HERE'S a question to ponder...just how hot do you like your hot hatch?

There are sure to be those who won't be satisfied unless the front tyres are smoking and the brakes glowing. They are the bar-stool bores who sling bhp figures at you like lottery numbers. Others are more concerned with real-world performance and ‘usability'.

A quick glance at the spec of Kia's first foray into the warm hatch sector reveals...nothing hugely startling.

The pro_cee'd GT, as it is somewhat strangely named, is a neat 1.6-litre turbocharged three-door which knocks out a respectable 201bhp. With a slick six-speed manual gearbox and front drive it will sail past 62mph in a swift but unremarkable 7.4 seconds and top out at 143mph.

But the stats are just a small part of the equation. For the GT is one of those pleasant undemanding drives that tend to achieve impressive average speeds without leaving the driver either shaken or stirred.

The ample low-down urgency of the engine coupled to its general level of refinement mean that progress is deceptively rapid. B

igger brakes, more stiffening in the suspension together stickier, low profile rubber add to the sporty effect and reinforce the belief that Kia haven't merely upped the power and stuck on a bodykit to earn their spurs.

On the subject of styling, the GT has a number of relatively subtle mods that help it stand out from the crowd.

A new honeycomb grille, deep front spoiler marked out with red pin-striping and striking quad LED lights give it immediate identity. These touches are complemented by side skirts, two-tone multi-spoke alloys and twin exhausts.

The overall effect is stylishly dramatic without being over-the-top. With its pronounced wedge- shape, the flagship pro-cee'd looks the business.

Handling is safe and tidy and cornering is tenacious enough, but don't expect Megane-like sensitivity or it to have quite the fluency of the Golf GTi.

The steering is tight and competent but it lacks a degree of feedback that keen drivers might hope for. On the plus side, bumps and road imperfections are easily sorted with little upset to passengers.

The general standard of ride is better than most sporty small cars.

The long warranty of seven years is an attractive bonus to Kia products, particularly to private buyers aiming to keep motoring costs down.

On the economy front, the GT isn't the most efficient model in its class with an emissions figure 171g/km which equates with a combined consumption of 38.2mpg. In my hands, it averaged 36.7mpg during some fast cross-country driving and quite a lot of heavy traffic motoring.

Considering the compact dimensions of the model, cabin space is generous for four. And the hatchback rear boot can absorb no less than 380 litres with rear seats in place. The GT - priced at £19,995 - is available only as a three-door.