Kia is the latest move away from cheap drive-away prices for small cars with an updated Cerato sedan and hatchback that starts at $ 25,990 for the car.
Just two years ago, you could pick up a Cerato car for $ 21,990.
However, the new price still undercuts competitors Toyota Corolla by about $ 1,700 and Mazda3 by about $ 3,000, and the generous standard equipment and class-leading seven-year warranty coverage is retained, complemented with a fresh new look, more security, and better Technology.
Updated styling highlights the Cerato’s street appeal.
The manufacturer does without the cheapest manual option, which only accounts for one percent of sales.
The new Cerato comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, both of which are accessible via an 8-inch touchscreen. Oddly enough, only Android Auto works with a wired connection.
The Cerato automatically brakes for cars and pedestrians and keeps you in lane by gently pulling the steering wheel while hiking.
If you want radar cruise control, blind spot warning, or rear cross traffic warning, you’ll need to add the optional safety package, which costs an additional $ 1500.
The base model has fabric seats, hard-wearing plastic surfaces and 16-inch steel wheels as well as rear air-conditioning nozzles and three USB charging points.
The Sport class costs $ 27,990 to drive and has a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a nicer steering wheel, but the safety package is still optional.
The Sport + versions get all safety technology as standard, as well as comfortable heated leather seats and automatically folding side mirrors for $ 31,690.
Top-of-the-line GT versions – priced at $ 36,990 – add a 1.6-liter turbo engine instead of the standard 2.0-liter and sportier chassis setup. There are also heated, cooled, and electrically adjustable sports seats, wireless device charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel.
The Cerato has a spacious cabin with plenty of space for adults in the back seats. The cargo space is above average with 502 liters for the sedan and 434 liters for the hatch.
However, the lack of a digital instrument display on every model is disappointing.
The standard 2.0-liter engine delivers a respectable 112 kW and 192 Nm and is mated to a six-speed car, while the GT’s 1.6-liter engine delivers a whopping 150 kW and 265 Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual clutch -Automatic transmission.
The 2.0-liter engine in the cheaper variants has more than enough grunt for city traffic and motorway driving, but has to be cranked fairly vigorously when overtaking.
Kia’s local suspension setup is excellent. It soaks up bumps and corrugations of all shapes and sizes, while the cab is well insulated from road and tire noise.
However, the steering can feel a little numb.
The advertised fuel consumption is 7.4 l / 100 km, but we did about 8.3 l / 100 km on a mixture of city and winding country roads.
The GT is noticeably sharper to drive, with a deep draft of the turbo engine and lightning-fast gear changes from the double clutch car. It is also not that thirsty and only drinks 6.9 l / 100 km.
The steering feels more direct, and the stiffer suspension helps it corner comfortably. The compromise is a less comfortable ride down pockmarked downtown streets.
While it’s more expensive than before, the Cerato is still great value for money, especially when you consider the seven year / unlimited mileage guarantee and seven year free roadside assistance.
The limited-price service is on the expensive side, however, costing around $ 3,000 for seven years on the cheaper models and $ 3,300 for the GT.
JUDGMENT 3.5 / 5
Nicely styled, packed full of features and at a great price, the Cerato doesn’t do much wrong.
KIA CERATO S VITALS
Price: From $ 27,490 drive-away
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, 112 kW / 192 Nm
Warranty / Maintenance: Seven years / unlimited miles, $ 2015 over five years.
Security: Five stars, six airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning in the optional safety package.
Thirst: 7.4L / 100km
Gentle: Temporary steel
Charge: 502L (sedan), 434L (hatch)
Originally published when Kia’s new small car hits the streets
