’s handling but its soul. I had the pleasure of spending a full weekend with the ProCeed GT here, and it didn’t disappoint.
Before we dive into the twisties and throttle, let’s talk about what the Kia ProCeed GT is. As a shooting brake, it’s a rare breed, a combination of the practical layout of a wagon with the couped-up, aggressive styling cues of a sports car. Based on the Ceed family, the ProCeed GT is the top-spec performance variant with a strong visual identity and a promise of dynamic capability.
What Powers the Kia ProCeed GT?
Under the hood, the Kia ProCeed GT is armed with a 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine. It delivers a hearty 204 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque. The power is channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to the front wheels. The result? A claimed 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h. But numbers only tell half the story. Let’s get into how it actually feels behind the wheel.
Technical Specifications
All technical information comes straight from the official Kia website.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6 T-GDI Inline-4 Turbocharged Petrol |
| Displacement | 1,591 cc |
| Max Power | 204 PS (150 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 265 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h |
| Fuel Consumption (WLTP) | 6.8 L/100 km |
| CO2 Emissions (WLTP) | 154 g/km |
| Luggage Capacity | 594 L (normal), 1,545 L (seats folded) |
| Price (Germany) | Starting at €37,590 |
| Warranty | 7 years / 150,000 km |
Real Roads, Real Response: Driving Impressions
As I left the quaint village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the ProCeed GT immediately felt planted. The steering had a nice weight to it, not too heavy, not too light, and the car responded eagerly to inputs. The first stretch of road included a few fast sweepers and some slower corners, perfect for testing the car’s chassis.
The suspension is tuned on the firmer side, as expected for a GT model. On smooth tarmac, it feels athletic and composed. On bumpier village roads, the ride is a bit less forgiving, but never harsh or uncomfortable. The 7-speed DCT shifts with precision. In Sport mode, it holds gears longer and even blips on downshifts, adding to the sense of engagement.
Power delivery is strong from the low end, thanks in part to the torque coming in at just 1,500 rpm. This makes overtaking on country roads a breeze. I tested the 60–100 km/h overtaking maneuver, a common scenario in rural Germany, and clocked it at just under 4 seconds. It’s quick enough to inspire confidence without pushing you into license-jeopardizing territory.
Inside the GT: Cabin Quality and Comfort
After a couple of hours on the road, I stopped at a local bakery and spent some time exploring the interior. First impressions? Sporty and premium. Red stitching, suede-like materials on the seats, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel add a performance flavor to what is otherwise a very practical layout.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen is crisp and responsive. I used the navigation system extensively during the trip, and it worked flawlessly. The digital instrument cluster is also a nice touch, offering customizable views depending on your mood or driving mode. For long drives, the dual-zone climate control and heated seats (even in the rear) make it a comfortable cruiser.
Rear seat space is acceptable, especially for a coupe-inspired design. I’m 1.85 meters tall, and I still found enough head and legroom when seated behind my driving position. The cargo area is another highlight. With 594 liters of space and an underfloor compartment for smaller items, it easily swallowed two suitcases, camera gear, and a backpack.
Handling Through the Hills
The Franconian Heights offered a variety of corners, from tight switchbacks near Schillingsfürst Castle to flowing bends along the Jagst river. The ProCeed GT felt most at home in these dynamic environments. It’s here where the influence of former BMW M engineer Albert Biermann, who led the car’s development, becomes apparent.
Despite being front-wheel drive, the ProCeed GT maintains composure even when pushed hard. There’s minimal torque steer, and the limited-slip-like behavior of the electronic differential helps put power down effectively when exiting corners. Body roll is well-controlled, and the brakes are strong with good pedal feel, giving me the confidence to dive into corners again and again.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
Let’s be honest, performance cars aren’t bought for their fuel economy. Still, the ProCeed GT manages a respectable 6.8 L/100 km according to WLTP figures. My real-world average was closer to 7.4 L/100 km, but that included spirited driving through the hills and some Autobahn stints.
The 50-liter fuel tank offers a range of around 600–700 km, depending on how heavy your right foot is. For a car that looks like a coupe and drives like a hot hatch, that’s quite practical. Add in the generous boot space and family-friendly features like ISOFIX mounts and a low loading lip, and the ProCeed GT begins to make a very strong case for itself as a daily driver with flair.
Features, Tech and Value Proposition
Kia has done a fantastic job packing the ProCeed GT with features. Everything you’d expect in a premium car is here: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, LED headlights, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree camera. Even the windshield is heated, which came in handy during a frosty morning start.
Then there’s the price. At €37,590, it undercuts rivals like the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake by a good margin, while offering more standard equipment. You get the same warranty, 7 years or 150,000 km, which is still among the best in the industry.
Conclusion: A Stylish Performer With Substance
As I parked the Kia ProCeed GT back at the hotel, I couldn’t help but smile. This car had surprised me. I expected it to look good and drive decently, but I didn’t expect it to feel this refined, this willing, and this complete. It’s a car that challenges stereotypes, about Kia, about wagons, and about front-wheel-drive performance cars.
From the winding roads of Franconia to the fast lanes of the Autobahn, the ProCeed GT handled everything I threw at it with poise and enthusiasm. If you want a car that combines practicality, performance, and personality, this shooting brake deserves a serious look.
Is the Kia ProCeed GT suitable for long-distance travel?
Yes. With its supportive seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced driver aids, it’s very comfortable for long journeys.
Does the Kia ProCeed GT feel sporty despite being front-wheel drive?
Yes. The suspension tuning, responsive steering, and stability give it a sporty feel, even without all-wheel drive.
