2015 Geneva Motor Show: Kia Proceed GT spy shots

Hottest Kia gets a facelift and a driveline changes, but Australian customers will miss out on the latest mechanical upgrades

THE Kia Proceed GT will get a dual-clutcher as part of its 2015 facelift that's pictured here, but the new transmission is not yet confirmed for Australia.

The Korean maker has confirmed that its luke-warm hot hatch will offer a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with the facelifted Proceed GT that it will reveal at the Geneva motor show. Already offered in the 1.6-litre petrol version, the six-speed dual-clutch unit will also be offered the (Europe only) diesel model, making it available range-wide.

Now the bad news: despite the dual-clutch transmission spreading across the European range, Kia has told Wheels that the new transmission is not locked in for Australian showrooms, but remains on the company’s wish-list. “We’d love it,” said a Kia Australia spokesperson. “We’re still asking for it, believe me, but it’s not coming at this stage.”

The Kia Proceed GT is currently offered only as a six-speed manual, unlike the car that shares its platform and drivetrain, the Hyundai Veloster. Australian Veloster buyers can chose a six-speed automatic in its flagship SR Turbo model, priced at $35,990.

Kia offers a six-speed automatic version of its Kia Cerato Koup that sits below the Proceed GT in its line-up.

The announcement came as Kia also confirmed a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder for European models that, again, is not heading Down Under.

Kia can confirm that the Australian market Proceed GT, which is built in Kia's Czech factory, will be given a mild facelift that doesn't drastically alter the superb Peter Schreyer styling of the current version, as well as trim and mechanical improvements.

The 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder will remain at its current 150kW/265Nm output, but Kia Australia says that significant work is being carried out on the GT’s steering and suspension, the latter focusing on ride quality (which is currently not exactly a major complaint).

Pricing for the Kia Proceed GT is expected to remain unchanged with a starting price of $29,990 when the facelift arrives in October 2015.