New Kia Cerato 2013 review

Elvis Presley's role in the movie Kissin' Cousins is memorable not for his maligned acting skills but for confirming that some men just shouldn't go blond.

But at least it separated the two characters in the film even though most of us - and I'm sorry to spoil the film for those who haven't seen it - figured out it was the same Elvis in two roles.

Much like Hyundai and Kia, the Korean cousins who rarely kiss and insist on dressing in different clothes so buyers can tell them apart. Shared platforms and drivetrains abound with these two but sometimes, just sometimes, there's enough of a change to make an appreciable difference.

VALUE

The Cerato sedan is fresh from its February launch in Chicago and though offering more than before, the prices haven't changed. Neither they should - Cerato is hard up against some fierce rivals in a sector where winners and losers are separated by a few hundred dollars.

The SLi sedan tested is the mid-spec model and at $25,990 for the automatic, is the best value. A rear camera, 16-inch alloys with full-size spare and six-speaker audio with Bluetooth are some inclusions.

Technically it's a simple car - though gets an up-spec engine - with the lure being its practicality, good build quality, nice raft of features and top-deck warranty and excellent five-year capped-price service program that includes - if you keep servicing it at a Kia dealership - a five-year roadside assist package. Damn good.

DESIGN

This newbie is 30mm longer, 25mm lower and has a 50mm longer wheelbase than the old sedan. In fact, the wheelbase is now the same as Kia's Sorento SUV and is shared with the Hyundai Elantra.

It's a very slippery, good looking shape that was penned in the US but looks more European. The sloping roofline hints at poor rear seat headroom but there's actually plenty of space, primarily because the car is very low.

There's a big boot, fold-down-flat split rear seats, quality materials including Golf-esque seats, an attractive dashboard with carbon fibre-look finishes and soft plastics, plus a sporty driving position that is infinitely variable.

The downside is the invisible front and rear panels - typical of its contemporaries - but park sensors and a standard rear camera are saviours.

TECHNOLOGY

Though this could be termed a Hyundai Elantra in new clothes, Kia picks up extra tricks including a peppy 129kW/209Nm 2-litre direct-injection petrol engine.

It's a solid engine with a flexible, smooth and quiet manner that works perfectly with the six-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of performance, it is even better with the six-speed manual gearbox.

The direct-injection label means better engine efficiency and despite this technology, it's good to see that Kia still specify the cheaper 91-RON grade petrol. Kia claims 7.4 litres/100km. Suspension is tuned in Australia for Australians and though mechanically similar to its rivals, lifts the little car beyond the ordinary.

The steering is electric assist with a FlexSteer steering wheel-mounted button to change the feel of the steering. It changes from “comfort” (light) to “normal” and a heavier “sports”.

SAFETY

The Cerato ups safety from its predecessor with a five-star crash rating. It also gets six airbags, electronic aids including ESC and hill-start assist, full-size spare wheel, emergency stop signal, rear camera, park sensors, auto headlights and heated side mirrors.

DRIVING

It is quite a striking car because of its low silhouette and ski-slope tail that lifts to incorporate a boot spoiler. It's also low and feels more like a sports car than a family sedan.

That's the impression when driving - that if you fail to look back, it impresses as a two-seater. Until the baby in the back seats lets out a cry.

This illusion of sportiness extends to how the engine reacts and how positive the car is through the bends. It's a confident car and the engine - though dampened just a bit with the auto box - is strong from idle through to 6000rpm.

It can be made to sing at the top end of the rev range - because that's where most of the power is served up - and become a more enjoyable drive when using the manual mode of the automatic.

Handling is good - flat and surefooted - but though the steering has input from Australia, the electric assistance is still strangely like a PlayStation joystick. This lack of feel remains even when switching through the FlexSteer's three-modes, adjusting from light to firm. More work needed here, I'm afraid. However, that's the only complaint.

VERDICT

Neat as a pin and such a good buy at $25,990. Resale value is a bit weak but is outweighed by outstanding warranty, roadside assist and capped-price service.

Kia Cerato Si
Price: $25,990
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km, 5-yr roadside
Capped Servicing: 5yr/$262-$535 per year
Service interval: 12mths/15,000km
Resale: 49%
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TC
Crash rating: 5-star
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 129kW/209Nm
Transmission: 6-spd auto; front drive
Thirst: 7.4L/100km; 91RON; 177g/km CO2
Dimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)
Weight: 1319kg
Spare: Full-size