The Kia Cerato is Kia’s updated and revamped sedan and small hatch entry in the market. The model brings with it a range of new technologies, a completely revamped logo and a host of new features and exterior styling options. The model is expected to launch first in a choice of 3 different 2.0-liter variants for local users.
In this article, we discuss some Kia Cerato specs and look at a detailed review of the vehicle and the different variants under it. Stick with us for more.
Overview
The flagship model is expected to reach dealers around the mid of June and will soon grace Australian driveways and roads around the mid of this year. The model also comes equipped with a sunroof for the very first time and hosts a premium exterior.
The Kia Cerato might be a recent entry to the market, but has brought a new challenge for all-timers like the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. The Cerato is now a popular choice in the segment and offers some top-of-the-line features that users generally wouldn’t expect from a small sedan.
The base models feature a number of exciting specs in the form of the 2.0 litre engine, the six-speed auto and manual transmission options and the premium interior cabins. However, Kia has really upped its game in the flagship Kia Cerato GT with exceptional improvements and higher performance. The 265nm and 150 KW turbo engine combines well with the independent rear suspension, firm suspension tune and double-clutch automatic system to make the Cerato a decent buy on a budget. Want some good bang for your buck? Well, this is the car for you.
The Kia Cerato comes with strong infotainment systems, stylish cabins and drives nicely on the road. The premium flagship model offers a premium interior and spices things up with a turbo charged engine.
Features:
| Kerb Weight | 1370kg |
| Towing Capacity | Brake:1100 Unbrake:610 |
| Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Price | A$30,250 |
| Engine | 1.6-litre TUR Gasoline DIR INJ |
| Warranty | 7 years |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8L / 100km |
| Transmission | 7 SP AUTO DUAL CLUTCH |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 litres |
| Steering type | RACK & PINION – POWER ASSISTED |
| Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive |
Our Kia Cerato Review
The Cerato comes in different variants, which is why you literally get what you pay for here. To begin with, spending as little as possible on the model is bound to get you the Cerato S variant. The model comes with halogen daytime lights, manual air condition, cloth seat trim and 16-inch steel wheels that have plastic tire covers on them.
The manual gearbox is a standard entry and also comes with the automatic transmission at an extra cost of $1500. The variant also offers a safety pack that includes a suite of features including blind spot detection, autonomous emergency braking, power folding door mirrors and rear cross traffic alert.
The Cerato Sport is an upgrade on the S and comes with a premium steering, six-speed manual gearbox as standard, cloth seats for a sporty look, satellite navigation, softer door trims and alloy wheels for a better exterior look. The tires offer excellent grip and precision. You can upgrade to an automatic transmission with an extra payment of $1500 on top of it.
The Cerato Sport+ acts as an upgrade on the Sport variant and comes with standard automatic transmission and the safety pack as standard rather than an upgrade. The advanced emergency braking system in the vehicle can also help detect cyclists and pedestrians and stop when needed. The Sport plus also comes with rear-air vents, climate control air conditioning, folding door mirrors, longer-lasting Les and an auto dimming rear-view mirrors.
The Cerato GT sits at the top of the range and comes with a standard safety pack along with a 1.6-litres turbo charged engine. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also available on the Cerato GT. The GT has more premium leather seats and comes with bigger 18-inch wheels. The pedals have a metal finish and the steering wheel has a sporty look.
When it comes to comfort, the Cerato prioritizes interior comfort with a host of crisp instruments and premium infotainment systems. The interior design looks elegant and is complemented through the large central touch screen. The vehicle is ergonomic in nature and comes with easily accessible switches and buttons located on the steering wheel to control the audio and other features of the car.
The Cerato provides decent storage for a small car and comes with map pockets and bottle holders on all of the doors. The centre console on the front has USB ports for added accessibility. The GT and Sport+ variants come with rear air seat vents and seatback pockets.
The vehicle comes with six airbags, two located on the front, two in the curtain inflators and two on the sides. The vehicle provides decent occupant protection in the case of a crash. The sedan also features seatbelt reminders on the back seats to remind people travelling with forgetful adults and children of seatbelts.
The Cerato offers decent fuel consumption on both city and country rides. The official fuel rating of 6.8 litres per 100 km is an indication of the impressive fuel consumption. The base variants of Cerato S and Cerato Sport come with a six-speed manual gearbox as a standard with an option to convert to the six-speed conventional auto. All other Ceratos carry the auto as a standard transmission option.
The only thing that might bug you is the underperforming engine on all variants under than the GT. These variants come with the same old 2.0-litre power plant engine from previous models, despite the 19 kg increase in weight. This does reduce fuel consumption, but leads to poor results.
Conclusion
Kia’s Cerato comes with a number of exciting variants to choose from. If you’re on a budget, the Cerato S sounds like a good option, but if you have a few extra bucks to spare and don’t mind the additional cost of the GT, then we will definitely recommend you to opt for the turbocharged engine.
