IF you need the practicality of an estate but crave the sportiness of a coupe, then the shooting brake style of car is probably the answer.

Unfortunately, shooting brake cars have long been the prerogative of the premium brands, with Mercedes Benz, Porsche and Jaguar leading their revival in recent years.

But Kia is offering something a little more affordable in the shape of its ProCeed, which builds on the success of the Ceed hatchback and gives it the versatility of a tourer.

In fact, the ProCeed shares only the bonnet and front wings of its hatchback sibling and is only available in the higher GT-Line, GT-Line S and GT trims.

So what we have here is a well-equipped, stylish alternative to the hatchback with the DNA of a coupe and 594-litre carrying capacity of an estate.

It’s a low rider with a swept-back design, slightly longer than the more traditional Ceed Sportswagon.

I tested the GT-Line S version mated to Kia’s turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine and seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. A 1.6-litre petrol unit is also available, along with a 1.6-litre diesel.

The test car was priced at £28,690, which is considerably lower than premium offerings. But Kia has paid particular attention to comfort and convenience, and you will not feel short-changed.

For starters, there are electric folding wing mirrors and a powered boot lid. Slip into cabin and the ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat slides into position. It’s an impressive start.

Kia calls it an “emotionally engaging” car, justified in part by the low, lean and lithe look. Coupled with the dramatic ice-cube LED daytime running lights and tiger nose grille, it certainly has presence. Even at the back there are aspects to admire, notably the new wide bumper and dual-tip exhausts.

Inside, all is equally impressive. Soft-touch surfaces abound, the dashboard has a horizontal layout and a eight-inch touchscreen infortainment system coupled with audio, ventilation and heating controls dominate the central area.

A D-shaped leather-trimmed steering wheel comes as standard and if you opt for the excellent automatic transmission you can switch gears with alloy paddles.

GT-Line versions also get rather sporty cloth and faux leather seats, and if you upgrade to the GT-Line S the seats feature larger side bolsters.

Space is ample for both front and rear seat occupants, but be warned that the lower hip-point may well require you to flop rather than slide into your seat. That’s a price you pay for low and lithe.

With a 625-litre boot and 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats, the GT-Line S can cope with most luggage demands, but I found the luggage floor rail system intrusive and unnecessary.

The GT-Line S is only available with the 1.4 petrol unit match with the dual clutch transmission. This engine is certain to be the best seller, propelling the car from 0 to 62mph in under ten seconds and topping 40mpg.

It provides for a relaxed drive – and that’s exactly what you want in a shooting brake – but the tweaked suspension provides for an engaging drive on back roads.

There are two drive modes available on auto versions – normal and. While the normal mode provides for relaxed steering inputs, the sport mode enhances throttle responses and brings with it faster acceleration from either at standstill or at speed.

Comprehensively kitted out with safety technology, the GT-Line S also features a system that allows the car to park automatically in parallel, perpendicular or reverse scenarios, upgrades the audio-set-up and features front and rear parking sensors.

It’s a complete package for those looking for a car that can take on a lot of luggage but who do not want to spend premium brand amounts of cash and want the look and feel of an engaging car.

AT A GLANCE

Kia ProCeed 1.4T-GDi GT-Line S

Price: £28,690

Engine: Four-cylinder turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol, producing 138bhp

Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch auto

Performance: 0 to 60mph in 9.1 seconds; top speed 127mph

Economy: 42.8mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 133g/km

RATINGS

Performance: ****

Economy: ****

Ride/Handling: ****

Space/Practicality: ****

Equipment: ****

Security/Safety: ****

Value For Money: *****

OVERALL: ****