The Kia ProCeed III 1.6 CRDi Smartstream (136 hp) was a front-wheel-drive, five-door station wagon produced from June 2018 to March 2021. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the ProCeed lineup – which also included gasoline and higher-output diesel variants – this model aimed to balance fuel efficiency with reasonable performance for European buyers seeking a practical and stylish estate car. It was built on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform (also known as the 1HX0/JD platform), shared with the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed. This generation of ProCeed moved away from the three-door coupe styling of its predecessor, adopting a more conventional wagon body style to compete directly with established European rivals like the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen and Ford Focus Estate.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Pro Cee’d |
| Generation | ProCeed III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CRDi Smartstream (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2018 |
| End of production | March, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.5-4.7 l/100 km (62.8 – 60.1 UK mpg, 52.3 – 50 US mpg, 22.2 – 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7-4 l/100 km (76.3 – 70.6 UK mpg, 63.6 – 58.8 US mpg, 27 – 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.9-4.3 l/100 km (72.4 – 65.7 UK mpg, 60.3 – 54.7 US mpg, 25.6 – 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 104-111 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 99.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm, 205.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4FE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1363-1469 kg (3004.9 – 3238.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) |
| Max load | 431-537 kg (950.19 – 1183.88 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 594 l (20.98 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1545 l (54.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4605 mm (181.3 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2055 mm (80.91 in.) |
| Height | 1422 mm (55.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1555-1559 mm (61.22 – 61.38 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1563-1567 mm (61.54 – 61.69 in.) |
| Front overhang | 885 mm (34.84 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1070 mm (42.13 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm (5.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 284×10 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17; 225/40 ZR18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the ProCeed III 1.6 CRDi Smartstream was the D4FE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was part of Kia’s ‘Smartstream’ family, designed for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. It featured a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head, utilizing a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The engine employed a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The D4FE engine produced 136 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 3000 rpm. The engine featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver engagement. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to maximize the engine’s torque output, providing adequate acceleration for everyday driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CRDi Smartstream with the 6-speed manual transmission offered a comfortable and economical driving experience. While not particularly sporty, the engine provided sufficient power for highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. The peak torque available from 1500 rpm meant that the engine felt responsive in most situations, minimizing the need for frequent downshifts. The manual gearbox was smooth and precise, enhancing driver control. Compared to the more powerful diesel variants (like the 1.7 CRDi), this 1.6L engine prioritized fuel efficiency over outright performance. The lower power output resulted in a slightly slower 0-60 mph time of around 9.9 seconds, but the trade-off was significantly improved fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CRDi Smartstream trim typically included features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features including ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels added features like automatic climate control, heated seats, a reversing camera, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. Dashboard materials were generally of good quality, reflecting Kia’s improving standards at the time. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.
Chassis & Braking
The ProCeed III utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, making it well-suited for long-distance journeys. Front brakes were ventilated discs, while rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, ensuring safe and controlled braking in emergency situations. The steering was electrically assisted, providing a light and precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia ProCeed III 1.6 CRDi Smartstream was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its more powerful counterparts. Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen and Ford Focus Estate, the ProCeed offered a compelling value proposition, with a generous level of standard equipment and a competitive price point. The 1.6 CRDi offered better fuel economy than the higher-output diesel options, making it an attractive choice for drivers prioritizing running costs.
Legacy
The Kia ProCeed III 1.6 CRDi Smartstream has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The D4FE engine is known for its longevity, and with regular maintenance, it can provide many years of trouble-free service. On the used car market, these models represent good value for money, offering a practical and economical option for buyers seeking a spacious and well-equipped estate car. While diesel engine popularity has waned in recent years, the ProCeed III 1.6 CRDi remains a viable option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and long-distance comfort.
