Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The stylish new Kia Cerato comes with the latest 6-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, and sporty steering wheel paddle gear shifters on the top version.
Joining the 4-door sedan and 2-door Koup in Kia’s range of mid-size cars, the Cerato is powered by the Theta II, four-cylinder, 2-litre CVVT engine.
Kia says the new Cerato hatchback comes in thousands of dollars under 2-litre 5-door competitors like the Hyundai i30 – with which it shares platform and some running gear – and the Ford Focus. However, they only have a 4-speed automatic, compared to the Cerato’s 6-speed.
At the front, there is a new radiator grille, new lower air-intake grille and new-shape fog lamps. on the 2011 model The door mirrors now come with LED repeaters and the two hatchback models sold here in New Zealand, LX and SX, wear re-styled ‘double five-spoke’ 16-inch and 17-inch respectively. A rear diffuser allows the exhaust tailpipe to be displayed.
To maximise cabin versatility, the Cerato hatchback rear seat cushion and backrest are split 60/40, with the cushion flipping forwards and the backrest folding down to create a completely flat cargo floor. The extended roofline of the 5-door creates an extra 20mm of rear seat headroom.
Work has been done on the suspension system, and there is also electric power-assisted steering (MDPS – motor driven power steering), which results in an estimated 2-to-3% fuel-saving.
Standard safety systems include ESC (electronic stability control), active front headrests and dual front/side and curtain airbags.
Both Cerato hatchback models feature a long list of equipment, including keyless remote central locking with alarm, power windows, steering wheel-mounted cruise control/audio controls/Bluetooth, alloy wheels, electric/heated door mirrors incorporating LED indicators and leather steering wheel/gearshift trim.
The SX model gains leather upholstery, reach and tilt adjustable steering column, paddle gear shifters on the steering wheel, chrome door handles and exhaust tip, climate control (LX has manual air), trip computer, CD changer with audio system and reverse warning sensors.
Prices for the new Kia Cerato 5-door hatchback are $30,490+ORC for the LX and $34,490+ORC for the SX. The pricing includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty programme with 24-hour roadside assist, free 1500km first service and the all-new Kia Incident Care.
