Lines of the third generation Kia Cerato hatch have a touch of Europe that works well
Kia has launched the third generation of its Cerato five-door hatchback into the most crowded of all market segments in Australia.
Wider and lower than the outgoing model the new hatch has a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs, it has a touch of Europe in its lines.
Though it’s classed as a small car in Australia, the Cerato five-door hatch really is a mid-sized machine that can be used as a family car. There’s enough legroom for four adults to sit comfortably, although it’s best if the rear occupants aren’t of above average height because Cerato’s sloping rear end does will infringe on headroom.
The $19,990 price of the entry-level Cerato S hatch is the same as that of the four-door sedan that was introduced back in April. Though it’s listed as being ‘plus on-road costs’, Kia in Australia is doing an introductory ‘driveaway’ offer, so the car is yours for $19,990. To be honest there are so many cars in this segment that don’t charge extra on-roads the Kia would have missed out on sales by not doing this.
The all-new body has a solid feel that’s almost up there with the best of its European rivals in this class, with no squeak or rattles even on some pretty ordinary back roads we traversed during a Kia organised drive program out of the Gold Coast as part of the national launch.
The new Cerato, like all of the latest Australian Kia models, has considerable local input in the suspension department. It has an impressively smooth ride over corrugated roads.
Handling is predictable and keen drivers will find there’s more feel and response in the Cerato that in most of its competitors from Asia. European it’s not, but this South Korean hatch comes a lot closer than you might expect.
Some may find the ride firmer than they like, the endless compromise between ride and handling sees Cerato lean in the latter direction. Try for yourself by making sure your personal road test includes some rough and ready backroads.
New Kia Cerato is well-equipped, with even the lowest cost S model getting cruise control, Bluetooth; Auxiliary and USB sockets; and steering wheel mounted controls.
The mid-level Cerato Si gets 16-inch alloy wheels, smart key with push-button starting, chrome highlights on the body, a more upmarket interior trim; 4.3-inch display screen, a reversing camera and automatic headlights.
Topline Cerato SLi has 17-inch alloys of a neatly sporting design, LED daytime running lights front and rear, leather trim, heated front seats with the driver’s being powered, and dual-zone climate-control.
Interestingly, satellite navigation isn’t standard on the Cerato SLi as had been anticipated. The importer reasons that many people already have a portable satellite navigation. So satellite navigation is on the options list, but only for the SLi, at $1000. The gen-three Cerato features new petrol engines that trim fuel consumption and emissions in comparison to the superseded Cerato. The entry level Cerato S has a 1.8-litre unit producing up to 110 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. The mid-level Cerato Si and topline SLi get a sophisticated direct-injection 2.0-litre petrol engine with 129 kW and 209 Nm. That torque figure is impressively high for an engine of this capacity, putting it up with the expensive German marques in efficiency.
All three models offer a choice of manual or automatic transmission, both are six-speed units.
Safety is strong on the list of items specified for Australia buyers. Standard on all models are Electronic Stability Control with traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Emergency Stop Signal that activates the hazard lights under hard braking. Front and rear parking sensors prevent minor damage in tight situations. Six airbags prevent damage to people in major situations…
Kia Cerato comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Capped price servicing is offered for the five years or 75,000 km. Prices are different for each service and model, ranging from $261 to $496. We suggest contacting your Kia dealer for details.
In recent years this South Korean auto maker has evolved into a producer of world class products with modern styling and high build quality. Its third generation Cerato is well worth consideration by all shopping in this increasingly crowded market segment.
The complete Kia Cerato hatch range is: S 1.8-litre petrol five-door hatch: $19,990 (manual), $21,990 (automatic) Si 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $23,990 (manual), $25,990 (automatic) SLi 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $27,990 (manual), $29,990 (automatic) Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.
