Kia Cerato 5-door hatchback joins 2011 range

The Kia Cerato hatchback is joining the Korean carmaker’s range for 2011. Technically similar to the 4-door sedan and 2-door Koup models, the new Cerato 5-door has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan, but the rear overhang is reduced by 190 mm, as is the overall length.

Kia’s 2011 Cerato 5-door will be available with 4-cylinder gasoline engines similar to those featured in the sedan. The 2.0-litre generates 154 hp and does the 0-100 kph run in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 190 kph. The smaller 1.6-litre produces 122 hp and 0-100 kph acceleration takes 10.3 seconds. Both specs are with the standard 6-speed manual, although a new 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available. It is unknown if these new transmissions will be offered in the GCC.

Other features include a folding key and keyless entry, electric folding exterior mirrors, an interior mirror display for the rear safety camera image, Bluetooth, split 60/40 rear seat and an extended hatchback roofline that creates an extra 20 mm of rear seat headroom compared to the sedan.

The Cerato 5-door features the same humble running gear as the sedan, with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam axle rear suspension. Electric power-assisted steering, solid rear brake discs, stability control, parking sensors and rear camera are only available on higher models.

Keep track of the UAE range in the Kia Cerato buyer guide.