Kia Pro Cee’d GT debuts at Geneva with 204hp turbo engine
Kia has launched its first serious hot hatch, the Pro Cee’d GT, at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, targeting the European C-segment with a 204hp turbocharged three-door.
Kia has unveiled the Pro Cee’d GT at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, marking the company’s first attempt at a European-style hot hatch. The three-door model is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi petrol engine producing 204hp and 265Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Pro Cee’d GT is aimed squarely at established C-segment performance models including the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, Renault Mégane RS and Vauxhall Astra VXR. Kia’s approach combines a downsized turbocharged engine with a practical three-door hatch layout, seeking to attract buyers looking for everyday usability as well as performance.
Performance and technical details
Kia’s new 1.6-litre GDi turbo delivers its 204hp at 6,000rpm, with peak torque of 265Nm available from 1,750 to 4,500rpm. The claimed 0-100km/h time is 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 230km/h. Fuel consumption is quoted at 7.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, and CO2 emissions are 171g/km.
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi petrol |
|---|---|
| Power | 204hp (150kW) |
| Torque | 265Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-100km/h | 7.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 230km/h |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 7.4L/100km |
| CO2 emissions | 171g/km |
Unlike some of its rivals, the Pro Cee’d GT is available only with a manual transmission. The car’s performance figures are competitive with entry-level hot hatches, though it falls short of the more powerful versions of the Mégane RS or Astra VXR. Kia’s focus appears to be on offering a balance between performance and everyday running costs.
Styling and equipment
A more aggressive body kit, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers and LED daytime running lights distinguish the GT from the standard Pro Cee’d. The model also features dual exhausts, revised bumpers and a new grille design. Inside, buyers find Recaro sports seats, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, alloy pedals and upgraded cabin materials.
- Aggressive exterior styling with unique bumpers and grille
- 18-inch alloys with red calipers
- LED daytime running lights
- Recaro sports seats and alloy pedals inside
Kia will offer the Pro Cee’d GT across Europe from later in 2013. Pricing and final specification for individual markets will be announced closer to launch. The car’s arrival marks Kia’s first direct entry into the hot hatch sector, following confirmation of production earlier in the year.
For more on the Pro Cee’d GT’s development and earlier sightings, seeKia Pro Ceed GT Confirmed for Production.
