performance cars – Michmutters
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2022 Kia Cerato GT turbo hatch review

Want an interesting hatchback without the cost – and compromise – of a high-performance hot hatch? Kia’s Cerato GT could be the car for you.

VALUE

Performance and equipment are central to the appeal of Kia’s Cerato GT, the most expensive model in Kia’s small-car range.

Priced from $37,990 drive-away, it’s about $10,000 more than the entry-level Cerato.

But the GT justifies its expense with a more powerful engine, sportier suspension, a handful of cosmetic touches and a long list of standard features such as leather seats and an eight-speaker JBL stereo.

Kia’s seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty is similarly generous. But capped price servicing for the Cerato GT is a little dear at about $470 per year, while the turbo motor’s 6.8L/100km fuel use is thirsty for a car this size.

COMFORT

Geared toward customers looking for a fully-loaded machine with a sporty side, the Cerato GT isn’t particularly plush.

Riding on 18-inch wheels with suspension both lower and firmer than regular models, it also has a throaty exhaust note and high-performance rubber that creates more road noise than everyday tires.

It’s not a limousine. But it is more luxurious than many other cars this size, thanks to features such as heated and cooled sports seats, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof and more.

There’s no stress operating the 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless charging and smartphone mirroring – you drop your phone in the right place and the car will automatically top up its battery while displaying key features on the central screen.

SAFETY

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see that this car is stuffed to the gills with safety gear – active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and more.

There are clever touches you won’t find in most small cars, such as a safe exit warning system that watches out for traffic when passengers open their doors. There are also safety benefits in bigger brakes, tauter suspension and top-tier Michelin tires that deliver sharper reactions in emergency situations.

DRIVING

Powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine, the Cerato GT has impressive 150kW and 265Nm peaks that deliver above-average acceleration. A flat-bottomed wheel with shift paddles linked to its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic steering transmission hints at sporty intent.

We call this sort of car a “warm hatch”, one with more muscle and better reflexes than most cars in this class, but not the uncompromising focus (and $50,000 price tag) of proper performance cars. Kia chose to fit firm shock absorbers to the Cerato, resulting in impressive poise when pressing on – and a harsher-than-expected ride on bumpy roads.

Proper hot hatches such as the VW Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 N have sophisticated multi-mode electronic suspension that allows drivers to choose suspension settings ranging from mild to wild, but Cerato owners have to live with a bumpy ride on every journey.

ALTERNATIVES

Mazda3 G25 SP, from about $35,900
drive away

Gorgeous looks, impressive dynamics and a 2.5-liter engine combine in an attractive package.

Hyundai i30 N-Line Premium, from about $38,400 drive-away

Same turbo engine and generous kit as the Kia, but a less sporty disposition.

Ford Fiesta ST, from about $37,500
drive away

Smaller than the Cerato but thrilling handling and a charming engine.

VERDICT

four stars

Well-equipped and fun to drive, the Kia Cerato GT is a great option for folks looking for a sporty drive without breaking the bank.

KIA CERATO GT

PRICE $37,990 drive away

ENGINE 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 150kW and 265Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 7-year/unlimited km, about $3300 for 7 years

SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert

THIRST 6.8L/100km

BOOT 428 liters

SPARE space saver

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Categories
Business

Ford axes Focus and Fiesta ST in shift to SUVs and utes

Ford has axed its popular Fiesta and Focus hot hatches as it focuses on utes and SUVs.

The brand ditched the regular Focus and Fiesta some time ago but continued to import the ST performance models in limited numbers. So far this year the pair has attracted only 183 buyers.

Ford President Andrew Birkic says the decision recognizes the fact that buyer tastes have shifted in recent years. He also hinted there would be performance-car replacements in other segments.

“Both the Focus ST and Fiesta ST have been segment defining hot hatches for Ford Australia and have put smiles on the faces of enthusiasts across the country and we want to thank those fans for their passion,” he says.

“But with semiconductor-related supply shortages and our focus on emerging areas of growth, we’ve made the difficult decision to call time on these iconic hot hatches in Australia. We look forward to sharing more about the next era of our performance vehicle line-up soon,” he says.

The move comes as somewhat of a shock as the brand has just started imported updated versions of both cars.

Ford says it has secured just 40 Focus STs for the remainder of the year, but Fiesta supply is likely to be more than that. The company will also look at trying to secure more vehicles from the plant in Germany if demand warrants it.

The move continues Ford’s shift away from traditional passenger vehicles to utes and SUVs, in particular the Ranger and the Everest wagon, which is based on Ranger underpinnings.

Between them, the Ranger and Everest made up roughly 85 per cent of Ford sales this year. The percentage would have been higher but sales have tapered off as buyers waited for the new models.

The new Ranger was launched last month and the Everest will follow shortly.

A new version of the Ranger Raptor will also arrive soon. It is powered by a potent twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine putting out a V8-like 292kW of power and 583Nm of torque.

Ford will also take the covers off an all-new Mustang at the Detroit motor show next month.

“The Ford Mustang remains the country’s most popular sports car and we’re preparing for the launch of the next-generation Ranger Raptor, which sets a new performance benchmark for dual-cab utes in Australia,” Birkic says.

Both vehicles could become sound investments for those buyers who snap them up, as discontinued performance vehicles have been attracting big prices from car collectors.

Second-hand versions of the Subaru WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition, which launched last year for $62,440, are selling for between $125,000 and $170,000.

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