Kia Cerato GT 2019 hatch previewed

Kia Motors has revealed its Korean-market K3 five-door hatch, providing the best look yet at what to expect when the fourth-generation Cerato hatch hits Australian showrooms later this year.

Overseas, the K3 was shown in warmed-over GT guise, which is expected to top the local line-up.

So far, we know the GT will be powered by a 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

A six-speed manual gearbox should also be available, however Kia's local arm has yet to confirm all powertrain details. This is similar to the set-up in its cousin, the Hyundai i30 SR.

To improve handling, the GT gets an independent multi-link rear suspension as opposed to the Cerato's standard torsion-beam cushion.

In terms of styling, the K3 has a similar front end to the recently released Cerato sedan, but features a sportier side profile and tailgate as well as newly designed tail-lights.

The vehicle also boasts multi-spoke 18-inch alloys, twin exhaust tips, GT badging and red accents on its 'Tiger Nose' grille.

While no interior images have emerged, the hatch is believed to feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, just like its sedan sibling.

Again, many details including pricing have yet to be confirmed for the next-gen Cerato hatch, but it is likely to mirror the pricing of the sedan, which ranges from $19,990 drive-away in the entry-level manual S to $16,1990 for the automatic Sport+.

With GT being the new flagship, CarsGuide expects pricing to be set around the $30,000 mark.

Do you like the looks of the new-gen Cerato hatch? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.