Featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and sharing the same base platform (short of a different rear suspension setup) with the Hyundai Veloster, the Pro_Cee’D GT is regarded as being not only Kia’s first hot hatch but the company’s first performance oriented car, and it acted as a halo model for the 2nd generation ceed range.

Although mechanically identical, here in Australia the Pro_Cee’D GT has been available across two trim levels as purely as a 3-door hatch from 2013 although other markets also received a 5-door hatch variant from 2014.

The Pro_Cee’D GT also represents something of a transition period for Kia. The company once commonly being associated with manufacturing inexpensive, basic and what some would regard as underwhelming cars attempted to shift its image and reputation with the likes of the Pro_Cee’D GT.

Visually this was achieved through superb design with the Pro_Cee’D GT, receiving accolades from critics and consumers alike and this was largely thanks to former Audi and Volkswagen design boss Peter Schreyer styling the vehicle.

Kia’s attempts to prove a point also resulted in the Pro_Cee’D GT being filled to the brim with features and technology (for the time) while the ride, handling and steering were all tuned specifically for local markets, resulting in not only a highly entertaining and enjoyable driving experience, but even when used, a completely resolved one.

What goes wrong with a used Kia Pro_Cee’D GT?

Exterior:

There have been a few sporadic reports of the keyfob/keyless entry system draining the car battery. Whenever the keyfob is within a certain range it will “wake the car up”. Kia themselves stated that the recommended distance to keep the keys from the car is 10 metres.

Short of very few and extremely sporadic reports, there are no “common” problems or faults with the interior.

Mechanically, very little goes wrong with the Pro_Cee’D GT.

Tuned examples have reported slipping clutches however this is to be somewhat expected and there are reports of isolated cases of oil dilution however, this is not a common problem.

Regardless of the condition of the Pro_Cee’D GT you’re looking at, it is critical to have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out as many examples have been tuned and driven over-enthusiastically.

Should you buy a used Kia Pro_Cee’D GT?

The Pro_Cee’D GT looks fantastic, it’s practical, reliable, safe, loaded with features and in terms of driving, sure it’s not the hottest of hot hatches but it avoids many of the compromises that come with more focussed performance cars.

It’s even pretty rare so in its own way, it’s exclusive.

We’d go as far as saying that if the Pro_Cee’D GT were wearing a European manufacturers badge, it would have sold like crazy.

The only reason you wouldn’t buy a Pro_Cee’D GT is if you’re stuck in the past, holding onto the opinion that Kia’s are a manufacturer of inexpensive, basic and what some would regard as underwhelming cars, because even when used and after having travelled many thousands of kilometres, the Pro_Cee’D GT shows just how far Kia have come.

The Pro_Cee’D GT is a superb car and it’s a massive yes from us, you should buy one.