The new five-door Kia Cerato GT is a welcome but unusual new option for those looking for a sports-oriented hatchback.
For a start, the Cerato is bigger and therefore more practical than some competitors, and the top-of-the-range GT offers genuinely swift performance.
The launch of the fourth-generation Cerato range marks a welcome return to the New Zealand market for one of Kia’s most popular models.
Kia Motors New Zealand ran out of Cerato models to sell in August last year, and has had to wait until now to launch the larger, lower and much better-equipped new models.
They are an unusual shape in an era where many manufacturers have adopted a safe but almost uniform design for their compact hatchbacks.
The new Cerato blends more of a The new five-door Kia Cerato GT is a welcome but unusual new option for those looking for a sports-oriented hatchback.
For a start, the Cerato is bigger and therefore more practical than some competitors, and the top-of-the-range GT offers genuinely swift performance.
The launch of the fourth-generation Cerato range marks a welcome return to the New Zealand market for one of Kia’s most popular models.
Kia Motors New Zealand ran out of Cerato models to sell in August last year, and has had to wait until now to launch the larger, lower and much better-equipped new models.
They are an unusual shape in an era where many manufacturers have adopted a safe but almost uniform design for their compact hatchbacks.
The new Cerato blends more of a traditional station-wagon design with hatchback practicality, and the overall result is a pleasant-looking vehicle.
Kia hopes the whole Cerato range of hatchbacks and sedans will sell well not only because they present an attractive package, but also because at least three big-selling models in the compact sector are no longer available — the Nissan Pulsar, Holden Cruze and Mitsubishi Lancer.
There are three model variants in the new Cerato range, starting with the LX models from $31,990, the EX models from $35,990 and the GT Line models, from $39,990.
The LX, EX and GT Line models are powered by a new 2-litre engine that puts out 112kW of power and 192Nm of torque. However the “full fruit” GT model as tested starts at $41,990. It is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine, putting out 150kW and 265 Nm of torque.
It also comes with four years (or 40,000km) of free servicing, and a five-year (or 100,000km) warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance and incident care package.
The GT also features a dual-clutch 7-speed self-shifting transmission, and an independent suspension system that has been tweaked by Kia engineers in Australia for Australasian road conditions.
They introduced sport mapping for steering sharpness and weighting, with more precise gear shift points in Sport Mode, plus a more aggressive suspension tune.
The GT has a multi-link independent rear suspension system helping to deliver a sporty ride. The GT has 18in sport rims that not only look good but house tyres that have plenty of grip, all of which gives the driver plenty of confidence.
While the ride is firm, it is far from uncomfortable.
One of our longer test drives involved an unusually wet Friday afternoon, with Auckland’s motorway system jammed up as a result. A commute that normally takes between two and a quarter to two and a half hours took almost four hours.
Four hours behind the wheel in any vehicle can be testing, but I got out at the destination with no pain in the rear, just the frustration of losing almost two hours of life in a never-ending traffic jam. It was a testimony to the quality of the seats in the Kia Cerato GT, which remained comfortable throughout.
Another impressive feature is the adaptive cruise control. On the return journey to Auckland over a variety of road conditions I was able to engage the cruise control and let it do most of the heavy work. It is a system that quickly gains the driver’s confidence.
Kia Motors NZ says all Cerato models now have a suite of active safety technology that includes the latest autonomous engine braking system incorporating pedestrian and cyclist recognition, which helps the model achieve a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating.
There are also steering and lane-keep assist functions that are not too interventionist, which operate speedily but not aggressively to maintain the vehicle’s position on the road.
This is no hot hatch, with acceleration to 100km/h in the high seven seconds, but it is brisk.
Nor is it a match for more track-oriented models such as the Hyundai i30N or the Honda Civic Type R, but then it isn’t in their price range.
Instead it’s an everyday car for drivers who want reasonable performance and comfort.
Kia Motors NZ admits the ride is firm, but I found it more comfortable than many other sports-oriented models.
It is also a practical option for those wanting to enjoy their driving, because of its more than ample interior. The hatch has 428 litres of boot space with the rear seats up. There is plenty of elbow room in the cabin and the rear seats, although leg room may be tight for taller passengers.
There is an 8in touchscreen with integrated satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
With its flecks of red in the centre of the wheels and in the front grille, the Cerato GT has nice sporty touches without overtly advertising itself as a sports-oriented model. Inside there is even a flat-bottomed steering wheel to help persuade drivers they are in a sports model.