Cerato hatch

KIA aimed to take on all comers in the Australian small-car market with the arrival of the hatchback version of its Cerato, which also marked the debut of new six-speed auto and manual transmissions.

The new six-speed automatic also had a manual mode, which could be operated by the gear lever (or steering-mounted paddle shifters in the upper-spec SLi).

The Cerato Hatchback’s engine remained the 2.0-litre Theta II four-cylinder petrol of its sedan and Koup brethren, with 115kW of power at 6200rpm and 194Nm of torque at 4300rpm, providing the manual hatch with acceleration from zero to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h.

Fuel consumption figures for the combined cycle were 7.5L/100km and 7.7L/100km for manual and auto respectively, with the corresponding CO2 output at 179g/km and 183g/km.

Both models featured Bluetooth, keyless entry, cruise control, steering-mounted controls for cruise and audio, six speakers, iPod/USB compatibility, power windows and doors, air conditioning, mirror-mounted side repeaters, 60-40 split rear seat and a full-size spare wheel.

The Si rode on 15-inch steel wheels while the SLi received 17-inch alloy wheels.

Safety features included front, front side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and stability control.

Aside from the paddle shifter available in the automatic version, the SLi added suede-look cloth seat material with red stitching (or optional leather), leather-look gearshift surround, chrome edge trim around the twin cup holders, a unique centre console, unique rear splitter with a cut-out for the exhaust tip and rear parking sensors.

The Cerato five-door was offered in a choice of nine: Clear White, Ebony Black, Spicy Red and Racing Red, Metal Bronze, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Santorini Blue and Sweet Orange.