PRODUCING an outright performance model hasn't been much of a priority for Korean car company Kia.

So when the progressive brand launched its first foray in that direction it was more a case of dipping a toe in to test the water.

The past six years has seen a design-led revolution from Kia, one which has transformed the marque's image, public perception and sales - now performance has been added to the mix.

Result is the sleek and low slung pro-cee'd GT, which is powered by a turbocharged version of the company's 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine developing 201bhp and 265Nm of torque.

The engine drives through a six-speed manual transmission with revised gear ratios and a lower final drive to make the most of its pulling power.

What you get is an enthusiastic driving experience that becomes more rewarding the harder you push the car.

The serious numbers are 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 143mph while the brakes, with signature red callipers, are the largest of any fitted to the cee'd range.

Don't expect any sexy fuel figures though, because even the official average consumption is only 38.2mpg and CO2 emissions are on the high side at 171g/km.

Two trim levels are available and prices start from £19,995 for the GT grade with an extra £2,500 for the better equipped GT Tech.

Styled in Europe under the direction of design chief Peter Schreyer, the new car certainly looks dressed to thrill.

A broader bumper and aggressive lower air intake at the front, flanked by ice cube four-point LED daytime running lights and new fog lamps, are underscored by a red trim line - to give the GT more road presence.

Dual exhaust pipes, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black inserts complete the look, while the cabin boasts Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals, bespoke materials and a seven-inch racing car-inspired TFT instrument cluster.

Standard kit includes the likes of air-con, cruise control and speed limiter, automatic lights, cornering lights, reversing sensors, Bluetooth with music streaming and voice recognition, a six speaker radio/CD player with iPod connector, a unique LCD dash binnacle display, electric windows and privacy glass.

Move up to GT Tech and there's plenty more, like a seven-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, heated front seats and a reversing camera.

The pro_cee'd GT's cabin is an enjoyable place to be as well, with a classy feel to the switches, positive feedback from the steering and a tip-top sound system.

In fact the only missing ingredient was a sufficiently rasping engine note, which would have given the car a bit more drama.