A combination of stylish good looks, class-leading power and value for money is a formula for success in the small sedan category and Kia's Cerato delivers on all fronts.
Nicely equipped and nice to drive, the Cerato has certainly raised eyebrows amongst the traditional Japanese rivals competing for business in this tough segment.
What You Get
Credit for Cerato's eye-catching good looks goes to Kia's global chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, who joined the Korean company after a successful stint at Volkswagen Group. Schreyer's influence has provided a big shift in Kia design and certainly distances the Cerato from some previous dubious Korean creations.
Entry to the Cerato range is the 'S' model but car Showroom scored a range-topping 'SLi' for our one-week test. Amongst a raft of extra standard features, the 'SLi' scores Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control.
Both are powered by Kia's competent 2.0-litre engine.
Under The Hood
Kia's claims its new Theta II engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the small sedan segment. The twin-cam 2.0-litre four cylinder has Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and delivers a sprightly 115 kW at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 194Nm at 4,300 rpm.
Our 'SLi' model test car was fitted with the standard five-speed manual gearbox however there is an optional four-speed automatic with Sportsmatic manual shift capability.
Zero to 100km/h is 9.3 seconds (Toyota Corolla 9.7 seconds).
The engine is Euro Iv compliant for emissions (CO2 186g/km) and Kia says the combined cycle fuel economy is 7.8l/100kms. In the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide, the Cerato is rated at 4.5 stars.
The Interior
Spaciousness is the immediate thought when climbing into the Cerato. Kia claims class-leading front legroom and shoulder room…the rear seat seems roomy as well.
Entry-level 'S' model Ceratos are well equipped with standard air-conditioning, dual SRS front airbags, front side SRS airbags and full-length curtain airbags plus an excellent audio system with MP3 compatible CD player, USB and auxiliary inputs and iPod compatibility.
Amongst the extras included in the 'SLi' model - as tested by Car Showroom - are upgraded Jersey knit trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, auto air-conditioning, six-function trip computer, alloy pedals, rear parking sensors and the 'Super Vision' instrument cluster with a display for the parking assist.
We liked the three-spoke, thick-grip steering wheel (adjustable for rake and reach) and the height-adjustable drivers' seat.
The rear seat folds 60:40 and boot capacity is 415 litres.
Exterior & Styling
The influence of Peter Schreyer - one of a handful of global automotive 'gurus' - at Kia cannot be overstated with the Cerato. This is a good looking small sedan.
Since joining Kia, Schreyer has given the company's design team entry to new ideas with styling centers in North America and Germany - a vital cog in the company's quest for increased international success.
Schreyer's mantra is 'simplicity of the straight line' and this is obvious with the Cerato's dynamic wedge-like side profile and high bootline with a subtle lip spoiler. It's an aerodynamic triumph too with a drag coefficient of just 0.29 and a low lift coefficient of 0.16 - important for fuel economy and low wind noise.
The Cerato also introduced the 'Schreyer line' front grill treatment - much simpler than previous Korean front-ends and a feature that will be rolled-out in future Kia designs.
Both 'S' and 'SLi' models have body-colored bumpers and door mirrors. 'SLi' gains chrome door handles, a chrome radiator grille and front fog lights.
Electric heated external mirrors with indicator lights are standard on both variants.
'S' models ride on 15-inch steel wheels while 'SLi' gains nice 17-inch alloys
On The Road
Cerato is an all-new platform for Kia and uses a McPherson strut independent front end with a torsion beam rear design (as used on many European vehicles).
Over our city/country test route we were impressed with its agility, high-speed dynamics and refinement. Concerted efforts to minimize NVH and noise-intrusion to the cabin are obvious and standout in comparison to others in the segment.
Cerato's power steering is nicely weighted and with a turning circle of 10.3 metres, city parking maneuvers presented no challenge (especially with the 'SLi's' standard rear parking sensors).
Challenges
Our only quibble with the Cerato we tested was the clutch - it was a little too light and didn't provide enough feel on take-up.
And some Car Showroom team members felt the Jersey knit trim in the 'SLi' was little too fussy and they actually preferred the Tricot cloth trim in the 'S' model.
Verdict
In the tough small car segment the Cerato scores big points in key areas - simple, contemporary styling, spirited performance from its 2.0-litre engine, sharp on-road dynamics and extensive features which add-up to great value for money. The 'S' model is priced from $18,990 while the 'SLi' we tested is stickered at $22,990.
Kia's 5-year/unlimited kilometer warranty for private buyers (5-years/130,000 kms for business and commercial vehicles) also counts.
Even the harshest critics have praised the Cerato and we agree - this is Kia's best work to date.
The Competition
Small sedans are a complex segment but most Cerato buyers would also consider 2.0-litre sedan rivals from Hyundai (Elantra), Ford (Focus), Mazda (3 Neo sedan), Mitsubishi (Lancer). There are also some well-credentialed 1.8-litre sedans such as the Holden Cruze, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Tiida.
You need to closely compare features to get a true value-for-money picture.
Thumbs-up:
Nice styling; roomy interior; driving dynamics; value
Thumbs-down:
Some interior plastics too hard; SLi trim may be too fussy
