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Kia Cerato S Premium 2014 Review

EXPERT RATING
7
Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Kia Cerato S Premium, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Kia has taken the plunge with Cerato, especially concerning auto transmission which is now standard on all models except the base Cerato S. 

It reflects the buyer profile of small cars -  most of whom opt for an auto. In the Cerato’s case, it’s an excellent six speeder that runs across the entire Kia range.

We got hold of a new addition to the Cerato range - the one up from the bottom S Premium.

VALUE

It has a whole heap of kit as standard and is essentially the base S with the options many people select or want.

This includes satnav,reverse camera, 7-inch info screen, 16-inch alloys, auto headlights, DVD player, Bluetooth audio and phone, cruise control front and rear park sensors trip computer and aircon.

Not much is missing from the list and it goes for a tempting $24,590 - with the six speed auto as standard.

Kia offers Cerato S premium in four door sedan and five door hatch variants and all have a five star crash rating.

We looked at this car against direct competitors such as the Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Lancer, both of which it comfortably outpaces on most fronts with more kit, better ride, more attractive styling and better warranty.

It’s essentially the same car as Hyundai’s i30 and Elantra - with a Kia styling job.
Nothing to complain about there that’s for sure.

DESIGN

We really like the look of the car - it’s a bit like the striking Proceed GT we drove a few weeks ago - but with less get-go and less attitude.

The characteristic family styling cues are evident from all angles and the interior is a study in efficient modernity - in grey.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Power comes from a lower spec and older design 1.8-litre multi point four-cylinder with variable valve timing where the higher grade models have a direct injection 2.0-litre with variable valve timing.

The engine is good for 110kW/178Nm output and can sip as little as 7.1-litres/100km using regular unleaded.

DRIVING

The drive is all good offering a comfortable and controlled ride thanks to the locally calibrated suspension and it also has Kia’s clever multi-mode steering with light, normal and sporty feel.

The interior is stylish and functional complete with plenty of soft feel surfaces and a mix of fascia material.

It has well shaped seats with adequate side bolsters and adjustments.
The rears are 60/40 split folding and our five door hatch has a large (expandable) load space.

In performance terms it’s no sports car but provides enough acceleration and throttle response to keep you happy. 

Pricing guides

$13,990
Based on 77 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$8,995
Highest Price
$18,999

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
SiR 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $6,600 – 9,240 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 SiR Pricing and Specs
S 1.8L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $8,360 – 11,770 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 S Pricing and Specs
Si 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $9,790 – 13,420 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 Si Pricing and Specs
Koup SLS 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $10,890 – 14,960 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 Koup SLS Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.