Overview

Kia has upped the ante on the performance front with its Ceed GT as it attempts to put pressure on established acts such as the Volkswagen Golf GTi, Ford Focus ST and SEAT’s Leon FR.

Since it’s not an out-right performance model – more a ‘warm hatch’ according to Kia – its main rival is probably the Focus which offers something a little easier to live with on a day-to-day basis rather than a purer hot hatch such as the SEAT Leon Cupra.

Stronger performance

Like the three-door Proceed GT, the five-door Kia Ceed GT has a 201bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’ll get the car from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. The firm promises sportier handling than the regular Ceed, with adjustments to the suspension and steering set-up.

The GT offensive is all part of a grand plan to make Kia a little more desirable as a brand. The GT versions of both the Ceed and the Proceed put Kia in the same mould as say Ford or Vauxhall that have so-called ‘halo’ models which give even more credibility. When you factor in the generous warranty scheme and strong reliability record, the GT should be a pretty attractive option. No more will Kia be a maker of dull but worthy cars for buyers on a budget.

The GT look

The Kia Ceed GT is distinguished from its more ordinary models by Recaro sports seats, twin exhaust outlets and 18-inch alloy wheels with bright red brake calipers.

There’s also a new front bumper design that includes a larger, more aggressive-looking lower grille with a red pinstripe at its base.

You also get new four-piece LED spot lamps with a glossy black surround in place of the standard Ceed’s lower lamp units. The GT also gets slightly wider skirts to make the car look longer and lower.

Rounding off the design the GT gets the ‘tiger-nose’ and GT emblem, which is repeated inside the car at the base of the leather-trimmed steering wheel. Other details include a piano-black trim elements and contrasting coloured stitching.

Generous levels of kit

As well as the seven-year warranty the standard equipment list is pretty vast and includes Bluetooth, cruise control, air-con, USB connection and reversing sensors all available as standard.