Those in the market for a C-segment bargain should look no further than the ever-growing Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. Judging by the runaway success of the ix35/Sportage models and positive impressions of the i30, the recently-launched Cerato hatch should fare well among the secondary threats to the German establishment.
One of the Cerato’s stronger points is that, as a range, there’s an option for most – the Cerato four-door saloon, followed by the stylish Cerato Koup and now, a five-door hatchback.
Design-wise, Kias have become a lot more modern and, dare I say it, desirable. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Cerato Koup, but those who prefer a more inconspicuous approach with good looks intact don’t have to go much further than its hatch sibling. The newcomer also boasts the “tiger nose” front end, introduced by Kia design guru Peter Schreyer, a rising shoulder line along the profile and, my personal favourite, a gutsy rear-end, complete with a dummy diffuser-look bumper insert and an exhaust tailpipe of admirable diametre.
Inside, the ambience and overall finish is similarly pleasing, with the darkness of the leather seats and plastic panels contrasted by the scattered alloy-look inserts and red stitching that comes standard on the 2,0 SX model. The seats are comfortable, even at the rear. Unfortunately, they are not particularly supportive. The leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel’s design is unique to the hatch and nice to hold.
The 2,0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine in the model I drove produces a respectable 115 kW at 6 200 r/min and 194 N.m of torque at 4 300 r/min. My route for a quick impression of the hatch took me down Franschhoek Pass, on the bumpy R43 toward Hermanus, then back on the N2 up Houwhoek Pass before rejoining the R321 to climb the Franschhoek Pass.
The 2,0 SX, equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, felt quicker than its outputs suggest. Kia claims a humble 9,1 second 0-100 km/h sprint, which seems conservative as the short gearing makes proper use of the engine’s characteristics. The four-cylinder unit emits a neat rasp in the far reaches of the tachometer, but most impressive is that it pulls strongly from the mid-range in fifth and sixth gears.
The hatch should be comfortable enough for most families, as the cabin is very spacious. But the best thing about the Cerato hatch is that, even missing a saloon boot, it can swallow a healthy 550 litres (135 more than the saloon) thanks to the extended roofline.
The ride is on par for this class of vehicle: well-sprung and damped to iron out the numerous imperfections of South Africa’s multitude of B-roads. This model is equipped with 17-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile 215/45 tyres, so the experience was firm but compliant. However, the experience was let down somewhat by the dull electrically assisted steering that feels so artificial it ruins a good driving experience.
At R215 995, the Cerato Hatch 2,0 SX is hard to ignore. It offers great value, especially when you consider the five-year/100 000 km warranty and four-year/90 000 km service plan that come as standard (and, if you prefer, you can have it with a six-speed auto for an extra R10 000). I do think it works against Kia’s favour that the range is limited to just 1,6- and 2,0-litre petrol models, but with the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group increasing worldwide, let’s hope we see a few more options in this range, including a diesel model.
