Kia Pro Ceed 1 1.4 3dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.4 litre engine delivers moderate acceleration, reaching 62 mph in 11.2 seconds with a top speed of 112 mph. The maximum power output of 89 bhp at 6000 rpm and 101lb-ft of torque makes the car a solid performer but one which lacks the sporty credentials suggested by its appearance.

The fully-independent rear suspension in the pro_cee’d is very good, dealing with bumps and potholes well. However, its lack of firmness means that body roll is excessive and handling is sub-par.

Despite this, the car is very comfortable and occupants should find that, even on the longest motorway trips, the pro-cee'd remains comfortable. With a great chassis and comfortable interior on offer, the only downside to this model is its disappointing performance.

From the outside this car looks amazing for the price. Sadly the interior doesn't quite match up, with cheap and tacky plastics abound. Everything is well screwed together though.

As this is the basic Pro_cee’d model kit is more limited than in other versions. Standard features include air-conditioning, six airbags, an alarm and immobiliser, trip computer, tinted glass, alloy wheels, front fog lights, remote central locking and an advanced stereo system with MP3 connectivity and a CD player. Metallic paint will cost you £435, while MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and sat-nav are not even options.

With a boot which holds 340 litres of cargo when the seats are in place, and 1,210 litres when the rear seats are folded down, the pro_cee'd is as practical as any other hatchback on the market.

There is a good amount of room in the cabin and even taller travellers can sit comfortably in the back of the car.

The pro_cee’d should prove to be a reliable proposition with Kia renowned for the sturdiness of their cars. The Koren firm offers the pro_cee'd with a seven year warranty.

Safety equipment includes all-round disc brakes, ABS, stability control and six airbags.

Priced at £13,295, the Kia pro_cee'd 1 1.4 is very reasonably priced. Fuel consumption in this petrol model is just 48.7 mpg compared to the 1.6 diesel's 62.8 mpg and road tax falls under band E due to carbon emissions of 139 g/km.

Reliable, cheap motoring really doesn't come much cheaper than this, but it would have been nice if Kia had seen fit to include a bit more standard equipment.