Addition of the hatchback model to Kia’s universally acclaimed Cerato small car range should sound alarm bells at rival brands.
Good as the Cerato is, the hatchback’s arrival also rings-in 2011 model year upgrades for the sedan and sporty Koup versions…and all of a sudden Kia has a truly intimidating small car team.
Styling remains a standout, the 2.0-litre engine remains a beauty, refinement is enhanced, ride and handling are improved and prices remain sharp.
Small car buyers have we got your attention?
Kia Cerato Hatchback Overview
When launched in 2009, Kia Cerato sedan wowed the critics with its superb European styling, excellent 2.0-litre petrol engine, surprising interior space and all-round quality. Earlier this year, the Kia Cerato sedan was joined by the good-looking Koup and then – capturing the spirit of Toyota’s original Celica – Australians again had an affordable sports coupe.
Now the Cerato hatchback has rounded-out the range.
The Kia Cerato hatchback has the same stylish good looks, same wheelbase and even more interior space. The excellent 2.0-litre engine remains but now with new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
For cargo space, the new Kia Cerato hatchback matches the segment-best Ford Focus with 385-litres.
While Kia Cerato sedan is available in three specification grades – S, Si and SLi, the hatchback dispenses with the entry-level version and is available only in Si (from $20,240) and high-spec SLi (from $24,040).
Kia Cerato Hatchback Engine
All Cerato models share the same engine – Kia’s 2.0-litre ‘Theta II’ unit.
With 115kw at 6,200 rpm, the Kia Cerato is the most powerful vehicle in the small car segment and its 194Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm is shaded only by the Mitsubishi Lancer (198Nm).
Coinciding with the launch of the Kia Cerato hatchback, all Cerato models (hatch, sedan and Koup) switch to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions – Kia Cerato is the only small car to offer six-speeders in both manual and automatic models. The six-speed automatic provides regular or sport modes and, in the range-topping Kia Cerato SLi, comes with steering wheel paddle shifters for sporty manual operation.
The new transmissions have delivered enhanced fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre powerplant – Kia Cerato manual is down to 7.5l/100kms and the auto reduces to 7.7l/100kms. Exhaust emissions are down too – the manual rated at 186g/km and the auto at 187g/km.
Kia Cerato enjoys a very competent engine – the 2.0-litre revs freely and goes about its work in a quiet and refined way. Zero to 100km/h takes 9.1 seconds – of comparable cars, only Honda’s Civic covers the standing 100km/h slightly quicker.
Kia Cerato Hatchback Interior
Kia Cerato sedan surprised with its interior spaciousness and the hatchback version continues the trend. In fact, the extended hatchback roofline has delivered an extra 20mm of rear seat headroom.
Front headroom at 1,015mm matches the Hyundai i30 for being the best in class.
Kia Cerato hatchback Si models score the same black tricot fabric trim as the Koup, while SLi versions go uptown with black ‘Mesh Rachel’ fabric with red stitching - or optional leather seats - plus metallic-look trim features. Rear seats in the Kia Cerato hatchback split-fold 60/40.
As part of the Model Year 2011 changes, all models (sedan, hatch and Koup) gain new centre consoles.
Audio remains an in-dash CD system with Power Bass plus MP3/iPod compatibility and AUX/USB input. Bluetooth connectivity is standard in Kia Cerato hatchback.
Kia Cerato Hatchback Exterior & Styling
Kia’s styling team, under the direction of former Volkswagen designer Peter Schreyer, continue to produce outstanding work. The Kia Cerato sedan earned immediate praise for its bold good looks and the hatchback continues the theme.
Compared to the sedan, Kia Cerato hatchback gains a unique roof, rear side panels, C-pillar, tailgate (with roof spoiler), rear bumper and light clusters (with good-looking etching-processed lenses). The front features a new radiator grille, new lower air intake and new fog lights.
Door mirrors for the Kia Cerato hatchback gain LED indicator lights and the newcomer also scores new ‘double five-spoke’ 17-inch alloy wheels.
Many of the exterior changes apply to the 2011 model year Kia Cerato sedan and Koup ranges which are on sale in January.
Kia Cerato Hatchback On The Road
Kia Cerato hatchback becomes the second Kia new model (after the Sportage compact SUV) to benefit from Australia testing and suspension tuning. The local work was undertaken over 12 months and resulted in Australian Kia Cerato hatchbacks running unique calibration for springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
Similar story for the MDPS (motor driven power steering) which scores a unique Australian tune.
The localised modifications flow to Kia Cerato Sedan and Koup models from the 2011 model year vehicles.
Kia Cerato runs a modern MacPherson strut front/torsion beam rear suspension set-up and comes standard with a comprehensive list of safety features including electronic stability control.
On the road that all translates into very impressive on-road dynamics. Ride and handling is very competent with nice isolation from road noise, low NVH and good chassis balance.
Our test route covered a variety of roads from Sydney Airport, out west, along the iconic Putty Road and into the Hunter Valley. As usual, several sections of the Putty were marked with a rough, pot-holed surface and the Kia Cerato Hatchback remained impressively poised even at high speeds.
Kia Cerato Hatchback Challenges
No sign of a diesel-powered Cerato, which would really complete a superb small car family for the Korean powerhouse brand.
Kia Cerato Hatchback Verdict
There isn’t a weak link in the Kia Cerato line-up – sedan, Koup and now hatchback are nicely styled, well-equipped, great to drive and sharply priced. With vehicles like these, an SUV range including stars like the Sorrento and Sportage - plus the upcoming Optima mid-size sedan - it’s no wonder Kia is a brand all other automotive companies are watching closely.
Kia Cerato Hatchback The Competition
Tough, very, very tough – that’s the Australian small car segment. Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Holden Cruze all line-up against the Kia Cerato for consumer dollars.
The good news for Kia is the Cerato presents well against any rival. If you’re looking to buy a small car, the Cerato is a ‘must include’ on your list.
Kia Cerato Hatchback Likes:
Outstanding looks outside and in; first-rate driving dynamics; value
Kia Cerato Hatchback Dislikes:
Good as the 2.0-litre petrol is, we’d like an available diesel
