THE Kia pro_cee’d is like a Korma curry. At first sight it might look hot, but in reality it’ll only warm your insides. Matt Westcott reports on the stylish coupe for those who aren’t overly obsessed by power.

On the road: THE pro_c’eed certainly catches the eye, as is the case with almost all of the designs eminating from the pencil of Peter Schreyer. The front has the air of a slightly angry dragon, bear with me, especially those slanted headlight eyes and there are more creases and folds down the flanks than on my face. it comes with a choice of three engines, two petrol and one diesel. There’s a non-turbo 1.6 litre petrol, a turbo-powered 1.6 GDi and finally a 1.6 CRDi diesel. Our turbo petrol felt like it took a while to pick up the pace, but more than held its own when it did. Nought to 60mph takes 7.4 seconds, while the top speed comes in at 143mph. There’s a good level of grip and the body seems well sorted. On the downside, I found the steering didn’t communicate enough and my son, who has a penchant for something sporty, complained the ride was a little hard. I, though, have had worse experiences.

On the inside: THE pro_cee’d has a modern interior but there is an over-reliance on black, especially in front of you. Although there are plenty of buttons to fiddle with, both on the steering wheel and the centre console, they are all pretty straightforward when it comes to what they do. Vision is somewhat restricted out of the back and my smaller back seat passengers did not like the steep rake of the rear windows, one even found sitting there induced nausea.

What do you get: YOU shouldn’t lack for kit, whichever pro_cee’d you opt for. Available in two trim levels, S and SE, entry level cars come with 16ins alloys, projection headlights with cornering lights, LED daytime running lamps, foglights, privacy glass and chrome-tipped oval exhaust. In addition there is black upholstery has faux leather inserts, leather trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and gearlever, one-touch electric windows, heated and folding door mirrors and reversing sensors. Air conditioning, six speaker radio/CD with iPod and USB, Bluetooth and voice recognition are also included. SE models add, among other items, 17ins alloys with anthracite highlights, dual-zone climate controls, rain-sensing wipers, seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, colour reversing camera and keyless entry and engine start-stop button.

How practical is it: WITH three doors instead of five getting in and out of the rear isn’t as easy as the regular cee’d. However, large doors, allied to the sliding front seat meant that putting children into their car seats wasn’t as much of a headache as it might have been. I had no issues over interior space and was able to accommodate three in the rear seats without any trouble. It also has a very practical boot which, at 380 litres, easily passed the pushchair test. With seats down that increases to 1,225 litres.

Running costs: THE pro_cee’d is relatively kind on your pocket with 46.3mpg on the combined cycle a possibility, according to Kia. I managed around 40mpg during my week with the car. CO2 emissions come in at 171 g/km.

Verdict: LOOKS the part and if you are prepared to compromise a little when it comes to out and out speed, is good value for money.

Alternatives: Vauxhall Astra GTC, SEAT Leon SC