The 2023 Kia Cerato GT offers a compelling package for those seeking a sporty, tech-savvy, and affordable vehicle. Its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and impressive safety features make it an attractive choice. While the ride may be a bit firm for some, it excels in performance, handling, and acceleration, providing an exhilarating driving experience. If you’re looking for an affordable hot hatch that ticks all the right boxes, the Kia Cerato GT is worth considering. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the key aspects of this hot hatch, including its exterior design, interior features, safety technology, practicality, and on-road performance.
Exterior
The 2023 Kia Cerato GT offers a choice of nine attractive colors, with the base white option priced affordably at just over $500. The front end features the new Kia logo, adding a touch of sophistication to the car’s design. The GT badge, along with red highlights, hints at its sporty nature. Notable elements include large cooling ducts, full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels with Pilot Sport 4 tires, providing a firm grip on the road. The rear end showcases LED tail lights, dual exhaust pipes, and a sleek design.
Interior
Inside the Kia Cerato GT, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with a proximity-sensing key for convenience. The interior quality, while good, reflects an older Kia style. However, it still offers a comfortable and functional space with a firm yet comfortable driver’s seat. The infotainment system shines with a 10.25-inch high-resolution display, featuring built-in satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. An eight-speaker JBL sound system, voice memo feature, and quiet mode for a peaceful ride add to the overall experience.
Safety Technology
The Kia Cerato GT is equipped with advanced safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, lane centering, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Parking is made easy with front and rear parking sensors and a high-quality reverse-view camera.
Practicality
The Kia Cerato GT offers convenient connectivity options, including a 12-volt outlet and multiple USB ports for charging your devices. There’s a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, making it easy to keep your devices powered. The cabin features ample storage space, with cup holders, door pockets, a center console, and a glove box. The second-row seats provide enough space for passengers, and there are Isofix points for child seats. Cargo space, while slightly reduced due to its hatchback design, is still practical for everyday use.
Engine and Power
Under the hood, the Kia Cerato GT houses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine generating 150 kilowatts of power and over 250 newton meters of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, this engine offers a spirited driving experience. The sporty suspension and steering tuning result in sharp handling and responsive steering. The ride quality is on the firm side, which may not suit everyone, but it provides excellent body control and stability during spirited driving.
Performance (0-100)
While there’s no official 0-100 time for the Kia Cerato GT, it impressively accelerates from 0-100 in around 7.43 seconds, showcasing its performance capabilities. The car’s response to overtaking maneuvers, with an 80-120 km/h time of 4.85 seconds, demonstrates its agility on the road.
Safety Technology Testing
The Cerato GT’s autonomous systems are reliable on straight highways, holding the vehicle securely in its lane. However, it struggles to maintain lane control during tighter turns, which can impact its performance in real-world driving scenarios.
Kia Cerato Price
Prices for the Kia Cerato 2023 range from $26,290 for the base Hatchback Cerato S trim level to $36,090. The Kia Cerato 2023 is available as a sedan and hatchback.
