Kia ProCeed III (CD) (2018 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.4/10

Kia ProCeed III (CD) : The Accessible Shooting Brake For its third generation (CD), Kia radically transformed the ProCeed. Abandoning the declining 3-door hatchback format of its predecessors, the ProCeed was reborn as a sleek, 5-door 'Shooting Brake'. Designed in Frankfurt and built in Slovakia, it is exclusively tailored for the European market. It successfully bridges the gap between the standard Ceed hatchback and the utilitarian Ceed Sportswagon (SW), offering a massive 594-liter boot wrapped in a highly attractive, Porsche Panamera-esque silhouette. Positioned as a premium offering within the Ceed family, the ProCeed is only available in high-end trims (GT-Line and GT). A mid-cycle facelift in 2021 brought sharper styling, upgraded infotainment (10.25-inch screen), and enhanced ADAS.

✅ Strengths

Stunning 'Shooting Brake' design, arguably the best-looking car in its class.
Massive and practical boot (594 liters) with under-floor storage compartments.
1.6 CRDi engine is incredibly frugal (easily achieves 4.5 L/100km on the highway).
Kia's transferable 7-year / 150,000 km warranty provides excellent peace of mind.
High level of standard equipment (GT-Line and GT trims only).
Excellent physical ergonomics (retained physical buttons for climate control).

⚠️ Weaknesses

Rearward visibility is notoriously poor due to the sloping roofline and tiny rear window.
Ride quality is quite firm, especially on the GT model with 18-inch wheels.
Road and tire noise intrusion at highway speeds is higher than in a VW Golf.
7DCT (Dry Dual-Clutch) can be jerky at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic.
Rear headroom is slightly compromised for tall passengers compared to the standard Ceed SW.

🎯 Verdict

The Kia ProCeed 1.6 CRDi is an outstanding choice for drivers who cover high annual mileages and want a vehicle that stands out from the mundane estate crowd. The Smartstream diesel engine is highly reliable, incredibly efficient, and perfectly suited for highway cruising. While the 7DCT transmission requires a specific driving style in heavy traffic to avoid premature wear, the overall mechanical package is robust. If you find a well-maintained example with a full Kia service history (keeping the 7-year warranty intact), it is a highly recommended purchase. Avoid the diesel ONLY if your commute consists primarily of short, urban trips, as the DPF will inevitably clog; in that case, opt for the excellent 1.5 T-GDI petrol.