With its sleek, hot hatch looks, the three-door Kia Pro_cee’d GT is first and foremost a performance car.

But, priced at just under £20,000, it’s also an affordable and a stylish one too.

Powered by a turbocharged version of the ‘Gamma’ 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine, developing 201bhp and 265Nm of torque, it may be a little on the thirsty side, but it is a comfortable ‘fast’ ride with very little roll and plenty of grip.

Re-tuned suspension ensures that it is more than capable of handling its impressive power and torque outputs.

Steering has been tuned for a more direct and sporting feel, and the Flex Steer function – which allows drivers to select from three levels of power assistance in other versions – has been removed in the GT.

The brakes are the largest of any fitted to the Cee’d range.

Two trim lines are on offer. They are the entry-level GT – as tested here – and the GT Tech.

The exterior has some great styling touches, including new front and rear bumper designs, side sill mouldings, dual exhausts, striking ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lights and 18-inch graphite grey ground-effect alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

Standard kit also includes air-conditioning, cruise control, automatic head-lights, reversing sensors, Bluetooth and a part-leather seat trim.

Upgrade to the GT Tech and you’ll get satnav, reversing camera, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, climate control and xenon headlights.

There is also a limited-edition launch model called the GT 1st Edition, which adds an electric sunroof as well.

Only 500 have been made, with just 50 earmarked for the UK.

Safety measures include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), six airbags with a cut-off switch for the front passenger’s seat, a seat-belt reminder warning and impact-sensing door unlocking.

The Pro_cee’d GT, like every Kia, comes with a seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes soonest.

Fact File:
Car:
Kia Pro_cee’d GT 1.6
Price: £19,995 (on the road)
Top speed: 143mph
0-60mph: 7.4 seconds
Fuel: 38.2mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 171g/km