The much-awaited hatchback version of the 2019 Kia Cerato has been previewed by the reveal of the Korean-specification K3 hatchback last week. Subtly different to the latest generation of the Euro twin Ceed, the K3 hatchback will morph into Australia’s Cerato hatch when it goes on sale in early 2019.
Previewed by the warm 1.6-litre turbo petrol GT variant, the Korean-spec K3 GT – the Cerato’s name in Korea – has also been revealed in sedan form, which previews the incoming 2019 Kia Cerato GT sedan for Australia. The addition of GT and hatchback variants will complete the Cerato range in Australia.
Revealed in the K3’s home market of South Korea, the 2019 Kia Cerato GT will launch locally in early 2019. To sit in the Cerato range like the closely-related Hyundai i30 SR does to the regular i30 range, the Cerato GT will be powered by the same 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, matched to a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.2L/100km on a combined cycle, and CO2 emissions are listed as 139g/km.
Compared with the i30 SR, there are a number of exterior and interior styling treatments to mark the GT is more than a regular Cerato. 18-inch alloy wheels are the most obvious differentiator, but look closer and you notice the sportier styling, larger front intake, sports grille with red highlights, as well as the GT badging front and rear. Black mirror caps, as well as dual exhaust pipes, feature, as well as lowered suspension with an independent rear.
Inside the K3 GT, deeply bolstered leather sports seats feature proudly, as does a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with red stitching throughout the cabin, configurable interior mood lighting and a subtle GT badge on the steering wheel. Choose a K3 GT with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and you also get steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Being a top-of-the-line product, the K3 GT is equipped with safety technologies such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam and rear cross traffic alert.
Kia Australia have confirmed the 2019 Kia Cerato hatchback and Cerato GT for an early 2019 release, with hatchback pricing expected to be identical to the sedan, which is priced from $19,990 drive away for the six-speed manual. GT variants are likely to be priced closer to $30,000.
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