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2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
Unlike BMW, which is late in bringing electric cars to the market, Kia is quick to react to changing trends. The Korean concern has long been offering an extensive list of crossovers representing different market segments. Moreover, Kia does not stop only at the current models, constantly replenishing the range of parkteniks. So, relatively recently, the manufacturer released the ultra-compact Sonet, which is currently sold only in India and Saudi Arabia. At the same time, Kia is creating cross-versions of existing passenger cars.
This approach allows us to make the assumption that other models may soon turn into full-fledged SUVs. Moreover, Kia does not have a full-fledged coupe-like crossover. That is, the Korean concern is not yet represented in the segment, which has been gaining popularity over the past many years. This "omission" was eliminated by an independent designer who published renders of a new cross-coupe based on the Cerato. Moreover, the presented model outwardly bears little resemblance to its prototype. Moreover, stylistically, the new crossover is close, rather, to the JAC brand SUVs.
Despite such a radical transformation, the Kia Cerato 2021-2022 cross-coupe will definitely borrow the entire engine range from the sedan. That is, the novelty will receive 1, 6 and 2-liter "supercharged" motors. The likelihood of a hybrid version of the crossover with a 1.6-liter turbo engine at the base is not excluded. In this case, the car will become four-wheel drive.
Design
As noted, externally, the Kia Cerato 2021-2022 cross-coupe looks like JAC SUVs. Moreover, the maximum similarity can be traced in the front of the body, where a long radiator grille with many vertical metal slats is located. At the same time, it retained its corporate shape, but was replenished with a wide chrome edging.
Long headlamps extend from the grille along the side edges of the sleek bonnet, which will likely be complemented by LED lights. Their design once again underlines the similarity with JAC crossovers. A distinctive feature of the presented novelty is the front bumper. It differs in a non-standard, rather even sporty configuration. In the front bumper, a relatively deep cutout is provided for the curved air intake, from which a long protrusion with a metal plate extends from below. This design solution, together with the narrow head optics, gives the Korean novelty an aggressive appearance.
The sporty design of the Kia Cerato 2021-2022 cross-coupe is emphasized by the sloping roof, which quickly drops to the stern side. Below the side part of the body lies a body kit made of unpainted plastic.
At the back, the Korean novelty is somewhat reminiscent of the BMW X4. Both the Bavarian model and the Kia Cerato cross-coupe have a massive stern with a prominent spoiler on the tailgate and high-angle glazing. The large lanterns of the Korean novelty are distinguished by complex graphics formed due to non-standard curving LED strips.
Specifications
Technically, the sedan and cross-coupe Kia Cerato 2021-2022 will be identical. The novelty will also receive a 1.6-liter "atmospheric" engine, which develops no more than 123 hp. power. Optionally, the cross-coupe should be equipped with a 150-horsepower naturally aspirated 2-liter engine. Both powertrains are combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Perhaps the Korean cross-coupe will also be equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine, which is combined with an electric motor. This hybrid setup can be borrowed from Hyundai Tucson. In this case, the electric unit will drive the rear wheels.
Time to market
The likelihood of a cross-coupe based on the Kia Cerato is extremely low. At the same time, the Korean company can still release a coupe-like crossover, since it is not in the model range. But the name of the car will be different, since the names of all modern Kia SUVs begin with the letter "S".