2013 Kia Cerato Reviews

Kia has launched the third generation of its Cerato five-door hatchback into the most crowded of all market segments in Australia. In recent years this South Korean carmaker has evolved into a producer of world class products with modern styling and high build quality.And there’s a touch of Europe in the lines of the new Cerato hatch, which is also wider, lower and has a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs than the outgoing model.The $19,990 price of the entry-level Cerato S hatch is the same as that of the four-door sedan that was introduced back in April. Though it’s listed as being ‘plus on-road costs’, Kia in Australia is doing an introductory ‘driveaway’ offer, so the car is yours for $19,990. To be honest there are so many cars in this segment that don’t charge extra on-roads the Kia would have missed out on sales by not doing this.New Kia Cerato is well-equipped, with even the lowest cost S model getting cruise control, Bluetooth; Auxiliary and USB sockets; and steering wheel mounted controls.The mid-level Cerato Si gets 16-inch alloy wheels, smart key with push-button starting, chrome highlights on the body, a more upmarket interior trim; 4.3-inch display screen, a reversing camera and automatic headlights.Topline Cerato SLi has 17-inch alloys of a neatly sporting design, LED daytime running lights front and rear, leather trim, heated front seats with the driver's being powered, and dual-zone climate-control.Interestingly, satellite navigation isn’t standard on the Cerato SLi as had been anticipated. The importer reasons that many people already have a portable satellite navigation. So satellite navigation is on the options list, but only for the SLi, at $1000.Kia Cerato comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Capped price servicing is offered for the five years or 75,000 km. Prices are different for each service and model, ranging from $261 to $496. We suggest contacting your Kia dealer for details.The gen-three Cerato features new petrol engines that trim fuel consumption and emissions in comparison to the superseded Cerato. The entry level Cerato S has a 1.8-litre unit producing up to 110kW of power and 178Nm of torque.The mid-level Cerato Si and topline SLi get a sophisticated direct-injection 2.0-litre petrol engine with 129kW and 209Nm. That torque figure is impressively high for an engine of this capacity, putting it up with the expensive German marques in efficiency. All three models offer a choice of manual or automatic transmission, both are six-speed units.Safety is strong on the list of items specified for Australia buyers. The Cerato hatch boasts a full five star ANCAP rating, with Electronic Stability Control with traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Emergency Stop Signal that activates the hazard lights under hard braking. Front and rear parking sensors prevent minor damage in tight situations. Six airbags prevent damage to people in major situations.The new Cerato, like all of the latest Australian Kia models, has considerable local input in the suspension department. It has an impressively smooth ride over corrugated roads.Handling is predictable and keen drivers will find there’s more feel and response in the Cerato that in most of its competitors from Asia. European it’s not, but this South Korean hatch comes a lot closer than you might expect.Some may find the ride firmer than they like, the endless compromise between ride and handling sees Cerato lean in the latter direction. Try for yourself by making sure your personal road test includes some rough and ready backroads.The all-new body has a solid feel that’s almost up there with the best of its European rivals in this class, with no squeak or rattles even on some pretty ordinary back roads we traversed during a Kia organised drive program out of the Gold Coast as part of the national launch.Though it’s classed as a small car in Australia, the Cerato five-door hatch really is a mid-sized machine that can be used as a family car. There’s enough legroom for four adults to sit comfortably, although it’s best if the rear occupants aren’t of above average height because Cerato’s sloping rear end does will infringe on headroom.This third generation Cerato is well worth consideration by all shopping in this increasingly crowded market segment.

Kia has shifted its assault on the fiercely competitive small car class into second gear with the arrival of the new Cerato hatch, four months after the sedan made its local debut.Building on the already celebrated sedan, the new hatch matches its four-door brethren on price and spec levels, and Australia’s preference for five-door practicality fuels Kia’s expectation that the hatch will attract 70 per cent of mainstream Cerato sales.The niche-market Cerato Koup and Veloster-rivalling Pro cee’d GT will arrive by early next year to complete Kia’s small car artillery, but the Cerato hatch will likely be Australia’s small-car Kia of choice.The third-generation YD Cerato hatch replaces the TD generation hatch that has continued to be available alongside the new sedan, and brings fresh design, impressive specs and visual appeal to help it continue the Korean brand’s recent run of winners.The Cerato hatch’s sedan-mirroring price and spec levels mean the entry S kicks off at $19,990 (drive-away at launch), before moving up to the $23,990 Si and $27,990 SLi range-topper.All Cerato hatch models come equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, flex-steer adjustable power steering, front and rear parking sensors, six-speaker audio with Bluetooth audio and telephone. Also across the board is Kia’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, capped price servicing plan, and one year roadside assistance to help make a compelling ownership proposition.The Si adds a premium steering wheel and gearknob, 4.3 inch colour multimedia touchscreen with reversing camera, extra chrome exterior detailing, auto headlamps, folding door mirrors with puddle lamps, proximity keys, and 16 inch alloy wheels.The top-spec SLi gains leather trim with front seat heaters and power memory driver’s seat adjustment, dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, HID headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and taillamps, auto-dimming rear view mirror, chilled glovebox, and 17 inch alloy wheels. Satellite navigation is only available as a $1000 option on the top-spec SLi models, which also brings a seven inch multimedia screen.Matching the Cerato sedan from the B-pillars forward, the hatch rides on the same 2700mm (50mm longer) wheelbase as the sedan improving rear seat legroom by a similar margin. The back seat is a genuine adult-carrier, with plenty of space for legs and heads beyond the six-foot barrier.Overall length is 210mm less than the sedan due to a shorter rear overhang, which also sees seats-up cargo capacity drop by 97 litres to 385L (VDA), which should easily be balanced by the real-world practicality of the hatch’s huge opening. Impressively, all models are fitted with a full-size spare wheel that is surrounded by under-floor storage cavities.The body’s increased use of high-strength steel compared with the previous hatch has resulted in a body that is 37 per cent stronger, yet 44-61kg lighter depending on spec. The hatch is not simply a bobtail sedan though, with a cohesive overall aesthetic that complements Kia’s existing designs, and even the basic S grade looks quite muscular from a rear three-quarter view.The hatch also matches the sedan’s engine lineup, with the S equipped with a 110kW/178Nm 1.8 litre petrol four, and the Si and SLi grades moving up to a 129kW/209Nm 2.0 litre direct injected petrol four.A six-speed manual is standard on all Cerato hatch models, with a six-speed auto available for a further $2000. The Cerato hatch’s combined fuel consumption figures are equal with the sedan, despite weighing 20kg more. This means 6.6l/100km (manual) and 7.1l/100km (auto) for the 1.8 litre S, and 7.4l/100km for the 2.0 Si and SLi variants with either transmission.Like the sedan, the Cerato hatch has achieved a five star ANCAP safety rating, with six-airbags, stability and traction control, and hill-start assist.The Cerato hatch is barely discernible from the sedan to drive, which is no bad thing. Significantly quieter and smoother than the previous hatch, the new Cerato’s construction has an air of quality that easily rivals the segment-leading Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and the mechanically similar Hyundai i30.We had the chance to drive both 1.8L and 2.0L Cerato hatches, paired with the six-speed automatic transmission over a good mix of sealed road conditions, ranging from urban stop-start to high-speed bumpy rural ribbons of road.The 1.8 litre drivetrain proved adequate for hauling the circa-1300kg hatch over much of our route, but its meagre 110kW/178Nm made uphill acceleration and overtaking a chore. The 129kW/209Nm 2.0 litre offers far more relaxed progress over the same terrain, and would be a wise choice if you intend to use the hatch’s five seats with any regularity. The six-speed auto attached to either engine shifted smoothly and responsively, with none of the pronounced tendency to hold taller gears for fuel efficiency of some contemporaries.Like other recent Kia models, the Cerato hatch benefits from local suspension tuning, which is immediately apparent when the road turns rough. Carefully chosen damper rates help to maintain comfort and control in these conditions – a situation no doubt also aided by the hatch’s ‘wheel at each corner’ wide-track stance.The Kia Cerato hatch is certain to win many hearts on the Australian market. Like the Cerato sedan, the hatch is a value package that also boasts refinement, practicality and quality, with design appeal from all angles.

From every angle the all-new Kia Cerato sedan displays a sleek, almost futuristic look, but the low sporty appearance belies the fact that there is more space inside the passenger cabin than in the previous model.Despite being lower, the new Cerato sedan (a hatch is due to arrive in Australia midway through August) is longer and wider and has a longer wheelbase.Even with the sporty roofline head room has been improved up front by lowering the seat hip line, there’s also more leg room and occupants can spread their wings into increased shoulder space. Overhangs front and back have been trimmed, yet the boot is bigger than before and takes up to 420 litres of cargo.Kia Cerato sedan comes in three specifications – S, Si and SLi – all with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, the S hooked up to a 1.8-litre four-cylinder multi-point fuel injected (MPI) engine, while the Si and SLi enjoy the extra boost of a 2.0-litre gasoline direct injection (GDI) motor.Fuel consumption during our week’s test was in the high fives and low sixes on the open road, but 11 to 12 litres per hundred kilometres around town. A generous 50-litre fuel tank has the Cerato comfortably cruising more than 600 kilometres between fill-ups.The six-speed automatic transmission features fully automatic operation or Sport mode engaged by moving the lever towards the driver when in Drive. Not many drivers ever use this feature, but it’s there for those who like to have a say over what gear the car is in. The steering wheel has tilt-and-rake adjustment. Instruments and controls are purposefully directed at the driver.Active safety items include electronic stability control and vehicle stability management that works with the ESC to provide ‘corrective’ steering inputs to help the driver avoid loss of control, especially on mixed wet and dry road surfaces, front corner and rear parking sensors. Passive safety sees the car with are six airbags and the Cerato has been given a four-star Australian NCAP rating.All Cerato sedans have projector-style headlamps, powered front and rear windows, keyless entry, cruise control, trip computer with external temperature display, and front corner and rear parking sensors. Connectivity is by a USB/iPod compatible radio/CD player with six speakers and Bluetooth hands-freeCerato Si adds 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior highlights, electric folding door mirrors, automatic headlights, rear seat air vents, a 4.3-inch touch-screen audio system with LCD display, push button start and smart key and a reversing camera.We were most impressed with the solid feel of the gen-three Kia Cerato. It’s almost as good as many European cars. The new Cerato, like all Kias of the latest models sold in Australia, had a considerable amount of local input in the suspension and steering. While some of the early Aussie-modified Kias can be on the firm side, this new Cerato is impressively smooth in its ride, even over badly corrugated roads.This added comfort may be due to the fact that the suspension guys have backed off a little on the sportiness of the Cerato. Resulting in handling that is safe rather than exciting. Which is what typical buyers expect from a car in this class.Noise, vibration and harshness have been minimised by a stiffer body shell and new vibration-damping front subframe mountings. The rear parcel shelf and cargo bay have insulating filling. In addition, the front side chassis members, A-pillar and side sills are filled with acoustic foam and there is a dynamic damper fitted to the shorter of the front drive shafts.The electric power steering has three settings to match customer preference with Normal, Sport and Comfort modes, the effort required to turn the wheel varies with mode, while the number of turns lock-to-lock remains the same. It’s hard to go past Comfort mode for day-to-day city driving.Storage is good, thanks to a glovebox that’s grown by 30 per cent, front door pockets capable of holding a 700-ml bottle and rear door holders for 500-ml bottles. The centre console incorporates a covered two-litre multi-box, ahead of the gear lever, twin cup holders, behind the gearshift and on the rear centre armrest a 5.6 litre box between the front seats. Soft-touch materials further enhance cabin surroundings.Though style is likely to be the big talking point in the new Kia Cerato sedan, there’s a lot more to be considered. It has decent handling that’s tuned for Australian drivers and roads, it’s well equipped and sells at a highly competitive price.

The relentless march of the South Korean car industry continues. A combination of style, low prices and decent dynamics is proving attractive to an ever increasing numbers of Australian buyers. The price of the entry-level Cerato S, at $19,990 plus on-road costs, gives you a lot of family car for a most modest outlay.Kia’s new Cerato sedan is a classic example. It is longer, wider, lower, with shorter overhangs than the second-generation car, all of which make for a sleeker styling with a fair touch of European in its shape.Inside the dashboard is simple, well-designed and functional. Clever design means the Cerato is lighter by around 50 kilograms, to help performance, reduce fuel consumption and trim exhaust emissions.Although it’s classified as a small car, we see the Kia Cerato as a genuine mid-sized family sedan. At 4.56 metres long it has enough legroom for two adults to sit comfortably in the rear, though the sleek styling means some may find rear headroom is marginal.Kia Cerato S now has a smaller engine than before. Its new design 1.8-litre four-cylinder produces 110 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. The previous entry level Cerato had a 2.0-litre (115kW/194Nm) engine.If you do want the larger engine you have to buy a Cerato Si or SLi. These have the 2.0-litre engine, now with numerous upgrades to lift it to 129kW and 209Nm. All three Cerato models come with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, both with six forward speeds.As we’ve come to expect, Kia Cerato is well-equipped in the safety field. Standard on all models are Electronic Stability Control with traction control, ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; and Emergency Stop Signal that activates the hazard lights on emergency braking. Six airbags help to keep you alive if the aforementioned protection electronics can’t prevent a crash.On the luxury front, there’s cruise control, Bluetooth; Auxiliary and USB sockets; and steering wheel mounted controls in all models. Kia Cerato Si not only gets the bigger engine it also has 16-inch alloy wheels; a reversing camera; smart key with push-button start/stop; chromed highlight surrounds. There’s what Kia terms a ‘premier’ interior trim; 4.3-inch LCD computer screen; and automatic lights.The range-topping Cerato SLi scores 17-inch alloys; LED taillights; LED daytime running lights; leather trimmed seats; heated front seats; a powered driver’s seat; paddle-shifters when the automatic transmission is specified; and dual-zone climate control. A satellite navigation package including traffic information and DVD player displaying on a 7-inch LCD screen, is priced at $1000.We were most impressed with the solid feel of the gen-three Kia Cerato. It’s almost as good as many European cars. The new Cerato, like all Kias of the latest models sold in Australia, had a considerable amount of local input in the suspension and steering. While some of the early Aussie-modified Kias can be on the firm side, this new Cerato is impressively smooth in its ride, even over badly corrugated roads.This added comfort may be due to the fact that the suspension guys have backed off a little on the sportiness of the Cerato. Resulting in handling that is safe rather than exciting. Which, we revhead road testers have to admit is what typical buyers expect from a car in this class.Our road test car this week was the topline Kia Cerato SLi with an auto transmission, coming in at $29,990 plus on-roads. That’s a lot of car for a very reasonable outlay - just compare it to some Euro family sedans in the same class. However, it has to be admitted that the South Korean Kia sits a long way down the prestige scale from the iconic Europeans. Such is life.The 2.0-litre engine has plenty of punch and the transmission generally responds with a minimum of hesitation when a lower gear is required. It’s a nice combination. Fuel consumption around town was in the eight to nine litres per hundred kilometres range, which isn’t bad for a car of this size. On the open road it wasn’t difficult to get the petrol use under seven litres per hundred with careful driving.At this stage only the Kia Cerato sedan has been introduced to Australia. A five-door hatch is expected within a few months. An upgrade of the existing two-door coupe, the Kia Koup, will be released towards the end of the year. Like all Kia models the new Cerato comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

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.VALUEThe 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.DESIGNThis 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.TECHNOLOGYThough 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”.SAFETYThe 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.DRIVINGIt 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.VERDICTNeat 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 SiPrice: $25,990Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km, 5-yr roadsideCapped Servicing: 5yr/$262-$535 per yearService interval: 12mths/15,000kmResale: 49%Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 129kW/209NmTransmission: 6-spd auto; front driveThirst: 7.4L/100km; 91RON; 177g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1319kgSpare: Full-size

Kia's position edges onwards and upwards with a brace of striking cars one after the other. It is fast becoming an inspirational brand instead of one carried by "available and affordable" products.The new Cerato is a classic example, easily one of the best lookers in the small car class any normal person would love on their drive. This is generation three of Kia's small car range though the ‘small’ tag doesn't really apply as it's crept up closer to medium in size. It's nothing like the two, staid-looking earlier versions.New Cerato kicks off with a swoopy looking sedan followed soon by a hatch and a coupe before the end of the year. They are built on a similar platform to Hyundai's i30 model but that's only the basic architecture.Cerato has its own DNA highlighted by the particular style Kia has adopted since stylist Peter Schreyer took over the company's drawing board a few years ago. It looks a million bucks distinctive, trend setting, sexy, classy.And following Kia Australia's localisation program, boasts one of the better all-round dynamic set up on a mainstream small car sold here. Kia Australia has become so good at local set-up of the suspension, steering, brakes and tyres that it has the keen ear of head office back in Korea.Unlike many players in the segment, Cerato bristles with new technology including direct fuel injection and variable cam timing on the inlet and exhaust sides to optimise engine output.Three model grades are available in S, Si and SLi variants. Prices are $19,990, $23,990 and $27,990 in ascending order.All three get Kia's clever Flex-steer three mode steering system along with aerodynamic undercar enhancement, front and rear park sensors, six-speaker audio with MyMusic 880 meg music register, multiple wheel controls, Bluetooth phone and audio, aircon, trip computer and a full-size spare.Naturally, the higher grade models get more up to the SLi with leather, dual zone climate control, 17-inch alloys and paddle shift.Two engines are offered in a three model range. Both have friction reduced internals and all-of-life timing chains instead of belts that need regular replacement. The ‘base’ engine in Cerato S only is a 1.8-litre, four cylinder, petrol good for 110kW/178Nm output and as low as 6.6 litres/100km for the six speed manual.The six speed auto uses a tad more. The 2.0-litre petrol four achieves a strong 129kW/209Nm output and 7.4 litres/100km. The auto (+$2000) is a six speeder where most competitors settle for five or a slurring, cheap CVT ‘auto.’Aiming to retain customers as much as win new ones, Kia provides its cars with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, a year's roadside assist and capped price servicing for the first five services.Its five star crash rated with all that entails in terms of equipment. The new body is up to 50kg lighter than the previous model but much stronger thanks in part to the use of 63 per cent high strength steel in its construct.New Cerato is smoother and quieter than before with more sound deadening and better noise and vibration isolation. We drove the high range SLi and the base S autos. Both were impressive, particularly the SLi with its 129kW engine and plush interior.It has a European feel to the ride and handling. Indeed the entire car feels European not surprising when you think Kia has a major manufacturing effort in Europe as well as engineering and design facilities.The seats are super comfortable with eight electric adjustments to the driver's pew as well as heating and ventilation. The dash is as good as anything from Europe in design and function with the added benefit of a new fascia in a mock carbon fibre texture along with three other media.There's plenty of room even in the critical rear seat leg room measurement and the boot is big, expandable with 60:40 rear folding seat. It is a fun car to drive, responsive, smooth, well-mannered an accomplished all-rounder. The stying really grabs you viewed from all angles.The red hot small car segment gets a tough new player. Those already there had better be on their toes this new Cerato is a cracking good car.

Kia has launched the third generation of its Cerato sedan. As with the previous model, the sedan variant has been released in advance of the bigger-selling hatch. However, this time the delay will be minimal with the five-door due within the next two or three months. The upgraded two-door coupe version, sold as the Kia Koup, will be released late in the year.Ironically the Cerato launch came on the same day that GM-Holden announced significant job cuts at its Adelaide factory, primarily because its locally-made Cruze is struggling to compete against imported cars such as the Cerato because of the high value of the Australian dollar. Despite recent price cuts the entry-level Cruze is still $1500 dearer than the comparable Cerato in what is a very price-sensitive and intensely competitive market.As we’ve come to expect from South Korea the third-generation Kia Cerato ($19,990 plus on-road costs) is well-equipped. Standard on all models are cruise control, Bluetooth; Auxiliary and USB sockets; and steering wheel mounted control.The first thing that we do when testing cars nowadays is to pair our smartphone to the car’s Bluetooth connection. It’s often a frustrating experience with every manufacturer using a different method so we were delighted to be able to get both the telephone and audio streaming off and running in less than a minute.A satellite navigation package including traffic information and DVD player displaying on a 7-inch LCD screen, will be added to the options list for the SLi with the next production run, starting this month.The Si gets the bigger engine; 16-inch alloy wheels; reversing camera; smart key with push-button start/stop; chrome highlights; premier interior trim; 4.3-inch LCD computer screen; and automatic headlights.The range-topping SLi gets larger (17-inch) alloys; LED rear combination lights; LED daytime running lights; leather trimmed seats; powered driver’s seat; paddle-shifters with the automatic; dual-zone climate control air conditioning; and heated front seats.The last feature, and it may just clinch the deal for some buyers is, that like all Kia models, the new Cerato comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre standard warranty.The price of the entry-level Cerato S is only $600 more than the outgoing model but that’s not an apples-for-apples comparison because it now comes with a smaller engine with a new 1.8-litre (110kW/178Nm) replacing the previous 2.0-litre (115kW / 194Nm) unit.The higher specced Si and SLi models each get an upgraded direct-injection 2.0-litre engine with 129kW and 209Nm.Although a diesel engine is available in some countries Kia Australia has no immediate plans to bring it here. All three variants come with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, both six-speed.New Kia Cerato sedan is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing model with shorter overhangs. All of which make for a sleeker styling aimed at the 20-something buyer.It’s also lighter by an average of 50 kilograms for reduced fuel consumption. Inside the dashboard is simple, well-designed and functional.Although it’s classified as a small passenger car – along with 44 other models in what is a very crowded and competitive market segment – the Cerato is a genuine mid-sized family sedan. At 4.56 metres long it has enough legroom for four adults to sit comfortably, although it’ best if the rear occupants aren’t particularly tall because Cerato’s coupe-like styling does seriously reduce rear headroom.Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control with traction control, ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Emergency Stop Signal which activated the hazard lights on emergency braking; front and rear parking sensors; and six airbags.We were able to test the third-gen Cerato during its launch in the NSW Hunter Valley. Our first impression was how solid a feel there was to the car, almost up there with the best of its European rivals ... but at a lower price.Surprisingly for such a major tourist region the Hunter Valley has some awful roads, just the thing for testing ride and handling. The new Cerato, like all Australian Kia models, had a considerable amount of local input and it shows with an impressively smooth ride over some badly corrugated roads. Handling is safe rather than exciting as expected from a car of its type.The Cerato’s safe handling, simple yet functional design, range of features and warranty may just clinch the deal for some buyers.

Hyundai releases a car then within 12 months Kia does it that bit better. This is as immutable as earth's orbit and the timing of the tides; as inevitable as Tony Abbott starting his morning run from The Lodge come September. So it has come to pass with the new Cerato, Kia's take on Hyundai's Carsguide Car of the Year runner up i30.The i30, or Elantra as it's known in sedan guise, should be toward the top of any small car shopping list. Logically, therefore, the Cerato ought to be at or near the top. Yet even the uppermost echelons of the small car class are too crowded for comfortable decisions, so it's no slight accomplishment that the Kia makes itself heard above the throng.Well, some of them do. While the range kicks off at the inevitable $19,990 for the symbolic entry level manual (plus $2K for the auto everyone will buy), the steel-wheeled Cerato S is very much the fleet favourite. Doubtless a nice price will be done for the mass buyers, because from $500 less Holden's Cruze Equipe provides a lot more for someone shedding their own cash.The mid-level Si is where we'd put our dough. From $23,990 for the rather sweet six speed manual, it gets the full cream engine and kit including 16-inch alloys, rear view camera, Bluetooth, artificial but pleasing leather wrapped dash, auto headlights, small touchscreen and six airbags.The SLi adds yet more fruit, but no more substance. The very top model chucks in sat-nav but moves the sticker price north of 30 grand. Yes, Kia has moved on and then some since the driveaway-then-chuck away days of only last decade (there are waiting lists for some models), but are you quite ready to drop the price of a decently equipped Volkswagen Golf on a Cerato? No, didn't think so. And there's no real need.The Si is the sweet spot and a tasty package for the price. It's all sedans until July when the hatch comes online. The Koup (yes, they're staying with that) lobs by year's end.Let's begin with the three mode steering setting that moves the feel through the wheel from ultra-light to vaguely substantial. Then let's move on, because we instantly forgot it. The real story is not knobs and buttons with which German carmakers feel compelled to festoon their cars, but that which you'll never see and will feel daily.An acronym that goes unexplained in car head publications is NVH. It stands for "noise, vibration and harshness" and its absence in the Cerato relative to the previous generation of small cars (we're talking last evade again) is remarkable.Much labour has gone into deadening the roar of Australia's roughhouse roads in the cabin. The Cerato Si has the refinement traditionally expected of something larger and lusher. Even the A pillars (those at the front between the roof and the fore of the front doors) are fitted with an acoustic deadening foam. This and sundry measures besides work so well you'd never know they were there.While the base S makes do with an uninspiring 1.8-litre petrol four, the Si and those above get the altogether better direct injection 2.0-litre four. Good for a solid 129kW/209Nm, it returns an acceptable 7.4 litres per 100km and  a reasonable acceleration time of 9.3 seconds from 0-100km/h as an auto. This alone is worth the ask over the rather wheezy base model.Kia claim that the 50 litre tank will furnish some 650km for the "average" driver between refills. While some Japanese manufacturers, at least those that went to ground during the GFC, still push out five speed transmissions, it's six cogs and nothing less for Kia in manual or auto form. The latter is said to be the "world’s most compact six-speed transmission”, which is nice, and, though laid out in a straight P-R-N-D arrangement, can be manually shifted by moving the lever towards the driver when in D mode. We didn't bother.Kia’s local product team has made the ride and handling characteristics as bespoke as parent company Hyundai will allow. You may not know or care that there are gas-filled dampers front and rear, but you'll appreciate the ride comfort and stability they deliver.The sedan will sell on looks alone. Kia make much of the futuristic styling, but really it's a case of melding a multitude of contemporary designs into a singular whole. There are, if you care to look hard enough, bits of Focus, Mazda3 and Elantra therein to say nothing of Audi tail lights. Somehow the Cerato succeeds in being its own thing, clearly a smaller sibling of the head-turning Optima sedan.It's tight in back of there, though, where 185cm me has to hunker down to save scraping his scone. Nor could I comfortably sit behind me. Inmates won't complain of the quality. The Si is already at the front the class, a Neil Armstrong stride from the previous model and a good deal more pleasant than the $50k BMW 1 Series we handed back this week.Though yet to be crash tested the newbie has been engineered to meet the newly tightened standards of both the European and Australian crash test authorities. Five stars are confidently anticipated.It's painful even for the neutral that in the week poor sales of the Cruze cost 500 Australian jobs another base model car arrives that does not match it. By no means is the Cerato S much in the wake of the Cruze Equipe, but its value deficit is exacerbated on the road. Riding on 16 inch Nexen rubber it can't adhere with the same tenacity as the Holden with its 17-inch Bridgestones. Nor does the six speed auto on offer redeem it in the same way as its fellow Korean sourced but Australian built rival.Kia's localisation work is more evident in the mid-spec Si. This is the point at which the Cerato becomes more than yet another smallish car and begins to stake a pace at the A-list table.Its better (alloy) wheels and rubber are abetted by a bigger and better (direct injection) engine, one that doesn't trouble the Cruze SRi's turbo four for outright performance, but is very much in keeping with the unflustered gait of the very similar unit in Ford's Focus. Dynamically the Kia treads more gently than either, sitting flat and handsome through corners but conveying more information in its body movement and we'd warrant this will please more of the people most of the time.Spend the right amount - neither too much or too little. The Si is toward the top of a hard fought class.

The new Holden Commodore is the most important new car of 2013. The upcoming VF, and the VF alone, points to the future of motoring in Australia.