Kia’s much improved Cerato

The Kia Cerato Specs Model tested 2.0 litre manual – $18,990 Four speed auto – $20,990 Average economy on test, nine litres/100 kms Extras metallic paint – $150

I was very pleasantly surprised with the much-improved Kia Cerato. It is a very stylish and practical four-door sedan. Previous models had questionable build quality and some of the most annoying controls on a sound system that I have encountered. The Cerato has a very European look and a very pleasing interior. It replaces the Kia Spectra, Mentor and Shuma. Kia’s rise in the Australian market has been remarkable. From less than 5000 vehicles on the road in 1997 Kia has sold more than 25,000 units in the past 12 months.

Engine/Transmission

The Cerato is powered by a two-litre twin overhead cam engine that produces 101kW.

That gives enough power to accelerate the 1300kg car to 100kmh in around 10.5 seconds.

However, it is no Alfa and the engine becomes rather coarse as it spins to the red line. But during the seven day test, including a 100km drive on the highway, the mid-range family sedan proved to be a quiet and pleasant car. The car tested was equipped with the five speed manual.

Auto is available with a sophisticated, electronically controlled four-speed transmission for an extra $2,000.

Safety/Brakes

Safety is good for a car of this price. Twin air bags and bumpers that can that can absorb an eight kmh impact without damage are standard fare these days. And combined with a passenger safety cell surrounded by crumple zones and structural cross members to absorb impact all help to make the Cerato a more enticing package.

Four wheel disc brakes provided adequate stopping power but I would have preferred them to be a little less sensitive during braking. The suspension is tuned for a balance between comfort and handling and is OK by me for everyday motoring. It has been, in my opinion, unfairly criticised, by some motoring writers.

Economy

Expect economy to be in the region of nine litres/100km. Auto will increase to about nine point three litres/100km. This gives a reasonable range of more than 500 kms with the 55 litre tank.

Comfort

The Cerato is very well equipped. Cruise control, air-conditioning, electric windows, power steering, AM/FM radio with single CD audio system with six speakers, front and rear fog lights, engine immobilisers and front seat belts with pretensioners are standard. A large central speedo with very easy to read figures is combined with rev counter and fuel/temp gauges. Boot is a reasonable size and would take my golf clubs and buggy without problems.

Negatives

Not many. As mentioned the brakes are too sensitive and the engine maintains revs during changes. Not a critical point, just a minor criticism.

Summary

The Cerato is a stylish, practical well-built car that is sure to win fans. At the price it is sure to give concerns to Hyundai with its Elantra, Nissan’s Pulsar and Mitsubishi Lancer. Really worth a look if you’re in the market for a sensible family sedan at a sensible price.