1 THE NEW 2014 KIA pro_cee’d GT Turbo

Powered by a turbocharged version of the ‘Gamma’ 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine, the pro_cee’d GT guarantees engaging performance for a sports coupe designed not to be the most powerful in class but with everyday usability and civility in mind.

It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 230km/h.

• Latest Kia featuring a 1.6-litre turbo engine
• 150kW and 265Nm of torque ensure scintillating performance
• Enhanced chassis, styling and interior
• Five-year unlimited kilometre warranty

It’s here at last. The most eagerly anticipated new model in Kia’s history, the exciting three-door pro_cee’d GT, is now on sale. For five years Kia has been pursuing a design-led revolution which has transformed its image, public perception and sales performance. With the arrival of the pro_cee’d GT, Kia is adding real excitement to the mix.

Since the pro_cee’d GT made its public debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, performance-minded drivers have been keen to get their hands on Kia’s most overtly sporting model.

Re-tuned suspension, as always optimised by Kia Australia’s ride and handling team to provide the best possible match of driver expectation and Australian road conditions, ensures that the pro_cee’d GT is more than capable of handling its impressive power and torque outputs – increased damper rebound and compression rates, stiffer springs and bushes and a larger rear anti-roll bar are joined by stylish 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.

The steering has been tuned for a more direct and sporting feel and the brakes are the largest of any fitted to the cee’d range.

Two trim lines – ‘GT’ and ‘GT Tech’ – are being offered, both extensively equipped in typical Kia fashion.

T-GDi – turbocharging and direct injection

The pro_cee’d GT is powered by a new turbocharged version of Kia’s 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ engine, developing 150kW and 265Nm of torque. It is the second turbocharged petrol engine to be offered by Kia in Australia, following the recent introduction of the Cerato Koup Turbo.

A normally aspirated version of the direct-injection ‘Gamma’ engine is already in use in the Kia world but the addition of an exhaust-driven turbocharger raises its power output by 51 per cent and the amount of torque it develops by 61 per cent for truly extra performance.

The T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine develops its 150kW at 6000rpm, but what really gives the GT its instantaneous response and rapid acceleration is the 265Nm of torque available without interruption from 1750rpm to 4500rpm. The pro_cee’d GT accelerates from 80-120km/h in fifth gear in 7.3 seconds _ and indication of the supreme flexibility and immediacy of the T-GDi engine. More than 80 per cent of maximum torque is available from less than 1500rpm.

Performance benefits from the integration of the twin-scroll turbocharger into the exhaust manifold, a design which improves responsiveness – eliminating the ‘turbo lag’ between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger building up boost pressure – while simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency. The GT may be first and foremost an engaging car, but it also contributes towards Kia’s goal of improving its fleet’s average environmental credentials thanks to the combination of small engine capacity, direct fuel injection and exhaust-driven turbocharging. The GT’s combined fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100km, while CO2 emissions are 171g/km.

The engine drives through a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission featuring revised ratios and a lower final drive to allow the GT to make the most of its torque with minimal fuel consumption.

Dressed to thrill: GT gets a unique look inside and out

For the GT, the already sporty and athletic lines of the pro_cee’d have been layered with
visually exciting additions at the front, rear and sides.

The unique front-end treatment introduces a lower, broader bumper and air dam and a wide central lower air intake to supply additional cooling air to the high-performance turbocharged engine, underscored by a red trim line which emphasises the wide and sporty track. This is flanked on either side by high-gloss black inserts housing the GT’s unique ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lamps and foglights. The high-gloss black theme is continued on the graphite chrome-framed main radiator grille – with Kia’s family ‘tiger-nose’ outline. The grille includes a smart ‘GT’ badge on the black high-gloss mesh.

From the rear, the broad stance of the pro_cee’d is evident in its bold shoulders and steeply angled tailgate glass, but for the GT this is further emphasised by a diffuser section in the lower edge of the rear bumper, separating the dual sports exhaust outlets.

The rear number plate is framed in high-gloss black and straddled by a vertical reversing light, fog lamp and reflectors, while the combination lamp units are LEDs which give the car a unique signature at night, or when braking. There is a ‘GT’ badge on the tailgate.

The already sporty side profile of the pro_cee’d is given even greater sense of purpose by bold side sill mouldings and special graphite grey ground-effect 18-inch alloy wheels tightly encased by the bodywork. Red brake calipers front and rear are a clear sign of the GT’s sporty credentials, while the premium quality of the car is emphasised by a chrome strip running around the side windows, and the folding mirrors with LED indicator lights and puddle lamps.

The performance-oriented exterior design is echoed inside the all-black five-seat cabin. The driver and front passenger are gripped by Recaro sports seats – for the first time in a Kia – adorned with ‘GT’ and ‘Recaro’ logos.

Power-adjustable lumbar support is fitted to both front seats. The upholstery is part leather and part suede, and there is red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and door trims. The leather steering wheel also features perforated grip areas and an overstitched ‘GT’ logo, and there are alloy sports pedals with non-slip rubber inserts. High-gloss black features on the air vent surrounds, front console tray and door trims add a premium flourish which is echoed in the alloy kick plates on the door sills.

Kia’s familiar three-dial sporty instrument layout is enhanced by a TFT LCD multi-function high-definition display which allows the driver to switch between analogue-type or GT performance digital information. The latter shows the car’s speed, engine torque, turbo boost pressure and engine coolant temperature as well as important trip information. A ‘GT’ button on the steering wheel allows the driver to change the display without taking a hand off the wheel.

Two trim lines

Two extensively equipped variants of the pro_cee’d GT – the ‘GT’ and ‘GT Tech’ – will be available at launch.

The ‘GT’ is the entry-level version yet it comes with anything other than a base-level specification. The exterior benefits from a number of unique styling touches including new front and rear bumper designs, side sill mouldings, dual exhausts, ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lights and 18-inch graphite grey ground-effect alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

On the inside the ‘GT’ receives Recaro seats finished in leather and suede, and with power lumbar adjustment, with red stitching that is also applied to the leather steering wheel and gear knob, a black headlining and several gloss black trim items.

Providing driver comfort and convenience are a host of standard items, including dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, automatic lights, cornering lights, reversing sensors, Bluetooth phone connectivity with music streaming, a six speaker radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, a unique ‘GT’ TFT LCD dash binnacle display, electric windows, electrically operated and heated folding mirrors with puddle lights.

The comprehensive safety specification includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), six airbags, seat-belt reminder, impact-sensing door unlocking and three child seat anchors plus two ISOFIX child-seat mounting.

The ‘GT Tech’ adds a panoramic sunroof, smart key with push button start and door handle lighting, active HID headlamps with washer, privacy glass and luggage net.

Warranty and servicing

The pro_cee’d GT, like every Kia, comes with a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, all the benefits of Kia Connect and capped-price servicing.

The pro_cee’d GT is fundamental to Kia’s policy of creating specific cars in and for the markets where they are sold and is made at the company’s Žilina plant in Slovakia. Australia is the only market outside Europe to have access to the pro_cee’d GT.

2 WALK-AROUND
A quick guide to the GT’s distinguishing features

Technical

• High-performance 1.6T-GDi turbocharged engine with 150kW and 265Nm
• Power up by 51 per cent and torque by 61 per cent versus 1.6 GDi
• Six-speed manual gearbox with revised ratios and final drive
• Exhaust system tuned to deliver sporting sound
• Sharper handling from retuned suspension whilst maintaining everyday comfort
• Increased damper rebound and compression rates
• Stiffer springs and bushes
• Thicker rear anti-roll bar
• Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
• Michelin Pilot Sport 3 225/40ZR18 92Y tyres
• Development work undertaken at the N✓rburgring Nordschleife

Exterior

• Unique front and rear bumpers
• Large lower front grille underlined with red trim strip
• Enlarged side sill mouldings
• ‘Ice-cube’ LED daytime running lamps
• ‘GT’ badging – on boot and set into high-gloss black tiger-nose front grille
• Full chrome side window surrounds
• Electrically folding mirrors with LED indicator lights and puddle lamps
• Unique graphite grey ground-effect 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers
• Diffuser incorporated in rear bumper along with high-gloss black inserts
• Dual sports exhaust pipes
• LED signature tail lights
• Choice of four colours – Track Red, Machine Silver (Premium paint), Deluxe White (Premium) and Black Pearl (Premium).

Interior

• First Kia with Recaro front sports seats. Part leather and suede upholstery and with power lumbar adjustment.
• Perforated grip areas and overstitched ‘GT’ logo on leather steering wheel
• Red stitching on leather steering wheel, seats, gearshifter and door centre trims
• Alloy sports pedals with non-slip rubber inserts and door sill scuff panels
• Black centre fascia with high-gloss black air vent surrounds, front console tray garnish and door trim
• TFT LCD multi-function display with unique ‘GT Performance Mode’ consisting of digital speedometer, turbo, torque output and engine coolant temperature gauges and important trip information
• ‘GT’ button on steering wheel to switch between analogue-effect and GT performance instrument displays
• Reversing camera

3 THE DESIGN STORY Kia’s design-led revolution gets an even sportier edge

The phenomenal rise of Kia in recent years is due in no small way to the design-led revolution instigated by the company in the middle of the last decade. Kias are now renowned for their style, detailing, quality and emotional appeal as much as for their value, reliability and industry-leading warranty. They are also perfectly aligned to the markets where they are sold as a result of Kia’s policy of creating specific cars for specific regions of the world. The pro_cee’d GT is manufactured at the company’s Žilina plant in Slovakia and will be sold only in Europe and Australia.

For the GT, the already sporty and athletic lines of the pro_cee’d have been layered with visually exciting additions at the front, rear and sides. Viewed from any angle, the GT is unmistakably a European-style excitement machine with a coupé-like stance and proportions, sporty touches and premium-car detailing.

The GT has a unique front-end treatment with a lower, broad bumper and air dam. There is a wide central lower air intake to supply additional cooling air to the high-performance turbocharged engine, underscored by a red trim line which emphasises the wide and sporty track. This is flanked on either side by high-gloss black inserts housing the GT’s unique ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lamps and foglights. The high-gloss black theme is continued on the graphite chrome-framed main radiator grille – with Kia’s family ‘tiger-nose’ outline. The grille includes a smart ‘GT’ badge on the left-hand side of the black high-gloss mesh when the car is viewed from the front.

From the rear, the broad stance of the pro_cee’d is evident in its bold shoulders and steeply angled tailgate glass, but for the GT this is further emphasised by a diffuser section in the lower edge of the rear bumper, separating the dual sports exhaust outlets.
The rear number plate is framed in high-gloss black and straddled by vertical reversing lights and reflectors, while the combination lamp units are LEDs which give the car a unique signature at night or when braking. There is a ‘GT’ badge on the right of the tailgate.

The already sporty side profile of the pro_cee’d is given even greater sense of purpose thanks to bold side sill mouldings and special 18-inch alloy wheels tightly encased by the bodywork. Red brake calipers front and rear are a clear sign of the GT’s performance credentials, while the premium quality of the car is emphasised by a chrome strip running around the side windows, and the folding mirrors with LED indicator lights.

The GT’s dimensions are: length (4310mm), width (1780mm) and wheelbase 2650mm. Long, coupé-like side doors allow easy access to the rear seats while contributing to the sleek and rakish lines. This is further emphasised by the cab-forward design, rising beltline, low roofline and narrow glasshouse.

The performance-oriented exterior design is echoed inside the all-black five-seat cabin. The driver and front passenger are gripped by Recaro sports seats – a first in any Kia – adorned with ‘GT’ and ‘Recaro’ logos. Power-adjustable lumbar support is fitted to both front seats. The upholstery is part leather and part suede, and there is red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and door trims. The leather steering wheel also features perforated grip areas and an overstitched ‘GT’ logo, and there are alloy sports pedals with non-slip rubber inserts. High-gloss black features on the air vent surrounds, front console tray and door trims add a premium flourish which is echoed in the alloy kick plates on the door sills.

There is a driver-centric dashboard layout. Haptics – how things feel and move – and ergonomics, the placement of controls and inter-relation between them, were of paramount importance and played a large part in the design. The controls and switchgear are ergonomically arranged and intuitive to use, with the temperature, airflow and infotainment switches easily accessed by the driver or front-seat passenger. The controls are clearly grouped and reveal superb attention to detail.

Kia’s familiar three-dial sporty instrument layout is enhanced by a TFT LCD multi-function high-definition display which allows the driver to switch between analogue or GT performance digital information. The latter shows the car’s speed, engine torque, turbo boost pressure and water temperature as well as important trip information. A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to change the display without taking a hand off the wheel.

Soft-to-the-touch surfaces and outstanding fit and finish attest to the emphasis that Kia places on actual as well as perceived quality. This is matched by the GT’s cruising refinement. Torsional body strength is aided by a windscreen which is bonded in rather than mounted in a seal, so it also shuts out more exterior noise. One-piece weather strips around the door frames, extensive filling in the pillar areas, carefully shaped door mirrors and thick door glass all play a part in the GT’s refinement.

There are storage compartments in the front, rear and centre console, while the large boot provides 380 litres of space. Both sections of the 60:40 split rear seats fold down to allow 1225 litres of luggage to be carried. This is supplemented by an under-floor storage area.

4 RANGE FINDER
Two trim levels

Two extensively equipped variants of the pro_cee’d GT – ‘GT’ and ‘GT Tech’ – will be available from launch.

The ‘GT’ contains all the comfort and convenience features that have become a standard at Kia, plus a comprehensive list of GT exclusives. These include GT-specific exterior styling cues of a black high-gloss mesh grille with graphite chrome surround, a black lower grille with a red trim line, high-gloss black front and rear foglight housings and rear number plate surround, ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lamps and foglights, side sill mouldings, dual exhaust outlets, red brake calipers and ‘GT’ badges front and rear.

On the inside, the standard ‘GT’ comes with Recaro part leather and part suede front seats with ‘Recaro’ and ‘GT’ logos, a leather steering wheel with perforated grip areas and an over-stitched ‘GT’ logo, red stitching on the steering wheel, gear shifter, seats and door centre trim, a leather-trimmed sports gear lever, high-gloss black trim around the air vents and on the centre console tray and door trims, stainless steel pedals with non-slip rubber inserts, stainless steel door sill scuff plates, power lumbar adjustment for the front seats and a TFT LCD multi-function display with GT performance or analogue displays.

Dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a six-speaker radio/CD player with iPod and USB connectors and Bluetooth phone connectivity and music streaming are also standard.

The ‘GT Tech’ adds a panoramic sunroof, active HID headlamps with washer, smart key with press-button start, luggage net, privacy glass and door handle pocket lamps.

The ‘GT’ and ‘GT Tech’ are available in solid Track Red and premium Deluxe White, Machine Silver and Black Pearl. Both specification levels feature graphite grey ground-effect 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 225/40ZR18 92Y tyres.

5 THE TECHNICAL STORY
150kW, a revised six-speed manual gearbox and a retuned chassis

A special car deserves a special engine, and Kia’s turbocharged 1.6-litre meets the bill. A forced-induction version of the 1.6-litre direct-injection ‘Gamma’ unit tuned to deliver 150kW and 265Nm of torque. A normally aspirated version of the direct-injection ‘Gamma’ engine is already available in the Kia family but the addition of an exhaust-driven turbocharger raises its power output by 51 per cent and the amount of torque it develops by 61 per cent for truly engaging performance.

T-GDi – turbocharging and direct injection

The T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine develops its 150kW at 6000rpm, but what really gives the GT its instantaneous response and rapid acceleration is the 265Nm of torque available without interruption from 1750rpm to 4500rpm. The pro_cee’d GT accelerates from 80-120km/h in 7.3 seconds in fifth gear _ an indication of the supreme flexibility and immediacy of the T-GDi engine. More than 80 per cent of maximum torque is available from less than 1500rpm. The 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.7 seconds and the pro_cee’d GT has a maximum speed of 230km/h.

The GT may be first and foremost an excitement car, but it doesn’t ignore the need for fuel efficiency and ecological responsibility thanks to the combination of small engine capacity, direct fuel injection and turbocharging. The GT’s combined fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100km, while CO2 emissions are 171g/km.

A number of factors contribute towards the exemplary driveability and efficiency of the lightweight all-aluminium 1.6-litre T-GDi unit. There is Continuously Variable Valve Timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides of the 16-valve engine, Electronic Throttle Control and light, low-friction moving parts. The crankshaft is offset from the centre-line to aid smoothness.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold and there is a split wall between cylinders one/four and two/three which results in reduced interference between the cylinders, faster response and higher torque levels at low engine revolutions. The improved responsiveness eliminates the ‘turbo lag’ between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger building up boost pressure. While simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency.

The integrated exhaust manifold and turbocharger in a one-piece casting improve sealing while reducing weight by 1.5kg while simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency.

For added durability, the cylinder block has been heat-treated and the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods are stronger, while there are additional oil jets. The engine has been road-tested for nearly 160,000 kilometres at an average speed of almost 160km/h over a period of more than six months to ensure it passes Kia’s severe durability test.

The engine drives through a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission featuring revised ratios and a lower final drive to allow the GT to make the most of its prodigious torque with minimal fuel consumption.

So that it can deliver a characterful GT sound, there are specifically tuned intake and exhaust systems. A reduced intake path strengthens the volume of the low-to-mid-range frequency sounds and ensures linear booming sounds. The twin exhaust system adds to the sporty tones coming from the tailpipes, aided by a simplified main exhaust muffler.

Tuned for driver satisfaction with no loss of comfort

The new pro_cee’d GT is an exciting, engaging road car designed for everyday usability and civility. It is not a track special. That target of usability and enjoyment is obvious in the balanced tuning settings employed for Kia’s first sports coupe.

For the European cars there was retuning of the garden variety pro_cee’d package with retuned springs and dampers and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. The front damping forces were increased 10 per cent in compression and 30 per cent in rebound, while the respective figures for the rear dampers are 200 per cent and 50 per cent. There are slightly stiffer springs, while the rear anti-roll bar thickness has been increased by 1mm to 19mm. There are also stiffer front suspension bushes to sharpen steering response and longer bump stops to reduce body roll. The result of this detailed engineering was the most agile car Kia had ever made.

When the European tuners had finished setting their tune it was time for the Australian ride and handling team to pick up the gauntlet and trim the final settings to best suit Australian expectations and conditions.

Hundreds of hours and thousands of kilometres resulted in refinement of the damper/springs calibrations and relationships as well a specific steering mapping for a result Kia Motors Australia believes is sportier yet more compliant.

The GT also rides on impressive wheels and tyres – 18 x 7.5J alloy rims fitted with high-end Michelin Pilot Sport 3 225/40ZR18 92Y tyres. The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 was selected for its outstanding on-road performance combining high levels of wet and dry grip and precise steering along with excellent fuel efficiency and durability.

The pro_cee’d GT is one of the few cars in its class with independent rear suspension in place of a more common, and less expensive, simple twist beam. This brings inherent advantages for ride and handling and is a major contributor to the GT’s fun-to-drive character, which is now even sharper without impairing the finesse of the standard car’s ride.

The pro_cee’d GT also has a substantial and comforting brake package with 300mm x 28mm discs at the front and 262 x 10mm discs at the rear. The result is a confidence-inspiring braking performance with the ability to pull up to a full stop from 105km/h in less than 37 metres.
The signature red brake calipers only emphasise the sporty nature of the GT. The braking system features anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). The ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) have been subtly retuned to complement the choice of tyres and the suspension revisions.

The handling capabilities of the pro_cee’d GT were honed on road and track with over 480 laps – more than 8000 kilometres – at the N✓rburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

Extensive additional ride and handling fine tuning by the Kia Motors Australia team has ensured the pro_cee’d GT has the level of ride comfort and drive enjoyment that Australian drivers both demand and deserve.

6 THE SAFETY STORY
Comprehensive active and passive protection

Kia takes a uniform attitude to the safety and protection of its customers. Regardless of the size of car or the price paid for it, Kia does not differentiate when it comes to trying to avoid accidents, or to shielding occupants from injury if at all possible when one is inevitable. So, the pro_cee’d GT does not come in for special treatment in terms of the safety features fitted to it.

Standard across the range is Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to keep the car stable when accelerating or braking on roads with different levels of grip from left to right, plus Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) to prevent it from rolling backwards when setting off on steep gradients.

The ambitious target with the pro_cee’d GT was to make even greater strides and provide class-leading protection. To achieve that, there have been major advances in body engineering and pedestrian protection, while features previously found only on expensive premium cars are available.

The remarkably stiff bodyshell is a result of a comprehensive package of reinforcements in critical areas. Even the windscreen is now bonded in rather than mounted in a sealing strip, which aids both rigidity and refinement. In total, 57 per cent of the body is made from high-tensile steel, with ultra-high-tensile steel in the B-pillar structures.

There is an i-type subframe with more rigid side members, front apron and dashboard. Horizontal and centre tunnel supports are incorporated in the dash area. The A-pillars, inner door rail and upper and lower body structures have been reinforced. New transverse cross-members link the front and rear suspension mounts, new pressings attach the boot floor to the tailgate opening and there is a new floor cross-member. All of this serves to provide a safety ring around the tailgate area. There is a further safety ring around the B-pillars.

At the front, the side crash members have shallow slant angles which help to disperse collision energy more effectively, while side impact protection is boosted by reinforced front door belt inner rails, hot-stamped B-pillars and roof sides, ultra-high-tensile steel lower body sill structures and a roof gusset connecting the side inner panels and the roof rails. There are also thick door beams.

The GT comes standard with six airbags -­ twin front, side and side curtains – to provide all-round chest, face and head protection. Seat-belt recognition monitors detect if the belt on an occupied seat is not fastened or is released during a journey.

To reduce the cost of repairs after low-speed (15km/h or less) collisions, there is a crash box integrated into the front bumper rails to minimise deformation of the front side member, while at the rear the side members have been reinforced so that they are better able to resist deformation at similar speed.

Improved pedestrian safety comes through collapsible headlamps, a stiffer lower bumper lip and shock-absorbing structures in the bonnet and bonnet hinges.

The extensive standard and passive safety equipment – including ESC, VSM and HAC – has been supplemented with Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS), which causes the rear lamps to flash in an emergency stop to alert following drivers. Brake Assist (BAS), which ensures maximum stopping power in an emergency regardless of the force applied to the pedal by the driver, is also standard.

The GT has distinctive ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lights. Static cornering lights which provide a broader beam when steering to ensure quicker recognition of roadside objects at night are fitted to the entry-level GT model. They operate through separate lights built into the headlamp units, and activate when the steering angle is more than 35 degrees at speeds of 10km/h and above, or 50 degrees when the car is stationary. They switch off if the steering angle falls below 20 degrees. The GT Tech has active (the lamps turn with the steering to better illuminate a turn or corner) HID adaptive front lighting with automatic levelling and headlight washers.

An LED high-level rear stop light is standard and there are LED combination rear lamp clusters.

Reversing sensors are standard, as is a colour reversing camera with in-mirror display.

7 RUNNING COSTS
It’s a Kia, so even an excitement machine has to be affordable to own

Power with responsibility. Performance with efficiency. The pro_cee’d GT may be the most exciting and dynamic car Kia has ever produced, but the principles which have carried the company to the position it occupies today have not been overlooked while developing the performance flagship of the pro_cee’d range.

Servicing and insurance costs – with an emphasis on repairability – were taken into account during the design and development stage, while the decision to adopt a small-volume direct-injection turbocharged engine ensures that fuel consumption and emissions are kept to a minimum.

The new 1.6-litre turbocharged ‘Gamma’ engine develops 51 per cent more power (150kW) and 61 per cent more torque (265Nm) than the naturally aspirated version previously on offer, yet it remains extremely efficient. Combined fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100km, while CO2 emissions have been pegged at 171g/km. These are impressive figures in a car which can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 230km/h.

Servicing

Routine servicing is needed only once a year or every 15,000 kilometres. The Kia Connect service program with capped-price servicing along with the five-year unlimited kilometre warranty take the worry out of ownership.

8 MANUFACTURING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Built in Europe

The pro_cee’d GT is built alongside the rest of the cee’d range at the company’s European manufacturing facility at Žilina in Slovakia.

Žilina was opened towards the end of 2005 as part of Kia’s new-at-the-time policy of building cars in and for the markets where they were to be sold, wherever possible. In Europe that meant a range of models to compete in the most important market segment, the C-sector. With the advent of the second-generation cee’d range – a key element in Kia’s design-driven expansion plans – and the introduction of advanced new direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines, the decision was taken to add an exciting performance model as the flagship of the family.

Slovakia, which had become a member of the EU in 2004, was chosen because it had a history in engineering, a highly qualified workforce, a well-developed transport infrastructure, an established automotive supply chain and a national government committed to helping new businesses. Kia was given tax-breaks and land incentives by the Slovakian government and has in turn worked with the authorities for the benefit of the local community. The local authority has established a training centre close to the plant, where Kia has provided the expertise to develop courses in such things as computer, hybrid and welding technologies. These courses are available for all people across the region.

The factory has brought a much-needed boost to Žilina. Since opening, 10,000 jobs have been created nearby with more than a dozen parts and components suppliers. Employment at the factory was increased by 900 to 3,900 staff when the third shift came into effect in January 2012. Žilina is now able to produce 300,000 cars a year as well as 450,000 engines. To coincide with the introduction of the second-generation pro_cee’d, including the GT, new equipment was installed and employees were put through training courses in Slovakia and at Kia’s research and development centre at Namyang in South Korea.

Žilina was completed ahead of schedule with outstanding quality in the pilot production cars it started at the end of 2005.

Production at Žilina, passed the one million mark in 2011. Kia Motors Australia also sources Sportage from Zilina.

Green from the word go

As an all-new, start-up facility, Kia was determined that Žilina would set the highest environmental standards. For Kia, environmental protection is not just about headline-grabbing tailpipe emissions figures. It encompasses every aspect of the manufacturing, distribution, sales, use and scrapping of cars. Kia was the first manufacturer in the world to establish a dedicated environmental research and development centre, at Mabuk, to the south-east of the Korean capital, Seoul. Mabuk was involved in the design and development of the Žilina plant.

Manufacturing demands and environmental responsibility do not always go hand-in-hand, but Žilina sets the highest environmental standards and is a benchmark for the European automotive industry. Even the location is environmentally important, reducing the distances that cars need to be transported to European markets. Seventy-five per cent of the parts used in the plant are sourced from Western Europe, which also helps to cut down unnecessary transport.

The assembly shop uses revolutionary technology for improving air quality. The basic principle is that all vapours and gases are exhausted through the building’s floor rather than through the roof. This new under-floor extraction system stops harmful gases from circulating at higher levels where they could be inhaled by assembly line workers or vented to the outside.

A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) process is used to eliminate odour and hydrocarbons in the paint drying facility. The RTO is also highly efficient in terms of energy conservation, greatly contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

New approaches and technology are used wherever possible to reduce the environmental impact of the factory and the search for cleaner and more efficient processes is on-going. Bore holes are regularly drilled to make sure that no oils or pollutants make their way into the ground, while laboratories test the waste products.

International recognition

The hard work was rewarded in February 2008 when Žilina was formally certified as an environmentally-friendly facility. The International Certificate of Environmental Management, or ISO 14001, recognises the detailed work put into creating a state-of-the-art energy-efficient factory.

This was quickly followed by two more awards in May of the same year. Kia Motors received international certificates which recognise the advanced environmental design and manufacturing processes at Žilina. German-based T✓V presented Kia with DFE (Design for Environment) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) environment certificates after rigorous inspection of the company’s design and manufacturing operations.

DFE (ISO 14062) evaluates a car’s environmental friendliness during its design and development, plus its recyclability. DFE also requires that the assembly plant for the car reaches ISO 14001. LCA (ISO 14040) examines the car’s overall manufacturing process and its lifetime environmental impact, including choice of materials and measures to reduce fuel consumption and engine exhaust emissions.

The weatherproof factory

Žilina lies deep in the Slovakian countryside at the foot of the Tatra mountains – lovely in the summer, but in the winter temperatures dip to minus 28 degrees centigrade. Winter lasts a full six months, which greatly influenced the layout of the plant.

The press, body, paint and final assembly shops are constructed in a square so that cars and parts do not have to go outside at any point. The engines are assembled on a factory site next door and delivered to the final line by overground tunnel.

This enclosed facility means that large exterior doors are not needed, unlike at traditional plants. In turn this reduces the need for high levels of heating as doors are not constantly being opened and closed.

Quality control

Žilina has state-of-the-art testing facilities at every stage of production. For example, panel quality in the press shop is controlled by a unique inspection system which can recognise and evaluate in less than one millisecond defects according to pre-determined quality tolerance levels.

Some 20 per cent of Žilina’s quality control staff have experience with other car manufacturers or suppliers. Some have returned to their home town after working at automotive manufacturing facilities elsewhere. All cars are checked as they come off the line to make sure electrical systems and mechanical parts are working. This is followed by a drive around the factory’s test track to ensure there are no squeaks or rattles. Some two per cent of production undergoes a much closer inspection using sophisticated measuring equipment to ensure that fit and finish is up to specification.

Kia devised an innovative new Rotation Dipping Painting system to ensure cee’d is totally resistant to corrosion, and that its paintwork has a uniform lustre. Bodies are rotated through a forward somersault while immersed in the paint tank to achieve this.

9 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

All the fact and figures

1.6 T-GDi

Suspension, steering and braking

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

10 PRICE