Kia’s low, lean ProCeed, the third in a family of new Ceed models, adds an overtly sporty edge to a five-door tourer.

Its raked coupé-like shape makes it stand out from the crowd, but it hides a supremely practical, spacious five-seater family car.

Designed as the sportiest member of the Ceed model family, the third generation ProCeed comes with a choice of three engines, two transmissions and three trim lines – GT-Line, GT-Line S and the high-performance GT model driven here.

Powered by a 201 horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the potent GT was the focus of some special attention.

Designed and engineered in Europe, all ProCeed models are built in Slovakia, and Kia says the GT received six months of additional testing on European roads to increase both traction and steering responsiveness.

Stiffer front and rear springs increase body control and improve steering inputs, and softer front and rear anti-roll bars help to keep its inside wheels in contact with the road, even under hard cornering.

The result is a car that delivers sharp, precise handling while still giving relaxed long-distance cruising.

Inside, a black cloth roof lining gives a cosy feel and the door sills have metallic scuff plates.

A motorsport-style D-shaped, leather-trimmed steering wheel is standard and on the test car, which had dual-clutch automatic transmission, you can change also gear using a pair of alloy steering wheel paddles.

GT seats have large side bolsters to pin both the driver and front seat passenger firmly in place and are finished in black leather and faux suede with red stitching and a GT logo.

The interior is as luxurious as it is sporty, with welcome deluxe touches on a frosty day such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The dashboard is dominated by a ten-inch touchscreen which controls everything from satellite navigation and telephone, to the audio system.

Standard safety technologies include driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, high beam assist and forward collision warning with forward collision-avoidance assist.

All models are fitted with a reversing camera system with guidelines to help you slot into tight parking spaces.

The GT model also comes with front and rear parking sensors and a parking assistance system that will automatically guide the car into both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

All models have 'ice cube' LED daytime running lights built into the headlights, and LED tail-lights which span the entire width of the tailgate.

The rear of the car adds a lot to the distinctive look, with dual-tip exhausts and the ProCeed name spelled out in capitals across the centre of the tailgate.

The boot space is only slightly less than the Ceed Sportswagon and half as big again as the Ceed five-door hatchback, and complete with neat touches like an underfloor storage area to stow smaller items and a bag hook to stop objects rolling around.

Distinctive and well-appointed, the ProCeed is a head-turning car with real driver appeal.

Auto facts

Model: Kia ProCeed GT

Price: £28,140

Insurance group: 22

Fuel consumption (combined): 39.3mpg

Top speed: 140mph

Length: 460.5cm/180.8in

Width: 180cm/70.7in

Luggage capacity: 594 litres/20.9 cu ft

Fuel tank capacity: 11 gallons/50 litres

CO2 emissions: 142g/km

Warranty: Seven years/100,000 miles