Kia Cerato S vs Nissan Pulsar ST

There are front and rear park sensors and heated mirrors but no alloy wheels. It gets a five-year warranty and roadside assist, plus a modest $909 for three years of servicing -- hard to beat. Resale value is also 47 per cent.

The price is all about matching rival models. But for a mid-sizer for a family with two small children, there's a lot of appeal. Auto adds $2250. Features are very good for the money. Capped-price servicing costs $1638 for three years and retained value is 47 per cent.

1.8L petrol engine (110kW/178Nm) and six-speed manual. Kia claims 6.6L/100km. Similar audio to Pulsar. Kia's Australian team tuned the suspension and steering. Standard FlexSteer allows steering feel adjustment at three positions.

The 1.8-litre engine (96kW/174Nm) claims a reasonable 7.2L/100km with six-speed manual and 6.7L with CVT -- the better buy, especially for city commuters. No other surprises, with simple suspension and brakes, electric-assist steering and adequate audio.

Kia's new breed looks great in the metal and almost stunning in blue. The sloping roofline affects only the tallest tall rear passengers while legroom is only slightly less than the Pulsar but the boot is just 421L. Modern dash gives the air of a more expensive car

One of the most uninspiring car designs in recent times, the Pulsar is nevertheless efficient, very roomy with a giant 510-litre boot, pleasant if not exciting dash and an accent on occupant comfort, front seats particularly. Cabin treatment tends to be heavy handed in shades of black.

Almost on par with the Nissan on basic safety kit but adds heated mirrors, fog lights and front and rear park sensors. Both have full-size spares, an unusual yet welcome inclusion in this segment.

This does well, with a five-star crash rating, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and full-size spare wheel. You don't expect a whole lot more for $19,990.

Sleek appearance bodes well for driving yet its higher output on paper fails to transfer to the road. The Cerato likes the higher revs. FlexSteer doesn't hide steering's artificial feel and vagueness, dulling the potential of the excellent chassis.

Bland appearance apart, it's a well-sorted sedan that surprises with taut chassis, enjoyable gearshift, well-weighted steering and quiet manners. It's also comfortable, with soft seats that are supposedly better for long trips.