Kia Cerato hatch from $19,990

UPDATE 10:00pm: The $19,990 price for the entry-level Cerato S hatchback manual (and $21,990 for the automatic version) is a drive-away figure inclusive of on-road costs, matching the Cerato sedan, while all other prices are manufacturer's retail list price (plus on-road costs).

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Kia has finally launched its new-generation Cerato hatchback, four months after the latest Cerato sedan went on sale in April and two months after it was due here in June, following supply delays.

Priced and specified identically to the four-door sedan, the five-door Cerato hatch range opens at $19,990 plus on-road costs and comprises three model variants, two engines and two transmissions.

Opening the line-up at under $20,000 – matching the Toyota Corolla hatch and Mazda3 – is the Cerato S, powered by a 110kW 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission.

A six-speed automatic transmission adds $2000 to the price, as with all three hatch grades.

All other Cerato models are equipped with a bigger 2.0-litre direct-injection GDi petrol engine that delivers 129kW, including the mid-range Si (from $23,990) and flagship SLi (from $27,990).

The latter can be had with satellite-navigation for a further $1000, bringing the cost of the fully loaded Cerato SLi auto hatch with nav to $30,990 plus ORCs.

The only other option is metallic paint, which costs $520 extra across the line-up.

Watch this space for full details and out first drive.

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