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CHICAGO MOTOR SHOW: Kia Cerato hatch 2013
New Kia Cerato hatch sports Euro-style design and two potent new engines, but the turbo is not coming to OzThe wraps have come off the next generation Kia Cerato hatch at the Chicago motor show. And Kia's fast-selling model in Australia will arrive in Oz roughly two-months after the April debut of the new Cerato sedan in Australia.
Known as the Kia Forte in the US and the K3 in Korea, the new Cerato hatch is one of the most important global debuts at this year's Chicago motor show, not least of all by dint of Kia's small car selling 2.5 million units globally, in previous generations dating back to 2004.
Based on a derivative of the Hyundai i30 platform, the new Rio hatch is wider, longer and lower than its predecessor and was designed in Seoul under the supervision of Kia's design boss and president, Peter Schreyer.
The 2013 Kia Cerato hatch shows off a sleek new look that incorporates many now-familiar Kia design cues, including a slim variation of its 'tiger nose' grille, stylish headlights and brake light designs with integrated LEDs and a smooth and sporty profile.
The Cerato hatch gains two new engines in 2013. One, designated 'Nu', is a 2.0-litre direct-injected naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 130kW/210Nm. This four-pot screamer has been confirmed for Australia in both hatch and sedan models and will give Mazda3s SP25 a run for its money.
Peak power of the Nu engine arrives at 6500 rpm and maximum torque crests at 4700 rpm. Kia is vouching for the new engine's durability having run for "300 continuous hours at redline under full load, then for an additional 20 hours at 10 percent above redline under full load".
The Cerato hatch will be available with the torquey 1.6-litre GDI turbo engine from the Hyundai Veloster Turbo SR, but not in our market, says Kia Australia's National Public Relations Manager Kevin Hepworth.
"It will be something that's being looked at, but at this stage there's no plan to bringing turbocharging to the hatch," he said.
Instead, Kia is expected to offer the beefy 1.6-litre turbo engine to Australian motorists in the European-sourced Kia pro_cee'd GT as its token hot hatch hero.
As such, the regular Kia Cerato models will soldier on with the multi-point injection 2.0-litre petrol engine developing roughly 118kW/194Nm, while the up-spec models will get the aforementioned direct-injected 130kW/210Nm mill.
Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available in Australian-delivered Cerato hatches.
Pricing for the new Cerato hatch hasn't been nailed down, but it is understood that Kia Australia wants to keep a sub $20K price point to rival models such as the Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Lancer that start at $19,990.
Mr Hepworth said Cerato hatch pricing will remain similar to current levels and will be "absolutely price competitive and value plussed for the segment". He said to expect a three-pronged attack with S, SL, and SLi model designations to continue.
American market Forte hatchbacks come in two trim levels, the base EX which gets a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights front and rear, FlexSteer adjustable steering and cruise control as standard.
Step up to the SX and more eye candy is added: 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, alloy pedals, not to mention bigger front brakes. Options include a 10-way adjustable driver's seat, push-button start with proximity key, auto-dimming rearview mirror, sunroof, heated front and rear seats and dual zone climate control.
Kia Australia will most likely offer these features in its range-topping Cerato SLi models. Or as Mr Hepworth puts it: "We would intend to continue doing what we're doing, which is load the cars with the best available fruit there is."
After the Cerato sedan and hatch models are respectively launched in April and July 2013, Kia will launch its third Cerato model – the Cerato Koup – late in December, or possibly January 2014.
Mr Hepworth said the two-door model will cap off the revitalised Cerato range and would probably be offered with just one engine type; likely the new 130kW 2.0-litre petrol unit.
"I would think that would be the case unless Koup ends up with the turbo," he added.
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Written byFeann Torr
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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