The Kia ProCeed III, specifically the 1.5 T-GDI (160 Hp) DCT variant produced from October 2021 to May 2024, represents a significant iteration of Kia’s European-focused compact estate car. Positioned as a stylish and practical alternative to traditional hatchbacks, the ProCeed III (following the 2021 facelift) aimed to blend the practicality of a station wagon with the sporty aesthetics of a coupe. This particular engine and transmission combination occupied a mid-range position within the ProCeed lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and price. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the demand for compact estates remained strong, and represented Kia’s commitment to offering a diverse range of body styles to cater to varying consumer preferences.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | ProCeed |
| Generation | ProCeed III (facelift 2021) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 T-GDI (160 Hp) DCT |
| Start of production | October, 2021 |
| End of production | May, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.8-6.1 l/100 km (40.6 – 38.6 US mpg, 48.7 – 46.3 UK mpg, 17.2 – 16.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 131-138 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4-6.9 l/100 km (36.8 – 34.1 US mpg, 44.1 – 40.9 UK mpg, 15.6 – 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6-5.2 l/100 km (51.1 – 45.2 US mpg, 61.4 – 54.3 UK mpg, 21.7 – 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3-5.8 l/100 km (44.4 – 40.6 US mpg, 53.3 – 48.7 UK mpg, 18.9 – 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 119-132 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 108 Hp/l |
| Torque | 253 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (186.6 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4LH |
| Engine displacement | 1482 cm3 (90.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71.6 mm (2.82 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1350-1451 kg (2976.24 – 3198.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 429-530 kg (945.78 – 1168.45 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 (braked) | 1410 kg (3108.52 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4605 mm (181.3 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Height | 1422 mm (55.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1555-1559 mm (61.22 – 61.38 in.) |
| Rear track | 1563-1567 mm (61.54 – 61.69 in.) |
| Front overhang | 885 mm (34.84 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1070 mm (42.13 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 284×10 mm |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the ProCeed 1.5 T-GDI DCT lies the Kia/Hyundai G4LH engine, a 1.482-liter (90.44 cubic inches) turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Kia’s “Smartstream” engine family, designed for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. The G4LH utilizes direct fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber for precise control and optimized combustion. A single scroll turbocharger with an intercooler provides forced induction, boosting power output. The engine features a relatively high compression ratio of 10.5:1, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is a seven-speed unit, offering quick and smooth gear changes. This DCT is known for its responsiveness and contribution to improved fuel economy compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 160 horsepower and 186.6 lb-ft of torque produced by the 1.5 T-GDI engine, coupled with the seven-speed DCT, provide a respectable level of performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 8.4 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 130.49 mph. The DCT transmission contributes to a more engaging driving experience than a traditional automatic, with quick shifts and a noticeable connection between the throttle and the wheels. However, compared to higher-output ProCeed variants (like those with more powerful engines), this version feels less eager to accelerate, particularly at higher speeds. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between fuel efficiency and responsiveness, with the lower gears providing good off-the-line acceleration and the higher gears optimized for highway cruising. The engine delivers its peak torque between 1500 and 3500 rpm, providing a broad and usable powerband for everyday driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 T-GDI DCT trim typically included a generous amount of standard equipment. Interior features generally included cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning were also standard. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The specific trim level (e.g., GT-Line, or a higher-spec version) would dictate the availability of these optional features.
Chassis & Braking
The ProCeed III utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform with independent suspension at all four corners. The front suspension employs a McPherson strut design, while the rear features a multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar. This suspension configuration provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The braking system is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control. The steering is electrically assisted, providing a light and precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia ProCeed 1.5 T-GDI DCT was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, practical interior, and good fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the engine, while adequate, lacked the outright performance of some of its rivals. Compared to the higher-powered ProCeed variants, this version offered a more affordable entry point into the model range, appealing to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and value over outright performance. The 1.5 T-GDI engine offered a noticeable improvement in fuel economy compared to the older 1.6-liter gasoline engines, making it a more attractive option for those concerned about running costs.
Legacy
The G4LH engine, in general, has proven to be a relatively reliable unit, although, like any turbocharged engine, it requires regular maintenance, including oil changes with the correct specification oil. The DCT transmission is also generally reliable, but it’s important to ensure that it receives the recommended fluid changes. In the used car market, the ProCeed 1.5 T-GDI DCT represents a good value proposition, offering a stylish and practical estate car with reasonable running costs. Its blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern features continues to make it an appealing option for buyers seeking a compact estate car.
