Hatchbacks come in all sizes, but the shape is generally the same. There is the larger luggage entrance at the back via an upward opening door that makes it that much more useful for placing larger objects onto the cargo floor. The cargo practicality of the Kia Cerato Hatch will appeal to many when they consider between the choice of a hatch and sedan Cerato. You won’t be able to say that the new Kia Cerato Hatch is boring, though. With its own unique and striking exterior styling you’ll be surprised at the number of approving looks you’ll be getting your way as you drive the Cerato Hatch out on the commute.

There are three variants of the Kia Cerato Hatch. Base models get the 1.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out a solid 110 kW. Fuel efficiency is very good, and you can rest in the knowledge that this snazzy hatch won’t cost a bomb to run. Fuel efficiency sits at 7.5 litres/100 km for the manual on a combined cycle, and where the car really shines is out on the open road where you can get the consumption down to as low as 5.8 litres/100 km. A peppier 129 kW, 2.0-litre petrol engine is also available, and all three versions (S, Si and SLi) have the option of applying the power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed auto. Pricing is right, and if you are in the running for a new small hatchback, Kia is offering the Cerato Hatch with a comprehensive five year unlimited km warranty. It’s a bargain, really… I mean where else can you get the level of features that include top safety for under $20 K (S variant). Ride comfort is a big step up over the older model, and the car handles with plenty of composure.

Kia also realises that the new owners of the Cerato Hatch will want to tow a small trailer from time-to-time, so the added bonus of having a specially designed Kia towing package will be the right optional extra come buying time, for some. Capable of towing a 450 kg un-braked trailer or 1200 kg braked trailer, running a load of green waste to the tip is a breeze for the Cerato.

All versions get disc brakes for both the front and the rear. 15-inch rims for the S and Si models, while the SLi boasts some nice looking 17-inch wheels. Unlike some of the cars rivals, the Kia Cerato Hatch has a full size spare wheel. It’s good to see this, as any long journey can be hugely hampered with the restrictions of travelling on a tiny spare wheel.

ABS, EBD, BA, ESC and TCS are all Active safety features that, in the Kia Cerato Hatch, make them within arm’s reach of the budget new-car buyer. This is great news. Driver and front passenger airbags which include front side SRS airbags (pelvis & thorax protection) are standard, and curtain SRS airbags the full length of the cabin are also standard, and these are the airbags that protect the head. A bright high mounted rear stop light clearly reveals to any followers that you’re slowing. Dusk sensing automatic headlamps is an advanced feature on the SLi model, though it is an option you can consider putting on the S and Si models. LED lights are also part of the SLi package.

Being longer, wider and lower, than the outgoing model, has to be a winning formula for the new Cerato Hatch. The seats are comfortable for any lengthy journeys, while the leg room is good for its class. Though perhaps not up to the standard of a Golf or Civic Hatch, the interior trim looks nice, and the switchgear is simple, easy to read and a piece-of-cake to use. Optional on the S and Si is some of the more fancy interior detailing in the form of chrome edging for the door handles and centre console. Power windows are standard on all models for both the rear and front windows. There is a handy rear centre armrest and the rear seats do split-fold in a 60:40 ratio. Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls and a six-function trip computer is for the SLi, however a six speaker audio, heaps of storage and SDVC (Speed Dependent Volume Control) is standard on all Kia models.

The modern, bold looks of the new Kia Cerato Hatch will appeal to the greater public, and the car comes in nine exterior colours that look fabulous and match the smart Cerato Hatch lines.

Be in, and grab yourself a stylish bargain. The new Cerato Hatch is ideal for a small family first car or as a back-up second car.

The current Kia Cerato Hatch includes the:

• Cerato Hatch S
• Cerato Hatch Si
• Cerato Hatch SLi

For any more information on the Kia Cerato Hatch, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Kia dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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