So
you’re in the market for something sporty. You’re on a tight budget and you’ve
heard us rave about Kia’s new
Pro_cee'd GT. You’ve also heard plenty of good things about the sexy two-door Koup, not the old one but the hot
new turbocharged version.
One is
a three-door hatch, the other a two-door coupe - but I bet you didn’t know
they’re powered by the same engine, with exactly the same power output?
The big
question is which one do you get?
HOW MUCH?
The Koup is cheaper, priced from
$28,190 before on-road costs while the GT will cost you nearly $2000 more at
$29,990.
Both of
these prices are for the manual, and if you want an auto then it’s a no-brainer
because you can’t get the GT with an auto.
The
optional touring pack on the Koup brings the price to $30,490 which includes
leather, climate air and a 7-inch touch screen monitor, with satnav and a DVD
player.
The GT
is available with navigation for $31,490 or you can opt for the higher spec GT
Tech priced from $34,490 which adds nav plus a panoramic sunroof, active HID
headlamps with washer, smart key with push-button start, luggage net, privacy
glass and door handle pocket lamps.
2014 Kia Proceed GT
DESIGN
While
the two cars may share the same engine, they are two very different beasts.
The
Koup is 22cm longer and built in South Korea while the GT comes out of
Slovakia. In fact, we’re the only country outside Europe to take the GT.
The GT
is harder-edged, with larger front brakes and a more advanced multi-link rear
suspension that delivers better traction.
Despite
their different in size the two cars have almost the same amount of luggage
space.
Both
are shod with 18 inch alloys with 225/40 series tyres, while the GT adds
higher-spec Michelin rubber.
The
Koup has a full size alloy spare while the GT makes do with a space saver.
PERFORMANCE
The
1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 150kW and 265Nm,
the latter in a very flat torque curve between 1750 and 4500 revs.
Both
cars are geared exactly the same, but surprisingly it is the Koup that is the
quickest of the pair - or more specifically the auto. It does the dash from
0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while both the Koup and the GT post the same 7.7
seconds in manual form - even though the GT weighs 25kg more.
SAFETY
Both
cars have been awarded five stars by ANCAP and come with six airbags, a
reversing camera, electronic stability control as well as other drive
assistance systems.
Both
also come with parking sensors, in the case of the Koup both front and back.
EQUIPMENT
The
Koup approaches the GT in terms of equipment levels when you add the Touring
Pack that brings leather and climate control and a grab bag of other goodies.
The GT
gets Recaro front sports seats trimmed in a combo of suede and leather.
Both
get auto lights and a rear vision mirror, but the GT adds rain sensing wipers.
The GT
also has a switchable LCD instrument display that in sport mode shows a digital
speedo.
Another
point of difference is the Flex Steer system in the Koup.
FLYING THE KOUP
Designed
as a GT-style tourer it
looks great and is fun to drive, with strong mid-range acceleration.
On well
formed roads the ride is smooth and impressively quiet. Country roads are
another matter; the car tends to move around a bit, but we didn’t encounter any
lift off oversteer even when pressed.
The
brakes by the way have been beefed up for the job.
We’re
told the exhaust note in the turbo model has been tuned to produce a sporty
note but it’s still way too quiet.
RACING THE GT
We’ve
had the added advantage of giving this car a workout on the track.
It’s a
rewarding car to drive and one that’s guaranteed to leave a smile on your dial.
With a sweet, easy to use gear change, lots of lovely, low-down torque and no
turbo lag that we could find.
WHAT ABOUT THE VELOSTER?
Yes.
The quirky Hyundai is powered by
the same turbocharged engine but it is geared differently and like the Koup has
a torsion beam rear suspension.
The
Veloster is also a tenth of a second slower from 0-100km/h at 7.8 seconds.
VERDICT
Whichever
way you decide to go, you’re not going to be disappointed. Both cars look great
and are fun to drive, but will appeal to different people.
The
harder-edged GT is more expensive but the fit and finish is better and the
difference is perceptible.
The Koup on the other
hand never quite manages to escape its humble beginnings as a Cerato - it just
looks, feels and smells more plasticky.
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