Kia Proceed GT priced from 20k

This is the Kia Proceed GT the car maker's first hot hatch which will cost from 19,995 when it goes on sale on July 1.

It comes with a 201bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine that takes the Kia from 0-62mph in just 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. CO2 emissions are 171g/km, while average economy is 38.2mpg.

The GT's springs and bushes have been stiffened compared with the standard Proceed's set-up, while a larger rear anti-roll bar has been fitted.

Kia has tuned the Proceed GT's steering, removing the Flex Steer system entirely leaving just one level of assistance. It also gets the largest brake discs of any Kia.

Two trims are available: GT from 19,995 and GT Tech, which starts at 22,495.

The GT comes with redesigned front and rear bumpers, side sill mouldings, dual exhausts, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloys as standard.

Inside it gets Recaro sports seats in leather and suede with red stitching, Bluetooth, CD player with iPod connectivity, electric windows, electric heated door mirrors and tinted glass.

GT Tech adds a seven-inch screen with satellite-navigation, a reversing camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and automatic lights and wipers.

There are three colours available: Track Red and Fusion White metallic which are exclusive to the GT plus metallic black.

In addition to the GT and GT Tech, Kia will launch the Proceed GT with a 1st Edition model. This will be restricted to 500 models worldwide, with 50 coming to the UK.

It will get GT Tech spec, plus black inserts in the alloy wheels, high-gloss black door mirror casings, a tilting and sliding electric sunroof, red ambient lighting with front footwell illumination, floor mats with red contrast stitching and 'GT' illuminated sills with edition numbering. It comes in Fusion White metallic as standard and costs from 23,995.

The Kia Proceed GT comes with Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard, and is available from July 1.

By Tom Webster