The Legacy of Pro_cee’d: Why the 3-Door GT is Still a Great Used Buy
The Kia Pro_cee’d GT proves that sometimes the most memorable cars aren’t the ones that sell by the millions, but the ones that dared to be different.
You know that feeling when you slide into the driver’s seat of a Kia that’s clearly been designed by people who actually enjoy driving? Maybe you’ve experienced it piloting a Sorento up a winding mountain road, or feeling the instant torque in your EV6 GT. There’s a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from owning a vehicle that refuses to be boring. For a small group of enthusiasts, that feeling was perfected in a car you’ve probably never seen on the road: the three-door Kia Pro_cee’d GT.
TL;DR
The first-generation Kia Pro_cee’d GT (2013-2018) was Kia’s first real attempt at a hot hatch, and it’s now a hidden gem on the used market. With a punchy 1.6-liter turbo engine, a rare three-door body, and chassis tuning from Europe, it offers a unique blend of practicality and performance that still holds up today. If you can find one with a full service history, you’re looking at a future classic that won’t break the bank.
Key Takeaways
- A Genuine Driver’s Car: Unlike some of its more practical stablemates, the Pro_cee’d GT was built with enthusiastic driving in mind, featuring a multi-link rear suspension for sharper handling .
- Potent Turbo Engine: The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pushes out a healthy 150kW (201 hp), which was impressive for its era and still feels lively today .
- Rare and Unique: Its three-door body style makes it a bit of an outlier in the Kia lineup, which means you’re driving something genuinely different from the sea of hatchbacks .
- Investment in Maintenance: Because the engine is highly tuned, a full service history is non-negotiable. Skipped oil changes can lead to expensive engine damage .
- Potential Future Classic: As Kia moves toward electrification and SUVs, the raw, analog feel of the Pro_cee’d GT makes it a strong candidate for collectability.
The Pro_cee’d GT: Kia’s Underdog Hot Hatch
When you think of hot hatches from the 2010s, names like the Ford Fiesta ST or the Volkswagen Golf GTI usually come to mind. But tucked away in Kia’s European lineup was a secret weapon. The Pro_cee’d GT wasn’t just a trim level with a body kit; it was a ground-up effort to prove that Kia could play with the big boys .
Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts
Here’s the thing about the Pro_cee’d GT that most people don’t know: it wasn’t just designed in a boardroom. Kia’s local suspension engineers in Australia, known for their work on the broader Kia lineup, were given free rein to tune the chassis . They dialed in stiffer springs, bigger anti-roll bars, and specific damper settings. The result? A car that felt alive.
But the real magic trick was under the rear floor. Unlike the related Hyundai Veloster (which used a simpler torsion beam), the Pro_cee’d GT featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension . This isn’t just engineering jargon—it translates to real-world impact. When you hit a bump in a corner, the multi-link setup keeps the rear tire planted, maintaining grip and composure. It’s the difference between a car that feels skittish and one that inspires confidence.
The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood sits a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma engine. Let’s put that into perspective: when this car launched, its 150kW output matched the iconic Holden Commodore Turbo of the 1980s . It pulls hard from 1750rpm all the way to the redline, delivering 265Nm of torque .
If you’re used to the instant torque of an EV6 or the smooth power of a Telluride V6, the Pro_cee’d GT offers a different kind of thrill—a buzzy, energetic rush that begs you to keep the revs high.
Is it the fastest car in a straight line? No. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes around 7.7 seconds . But hot hatches have never been about straight-line speed. The magic happens in the corners, where that stiff chassis and responsive engine make you feel like a hero.
Living with a Three-Door Legend
So, what’s it actually like to live with a car that has more punctuation in its name than most sentences? Surprisingly practical.
Interior: A Sporty Cockpit
Slide inside, and you’re greeted by Recaro sports seats in higher-spec models . These aren’t just seats with fancy stitching; they’re heavily bolstered buckets that hold you tight during spirited driving. The cabin is wrapped in a mix of soft-touch materials and leather-appointed surfaces, giving it a premium feel that punches above its weight class.
The layout is classic Kia—everything is where you expect it to be. The center console storage is perfect for your phone or wallet, and the leather steering wheel feels great in your hands. It’s a driver-focused environment, but it doesn’t forget that you might need to carry people or stuff.
Surprising Utility
You might look at the sloped roofline and think “cramped,” but you’d be wrong. The Pro_cee’d GT comfortably seats five in a pinch, though rear headroom is best suited for shorter adults or kids . Fold the rear seats down, and you get a surprising amount of cargo space for weekend hauling.
For Kia owners used to the cavernous space of a Carnival or the flexible seating of a Sorento, the Pro_cee’d is a return to simplicity. It’s about the joy of driving with just enough utility for daily life.
The Evolution of Kia’s Sporty Spirit
To understand why the Pro_cee’d GT is special, it helps to look at how Kia’s performance identity has evolved over the years.
The Kia Sporty Timeline
Keeping Your GT in Top Shape
Buying a used performance car is always a calculated risk. The Pro_cee’d GT is reliable, but it demands respect.
The Golden Rule: Service History
Because the engine is highly strung (running 18psi of boost from the factory), it lives and dies by its oil changes . If you’re looking at a used model and the owner shows you a binder full of service stamps, that’s a green flag. If they shrug and say “I think it was serviced,” walk away.
Always secure heavy items in the cargo area during a drive to prevent them from sliding forward and interfering with passengers. The GT loves corners, but a loose toolkit becomes a projectile in the cabin.
What to Look For
When you go to inspect one, keep your eyes peeled for:
- Front Bumper Damage: The front apron sits low and is prone to scrapes on driveways and speed bumps .
- LED Daytime Running Lights: Check that all four little LED lights work on each side. Replacement units aren’t cheap .
- Clutch Feel: These are manual-only (no automatic was offered in the first gen), so ensure the clutch bites smoothly and doesn’t slip .
Kia Interior Accessories: Protecting Your Investment
Whether you’re daily driving a Pro_cee’d GT or using it as a weekend toy, keeping the interior clean is key. Here’s how some top accessories stack up to protect that sporty cabin.
| Product Type | Best For | Installation Difficulty | Key Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia All-Weather Floor Liners | Perfect fit, factory look | Easy (Drop-in) | Durable Rubber | $$$ |
| WeatherTech FloorLiners | Maximum spill protection | Easy (Drop-in) | High-Density TriExtruded (HDTE) | $$$ |
| Husky Liners WeatherBeater | Rugged, daily abuse protection | Easy (Drop-in) | Form-Fit Rubber | $$ |
| TuxMat | Maximum interior coverage | Moderate | Fabric-like, stain-resistant | $$$ |
| Cargo Tray (Kia Official) | Trunk/Cargo area protection | Easy (Drop-in) | Durable Plastic | $$ |
Source: Kia Official Accessories, WeatherTech, Husky Liners, TuxMat
Charting the Pro_cee’d GT’s Value
One of the best arguments for buying a Pro_cee’d GT right now is the value retention. Unlike a new car that depreciates the moment you drive it off the lot, these cars have already taken their biggest hit. Here’s a look at how the value has held up.
Estimated used value of 2014 Kia Pro_cee’d GT over time.
Real-World Impact: The 100,000 km Verdict
There’s nothing quite like a long-term test to reveal a car’s true character. In a brutal 100,000 km evaluation by Auto Bild, the Pro_Ceed GT emerged with a fascinating report card .
“A Kia interior isn’t just a place to sit; it’s a workspace, a family room, and a command center. The thoughtful layout isn’t just about comfort; it’s about making every drive—whether across town or across the country—feel effortless.”
The good news? The drivetrain was bulletproof. The engine consumed almost no oil, and the dual-clutch transmission shifted like new even after all those kilometers . That’s the kind of durability Kia is famous for.
However, the test did reveal some minor surface rust on underbody components, which the DEKRA inspector attributed to inconsistent application of protective wax . It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re buying one, a thorough underbody inspection is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smart Power Liftgate and how does it work?
While the first-gen Pro_cee’d GT doesn’t have this feature, newer Kia models with a Smart Power Liftgate open automatically when you stand near the rear with the smart key. It detects the key for hands-free access.
How does Kia Drive Wise help improve driving safety?
Kia Drive Wise is a suite of safety features that includes things like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. It acts as an extra set of eyes to help prevent accidents.
What are the best all-weather floor mats for a Kia?
For maximum coverage, TuxMat is a top choice. For rugged, durable protection, WeatherTech or Husky Liners are excellent. Kia’s own official accessories also offer a perfect factory fit .
Can you watch streaming video in a Kia while parked?
In most models, video playback is disabled while driving for safety. When parked, some systems allow video playback, but this depends on the specific model and infotainment software version.
How do I keep the infotainment screen clean without scratches?
Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Avoid paper towels or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the anti-glare coating.
Does the Kia EV6 have usable frunk storage?
Yes! The EV6 Front Trunk (Frunk) offers a decent amount of space perfect for storing your charging cable or a small weekend bag.
How much cargo space does the Kia Pro_cee’d GT have?
With the rear seats up, you get 380 liters. Fold the rear seats down, and that expands to a generous 1225 liters .
The Verdict: Should You Buy One?
So, is the Pro_cee’d GT the right Kia for you? If you’re a family looking for a Telluride to haul the kids and the dog, probably not. But if you’re a Kia fan who wants to experience the brand’s first real stab at a hot hatch, this is your ticket.
It’s a car that feels special. The steering is communicative, the engine is eager, and the looks are distinctive. In a world where every other car on the road is a white crossover, the Pro_cee’d GT stands out as a piece of Kia history.
A note for first-time Kia buyers: if you’re coming from a brand-new Seltos with all the latest tech, the Pro_cee’d GT will feel raw and analog. But that’s precisely the point. It’s a connection to a time when cars were lighter, simpler, and just more fun.
It’s not the fastest, and it’s not the most practical. But it is one of the most endearing cars Kia has ever built. And with prices hovering in the bargain range, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone with a pulse and a passion for driving.
What’s your favorite hidden storage spot in your Kia? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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