Kia’s handsome new Pro_Ceed model is now available to order in the UK starting from £17,495. But if you don’t mind waiting a few more months, and paying a little more, you should go for the Pro-Ceed GT. That is a proper hot hatch. The normal Pro_Ceed is slower and looks less exciting.

Still, should you decide you want a Pro_Ceed now, the car comes in two S and SE trim levels, and with two engine, including a 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG). Visually, the S gets 16-inch wheels, while the SE comes with 17-inchers. A six-speed manual is standard gearbox, but you can opt for Kia’s six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

As for the power and performance, the petrol model has 133 bhp at 6,300 rpm and 164 lb/ft at 4,850 rpm, good for a 0-60 mph dash in 9.8 seconds; 62.8mpg; and CO₂ emissions of 124g/km. The diesel delivers 126 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 192 lb/ft in between 1,900 rpm and 2,750 rpm; does 0 to 60 in 11.5 seconds; averages 78.5 mpg; and emits 100 g/km CO2.

Standard equipment:  automatic lights with welcome and follow-me-home functionality, ‘one touch’ electric windows, electrically-operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, cruise control with speed limiter and steering wheel mounted controls.  Reversing sensors and a trip computer, air-conditioning, six-speaker Radio/CD player with iPod and USB connectivity.

Standard active systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS).  Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) triggers the brake lights to flash under heavy braking and the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) keeps the car held on a slope whilst the driver pulls away.