Kia Cerato SLi auto hatch 2013 review

It's not turbocharged and it doesn't have red brakes. It's not European or Japanese and only a decade ago its name would be rained on by ridicule. Yet today, Kia's new Cerato hatch is one of the best small cars on the market. It's pretty, taut in design and perfectly sized for the city. Visible finish quality in panel and paint and cabin trim is first rate.

Start up the engine and it hums, pulling away with confidence yet with such easy manners that everyone can feel at home. These are some of the prerequisites of a modern family car and Kia has nailed it. Pity not all manufacturers can see how it's done.

Value

The Cerato SLi automatic hatch costs $29,990, on par with Volkswagen Golf 90TSI, Mazda3 Maxx Sport and Toyota Corolla Levin SX. That's a sales-hardened bunch of heavy hitters so the sector is extremely competitive. But Kia offers a lot of features with the new hatch including leather uphostery, heated front seats with ventilation for the driver, wild 17-inch alloys, a sunroof and top-notch stereo.

Explore the 2013 Kia Cerato Range

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I suggest adding $1000 for the excellent sat-nav. But it's big advantage is the outstanding five-year, unlimited distance warranty and the six year capped-price service program. Service intervals are annual and resale is a modest 47 per cent after three years.

Design

Kia products get better each year. It's difficult to pick a new model because it looks nothing like the one made five years ago. There's a lot of German lines in the range - Kia's design boss is German - so there are hints of Volkswagen, especially in the cabin.

Taut body lines make it look neat and even worthy of a higher price tag. The cabin is a mix of materials including faux carbon-fibre dashboard panels inset with soft-touch sections and gloss-black trim. Excellent switchgear placement and logical function help make operating the car very easy. There's space for four adults with very good rear legroom. The luggage space is a decent 385 litres with the rear seats up.

Engine / Transmission / Technology

Kia has kept the Cerato - at least this model - simple. The 129kW/209Nm 2-litre aspirated engine is from a family of powerplants and mates to a conventional six-speed automnatic transmission. Brakes are four-wheel discs, the suspension is front struts and rear torsion beam and the steering is electric assist with a three-mode switch to set feel from very light (parking) to ``normal'' (suburbia) and firm (sports). The Bluetooth is one that easily and quickly connects to your smartphone.

Safety

No surprises here - the Cerato matches its rivals with a five-star crash rating, reverse camera, front and rear park sensors, emergency brake lights, heated mirrors, auto headlights and wipers, six airbags and a full-size spare wheel.

Driving

The word simple keeps rising to the surface. The Cerato feels comfortable and spacious. Part of the confidence it inspires is the small-diameter steering wheel and the good visibility. The engine is a bit noisy on start but that appears to be a cold-morning issue. It's certainly responsive and the six-cog auro slips up the ratios quickly, indicative of the engine's usable torque at low revs. It also cruises with ease. Ride and comfort are good though tending to the firm size. I'd suggest a different tyre combo if you need a softer ride.

Verdict

Excellent and highly recommended small car with low ownership costs.