Kia Cerato 2005 review: road test

The people buying these vehicles aren't looking for top-shelf driving dynamics and outright performance. They want comfort, safety, ease of operation and no hidden costs in the purchase price. They are drivers looking for a conveyance, not motoring enthusiasts.

Kia thinks it has cracked the market segment with the Cerato by loading it with standard features many would consider optional extras, and advertising it with a "drive-away price".

On test was the new four-speed auto version, which costs $2000 more than the $18,990 "drive-away" price of the five-speed manual.

Explore the 2005 Kia Cerato range

• Kia Cerato 2005 review: road test
• Kia Cerato auto 2005 review
• Kia Cerato 2005 review

Just before I drove away, the saleman gave me a snapshot profile of the typical Cerato owner.

"More than 50 per cent are women buyers, and many of them are franchise or small-business owners," he said. "A lot of people have them as a second car, perhaps the husband has a company vehicle or a four-wheel drive."

The attraction of the Cerato to these buyers is instantly obvious: a long wheelbase (by comparison with many of its class rivals) but a compact turning circle; a roomy body which seats four adults in comfort; a large boot storage area with seat fold-down options; European styling; and the sort of standard features usually found on more expensive cars.

The large array of features can be broken into convenience, comfort and safety.

Electric windows have an automatic-down function for the driver's door, useful for getting tickets out of carpark meters, or giving change at a toll booth.

Side mirrors have a demister heater. The doors have large courtesy lights and the interior light has a time delay. Remote central locking includes fuel cap and boot release.

The cruise control, operated from the steering wheel, is a good way to avoid speeding fines in country driving. There is a day-night option on the rear vision mirror.

On the comfort side of the ledger, the Cerato provides plenty of legroom for front and rear passengers.

However, the front seats need more lumbar support for long-distance travel. Rear seats have adjustable headrests, which is good.

A power outlet allows the use of a portable DVD player. Although the CD player is a one-disc unit with no stacker, the six speakers give quality sound. There are cup holders front and rear, with the one near the driver especially large. Good for someone driving home from a gym workout with a thirst.

The standard airconditioning, with plenty of vents, works efficiently throughout the cabin, not just the front. Side and rear windows are lightly tinted.

Safety features include airbags for driver and passenger. Seat belts have pretensioners and load limiters. Fog lights are standard.

Brakes are discs all round with an ABS option available that includes electronic brake force distribution.

The fuel supply to the engine is switched off in the event of a shunt or accident impact.

Security features remote locking and engine immobiliser.

Options include alloy wheels and a rear spoiler but I would start with the $150 metallic paint option, which looks better executed than the standard finish.

First impressions of the test car were marred by a strong, chemical, "new car" smell.

With tilt-adjustable steering column and height-adjustable driver's seat, it's easy to get comfortable and all-round vision is good.

Controls and instruments are logical and easy to use.

Performance from the two-litre, double-overhead-cam, four-cylinder motor is quite zippy. But most Cerato buyers aren't the types who explore engine performance. So maximum torque of 182Nm at 4500rpm and power of 101kW at 6000rpm seems about right and encourages low-rev driving.

The automatic works well in most situations but put the pedal to the floor for swifter overtaking and it drops a gear, the engine revs but it doesn't feel like a lot of forward motion is happening.

This will not concern most Cerato owners, nor will the slightly vague feeling the power steering exhibits at higher speeds, which discourages brisk driving. Around town and in car parking manouevres the power-steering operation is delightfully light.

Brakes are adequate but the ABS option is an affordable $850.

With plenty of suspension travel, the ride quality is good over a variety of road surfaces.

For its price, and loaded with features and crisp European styling, the Cerato is well worth a look.