If you need a stylish compact estate in your life, and don’t want (or can’t afford) the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, then you’re left with a single option: the Kia Proceed.
The very striking design seems to have been inspired by a multitude of much more upscale, and expensive, models. Most of the times, such endeavors don’t yield a satisfying result, yet Kia’s risk has paid off, as the Proceed looks quite good, especially at the back, where we can almost get a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo vibe. Almost…
As stylish as the exterior may be, the cabin is very simple. However, this layout makes sure that everything is ergonomically sound. Space on the back seat is decent, even for taller passengers, and the boot capacity, at 594 liters (21 cu-ft) with the rear seats up, won’t let users down.
The 2019 Proceed is very well equipped too, with the GT Line, which is the sole trim level on sale in Ireland, getting standard gear such as the 17-inch alloy wheels, an infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert Warning and high beam assist for roughly €30,000 ($33,950) OTR.
A single engine will have to make do, at least for now. The 1.4-liter, turbocharged four produces 140 PS (138 hp / 103 kW) and is matched to a standard six-speed manual or, optionally, a seven-speed automatic transmission.
So, why did we mention the spec for Ireland? Because that’s where the Proceed was put to the test – and the feedback-filled review is only a mouse-click away.