Great value, hugely improved quality, a sensible choice – that's Kia. But sexy? Now hold on a minute. But suddenly Kia has something to shout about that's a little more stylish, a little more sporty.

It's the  dynamic new Kia pro-cee'd three-door – the third member of its European-designed and built cee'd family.

We've had five-door and estate car versions of cee'd . We've almost got used to saying and typing the name.

Now comes the new star of the show in the dynamic form of the longer, lower and lighter pro cee'd three-door, Golf-sized hatch that's aiming to steal some of the thunder from cars like that, as well as Astra and Focus.

Before its tyres have even trodden tarmac, pro_cee'd immediately has an ace up its sleeve that the others just can't match. Pro_cee'd comes with a unique seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty that's unique in class.

And Kia breaks the mould again by presenting a car that isn't considered a poor relation to its five-door equivalent. Many manufacturers just discard a couple of doors from their five-door models, change the side body panels and think that's enough.

But while it's instantly recognisable as a member of the cee'd family, the three-door  has opted for a longer and lower profile and the 30mm reduction in height and 15mm extra  length gives it a low, coupe-like stance and strong road presence.

This, in turn, has an enhancing effect on performance, steering and handling, which suits the sporty pro_ cee'd down to the ground in its attempt to present itself as a sporty three-door that aims to attract  new, younger buyers or  young-at-heart older couples whose fledglings have fled the nest.

And the new pro (if I may call it that) even has a surgically-enhanced facial job to set it apart, with shallower grille, new-style headlamps, wider and lower bumper and deeper central air intake.

Add to this a steeply-rising beltline and blade-like line that leads into the rear arches and it's quite an impressive visual achievement.

Inside that lower roofline and small windows gives the pro an intimate feel. Kia  have also totally redesigned the rear seat to make it more instantly versatile with the three-door body when it comes to luggage carrying.

The 60:40 split rear backrest simply folds down onto the cushion, with no need to adjust or remove the headrests. It's easy to instantly convert the rear section into an impressive load-carrying area that's deep and wide – the resulting load floor lies almost flat, the tailgate opens very high for easy access and there's a good cutaway area for loading large goods – although you'll have to lift them up and over a fairly deep rear lip.

From a driver's point of view, the pro version is also a winner. The entry-level  grade smooth, quiet, 1.6-litre pro_cee'd 2 I drove is powered by a smooth, quiet engine that's never flustered or noisy, even when pushed hard through the revs.

A five-speed gearbox boasts a positive, light and easy shift and handling is secure, in touch and safe, with decently involving steering.
Add to this an excellent, absorbing ride, easy access to rear seats, smart and simple interiors and it's a pleasant package that's hard to find fault with.

The pro version also provides bags of useful oddments space, including a sunglasses case at roof height above the interior mirror.

Main dials displays are easy read-out, with 30mph marked off in red on the speedo,  and the dash is easy to find your way around. Long cushioned seats lack some side support but are easy to adjust finely and shore you up well on a long run.

Three-door glamourpuss pro_cee'd is set to win over a whole new set of motoring fans and can only enhance the name that's one of the most fast-growing in the business.
 
At a glance:

• Stylish, sporty and dynamic Kia pro_ee'd is third cee'd variant and the only three-door in Europe with a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.


• Dynamic design, European styling, a sporting first for Kia.


• iPod compatibility, USB port5, AUX input and MP3 capability as standard.


• Pricing starts at less than £12,000 on the road.


• Designed and built in Europe, built at Kia's state-of-the-art factory in Slovakia.


• Longer, lower and lighter than five-door cee'd; only the bonnet and front wings are transferable between the two.


• 30mm reduction in height and longer body length gives model low, couple-like stance.


• Restyled rear seat for easy luggage versatility for three-door, plus simple front door entry to rear seats.


• Kia plans a seven-model pro_cee'd line-up based on five engines and three trim levels.


• No price difference between three- and five-door models.