Hottest new hatch wears Kia badge

Bobby Cheeetham


KIA South Africa (KMSA) has added a hatch to their popular Cerato sedan line-up. After the launch of the new Cerato sedan model in May this year, the company maintained its share and presence in the highly competitive C-segment in the local automotive industry.


Initially showcased at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year, the all-new Cerato 5-door hatchback impressed with its eye-catching and sporty design, quality finishes and surprising interior space and comfort levels, similar to those found on its sibling sedan model.


"We received very positive feedback after the Cerato sedan made its debut in South Africa back in May, and we expect the all-new Cerato 5-door will build upon that success," said David Sieff, marketing director of KMSA.


"The combination of a practical hatchback for carrying cargo and the sporty touches throughout the car make the all-new Cerato 5-door a dual threat in the segment."


Born from the Kia design studio in Seoul and overseen by Kia's global chief of design, Peter Schreyer, the Cerato 5-door's sophisticated hatchback profile, large wheels and aggressive posture gives it a distinctly European appearance that speaks to its sporty intentions.


Under the hood, the Cerato packs a punch, with the 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder Gamma engine putting out a healthy 95.3kW at 6300rpm and 157Nm of torque at 4850rpm through a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.


The higher specced 2.0 model comes standard with the highly competitive 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder Nu engine, producing 118kW at 6500rpm and 194.2Nm of torque at 4800rpm. This model will also be available in both manual and automatic transmissions.


What will appeal to many buyers is the high level of standard specifications in the funky vehicle.


Features such as the new large 4.3 inch TFT LCD centre facia, a smart welcome home lighting system and the new Flexsteer system sets the Cerato 5-door apart from its competition.


The hatch will be offered in three different equipment levels across two engines – the 1.6 EX, 2.0 EX and 2.0 SX offers a long list of premium amenities and features not normally found in the compact segment.


Inside, the Cerato 5-door features premium materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read white-on-black gauges nestle deeply into the instrument cluster. Chrome accents around the HVAC controls and carbon fibre-like textures on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch. A grippy leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are further evidence of the 5-door car's sporty attitude.


Safety technologies standard on all models include ABS (Anti–lock Braking System) with built-in EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), active headrests, impact sensing auto door unlock, a passenger airbag on/off switch, six airbags consisting of driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and fog lights.


SPECS


ENGINE: 2.0-litre type Nu, MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC


Capacity: 1999cc (2.0-litres)


Bore and stroke 81.0 x 97.0 mm


Power: 118kW @ 6500 rpm


Torque: 194.2Nm @ 4800rpm


Compression ratio: 10.3:1


Fuelling: Multi-point injection, 16 valves




ENGINE: Type 1.6-litre Gamma, MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC


Capacity 1591cc (1.6-litres)


Bore and stroke: 77.0 x 85.4mm


Power: 95.3kW @ 6300rpm


Torque: 157Nm @ 4850rpm


Compression ratio: 10.5:1


Fuelling: Multi-point injection, 16 valves




CERATO HATCH PRICES :


1.6 EX R229995


1.6 EX R239995


2.0 EX R259995


2.0 EX R269995


2.0 SX R289995


2.0 SX R299995




The Cerato range comes standard with a five-year/150000km warranty, five-year/90000km service plan and a three -year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan.

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