Kia threw a curveball when it launched the Proceed in 2019. Arriving as a stylish Shooting Brake-style estate car, it stood out from the brand’s range of practical and straightforward models as something a little different. However, with a well-sized boot and a well-made cabin, this handsome-looking car has far more going for it than just looks alone.
If you’re after a practical car that brings some extra character, then the Kia Proceed could be the model for you. With a streamlined design, it stands out from the crowd, but the good news is that it still gets the solid build quality and high equipment levels that Kia is known for.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe Kia Proceed is no longer on sale in the UK, having been discontinued in 2024. While that does mean you can’t get hold of a brand-new example, there are still plenty of good choices available on the used market. High-spec GT-Line S cars can be found on AA Cars with just under 8,000 miles on the clock for £24,595, which isn’t bad considering you would’ve paid over £28,000 for a new example. If you’re after something a little cheaper, then there are plenty of clean Proceeds available for around £20,000. Most come in mid-spec GT-Line grade, too, which brings plenty of equipment for the money.
There’s not a whole lot of choice when it comes to engines in the Proceed. In fact, there are just three powertrains to choose from, with either a 1.4-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre diesel engine available. With 134bhp, the 1.4-litre petrol isn’t the most powerful, but it’s available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Either model will bring 0-60mph in just under nine seconds. You’ve then got the 1.6-litre diesel engine, which, again, is available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. With 134bhp, it’s not very powerful, but you do get up to 320Nm of torque, which is handy. Sporty GT versions get a punchy turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with 201bhp, making it the most powerful car in the range. In these models, you should be able to manage 0-60mph in around seven seconds.
The Proceed sits lower to the ground than the standard Ceed, so right from the start, things feel a little sportier. There’s some good weight to the steering and the Proceed’s gearboxes operate well; the six-speed manual isn’t the smoothest, mind you, and we’d reckon that most people would prefer the slicker action of the automatic. The engines on offer aren’t the most powerful, but with decent torque levels, the Proceed gets up to speed in good enough time. The GT, of course, is there for those drivers who need a little extra punch. That sloping roofline does come at a cost in all models, however, as it means that rearward visibility isn’t very good at all.
The Proceed certainly has a sportier edge to it, but it’s not uncomfortable in the slightest. Body roll is nicely controlled and it all combines to make the Proceed quite good through the bends, if not quite as outright exciting as something like a Ford Focus Estate. The engines aren’t the most powerful, but they’re good for the job in hand and, providing you don’t push them too hard, remain quiet and refined. It’s a shame that quite a lot of road noise disrupts the cabin’s quiet and this could make the Proceed a little too wearing for some drivers, particularly if you’re on a longer journey. However, the Proceed does feel planted at greater speeds; it’s just this refinement which spoils the overall experience somewhat.
and features Interiors The interior of the Proceed feels up to the usual Kia standard of quality, which is to say that everything inside is solidly made and intuitively positioned. There are a good number of physical controls throughout the interior to help make adjusting certain settings easier, with the quick-fire keys underneath the 10.25-inch infotainment screen being particularly useful. Speaking of which, the main infotainment system gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, but if you need to rely on the ‘native’ features, it’s all very logical. The screen is quick to respond, too. The sculpted dashboard looks and feels upmarket and though there are some cheaper-feeling plastics lower down the cabin, they’re not all that noticeable.
and practicality If you’re looking for tip-top practicality from the Ceed range, then the standard Sportwagon might be your best option - but this Proceed model still does well in this area. You get 594 litres of boot space as standard, but because the load area opening is slightly narrow, you may find it more of a challenge to load larger items back there than you might think. In contrast, the Sportswagon has a lower load lip, a squarer opening and 625 litres of boot space. Space for those sitting up front is good, however, with a decent view of the road ahead. Despite its raked roofline, the Proceed does well in terms of rear-seat spaciousness, too, with even taller passengers able to get comfortable back there. The middle seat will feel pretty snug, mind you, so it’s best to see it as an occasional five-seater rather than a dedicated one.
As with all Kia models, the Proceed comes with a generous amount of equipment, regardless of which trim level you opt for. GT-Line cars get heated front seats, for instance, as well as a heated steering wheel, dual automatic air conditioning and cruise control, as well as plenty of USB charging ports dotted throughout the cabin. The Proceed was refreshed multiple times during its period one sale - with the most recent being in 2023 - so check through what is equipped on the model you’re looking at. For instance, the screen was initially an eight-inch unit but was quickly increased in size over time. GT-Line S cars get a wider range of features, including 18-inch alloys, a sunroof with automatic electric sunblind and 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat. The rear outer seats get a heating function at this grade, too.
With just GT-Line, GT-Line S and range-topping GT models, there’s not too much choice spec-wise for the Proceed. The good news is that all versions come with plenty of equipment as standard, so you shouldn’t feel short-changed regardless of which model you opt for. GT-Line cars gain a range of safety features, including lane keep assistance, high-beam assistance and a driver attention warning system, as well as a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines which can help you to get your parking angle right the first time. The interior of these cars also has plenty of gloss black trim for a more upmarket look, as well as interior door handles and other accents finished in satin silver. GT-Line S cars get 18-inch alloy wheels and upgraded LED headlights, alongside black leather upholstery with grey stitching.
A smart cruise control system is also included on this grade and, thanks to a stop-and-go function, can actually take a lot of the legwork out of heavy traffic driving. Leave the cruise control on and the car will automatically slow to a stop behind the car in front, before moving away when the vehicle ahead does the same. GT cars get all the same features as the standard GT-Line S, but also receive mechanical upgrades to go with that increased power. Highlights include red accents for the lower front spoiler, red brake calipers and dual exhausts. There are plenty of eye-catching colours to choose from with the Proceed, too, including some vibrant blues and reds.
The Proceed can be a five-star safety-rated car according to Euro NCAP, but this only applies to cars equipped with the Advanced Driver Assistance pack which adds further autonomous features. However, this was only fitted as standard on top-level GT models - or as an optional extra on everything else - and without it, the Proceed is only rated four stars. It just means that if you’re after the safest possible Proceed model, it’s best to look out for those equipped with this extra. Kia cars have a strong history when it comes to reliability, so there shouldn’t be too many mechanical issues with the Proceed. It’s also backed by Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, which is transferable between owners. It means that even if you’re looking at a slightly older model, you could still get one with some cover included.
If you’re looking for the best-possible fuel efficiency from the Proceed, then it’s the diesels which will likely catch your eye. Manual gearbox cars can achieve up to 56.5mpg, according to Kia, while automatic cars don’t lag too far between at up to 54.3mpg. The 1.4-litre petrol isn’t too bad either, mind you, with up to 45.6mpg coming from certain models. As expected, the more powerful ‘GT’ model with its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol is the least efficient, claiming 39.3mpg combined. In terms of emissions, again it’s the diesels which come out on top with 111g/km CO2 being the lowest reading.
Petrol models come in at around 130g/km, while the GT comes in at 142g/km. All cars in the Proceed range will cost the standard rate of tax of £195 per year and since none came in over £40,000, you won’t have to worry about the Expensive Car Supplement, either.
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