11/04/2013
The Kia Cerato GT has established itself as a compelling option for those seeking a blend of sporty performance, modern technology, and everyday practicality. Positioned at the top of the Cerato range, the GT variant offers a significant step up from its more conventionally equipped siblings, delivering an engaging driving experience without compromising on comfort or advanced features. This article delves into the pricing, specifications, and unique selling points of the Kia Cerato GT, helping you understand what makes it a desirable choice in the competitive small car market.
Kia Cerato GT: Pricing and Value
When the new-generation Kia Cerato GT was launched, its pricing was a significant talking point. On Kia Australia's website, the 'build and price' configurator listed both the sedan and hatch variants of the Cerato GT for $32,990, with a drive-away price of $31,990. This pricing placed the Cerato GT in direct contention with rivals, offering a strong value proposition considering its standard equipment and performance credentials.
More recently, the updated 2022 Kia Cerato GT was priced from $36,990 drive away. This price point positions it against key competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai i30, highlighting Kia's strategy to offer a well-equipped and performance-oriented vehicle at a competitive price.
Engine and Performance: A Warm Hatch Experience
The heart of the Cerato GT is its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a punchy 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque, making it a 'warm' rather than a 'hot' hatch, but certainly a spirited performer in its class. This engine is shared with Hyundai's i30 N-Line, indicating a shared platform and a focus on delivering accessible performance.
A key differentiator for the Cerato GT, compared to its Hyundai counterpart, is the transmission. While the i30 N-Line offered a manual gearbox option, the Kia Cerato GT was exclusively available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This ensures smooth and rapid gear changes, contributing to both performance and fuel efficiency. Despite its sporty tuning, the GT variant is surprisingly economical, with combined fuel economy ratings of 6.8L/100km for the hatch and 6.9L/100km for the sedan on the ADR combined cycle, thanks to its efficient engine and advanced transmission.
Standard Features: Luxury and Technology
The Cerato GT is generously equipped with a host of standard features that enhance both comfort and convenience. Even in earlier iterations, the GT model boasted an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for effortless smartphone connectivity. Other notable features included digital DAB+ radio, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, and a sophisticated eight-speaker JBL sound system for an immersive audio experience. The cabin also featured a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, providing clear and concise driving information.
Comfort is a priority, with the GT typically including dual-zone climate control, premium leather trim, and heated and ventilated front sports seats. The driver's seat is usually eight-way adjustable, allowing for a personalised and comfortable driving position. The convenience of a proximity key and push-button start further elevates the premium feel of the Cerato GT.
Key Feature Breakdown:
| Feature | Cerato S | Cerato Sport | Cerato Sport+ | Cerato GT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8-inch | 10.25-inch | 10.25-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Wired & Wireless | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| Sound System | 6-speaker | 6-speaker | 6-speaker | JBL 8-speaker |
| Climate Control | Manual | Manual | Dual-zone | Dual-zone |
| Front Seats | Cloth | Cloth | Cloth | Leather, Heated & Ventilated |
| Keyless Entry/Start | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry | Smart Key & Push-button Start | Smart Key & Push-button Start |
| Wheels | 17-inch Alloy | 17-inch Alloy | 17-inch Alloy | 18-inch Alloy |
| Suspension | Standard | Standard | Standard | Sports Tuned |
| Safety Pack Option | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A |
Design and Dimensions
The facelifted third-generation Cerato, which has been in production since 2018, received a significant visual update. The front fascia, in particular, was redesigned with a new headlight design, grille, bumper, and fog light surrounds, giving it a more aggressive and modern appearance. The GT variant further distinguishes itself with a unique GT body kit, dual exhaust outlets, and high-gloss black door mirrors, enhancing its sporty aesthetic.
In terms of dimensions, the Kia Cerato hatch measures 4510mm long, 1800mm wide, and 1445mm tall (1440mm for the GT variant). The sedan version is slightly longer at 4640mm. Both body styles share a consistent wheelbase of 2700mm, contributing to their stable ride and handling characteristics. For those considering towing, all Cerato variants have a braked towing capacity rated at 1100 kilograms.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind
Safety is a paramount concern for modern car buyers, and the Kia Cerato range is well-appointed in this regard. The current-generation Cerato earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with a commendable 90 per cent score for adult occupant protection. Standard safety features across the entire range include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, and a Rear Occupant Alert.
The higher-spec Sport+ and GT variants often gain additional safety technologies. These can include Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, providing an extra layer of security and convenience on the road. The GT also benefits from the sporty chassis tuning, which can contribute to safer handling in emergency situations.
Warranty and Servicing: Kia's Commitment
A significant advantage of purchasing a Kia, including the Cerato GT, is the brand's renowned warranty and servicing package. All Kia products come with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for owners. Furthermore, Kia offers seven years of capped-price servicing, making ongoing maintenance predictable and more affordable. This commitment to long-term owner satisfaction is a key factor in Kia's growing popularity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Kia Cerato GT?
The pricing for the Kia Cerato GT has varied with model year updates. For the new-generation launch, it was listed at $32,990 (or $31,990 drive-away). For the 2022 update, the price increased to $36,990 drive away.
What engine does the Kia Cerato GT have?
The Kia Cerato GT is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 150kW and 265Nm.
Is the Kia Cerato GT available with a manual gearbox?
No, unlike some of its contemporaries, the Kia Cerato GT is exclusively offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What are the key differences between the Cerato GT and other Cerato models?
The GT variant stands out with its more powerful 1.6-litre turbo engine, sports-tuned suspension, unique GT body kit, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and premium interior features such as leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and an upgraded JBL sound system.
What is the wheelbase of the Kia Cerato?
The Kia Cerato, in both sedan and hatch body styles, has a wheelbase measuring 2700mm.
Conclusion
The Kia Cerato GT represents a compelling package for buyers seeking a sporty, well-equipped, and technologically advanced small car. With its engaging performance, comfortable and premium interior, comprehensive safety features, and Kia's industry-leading warranty, the Cerato GT offers significant value. Whether you opt for the sedan or the hatch, the GT variant provides a driving experience that punches above its weight, making it a strong contender in its segment.
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