Kia Cerato Si sedan 2013 review: snapshot

We turn the spotlight on the Kia Cerato Si sedan and answer the important questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one?

What is it?

Kia's mid-range Cerato sedan, with the the larger preferable 2.0-litre direction injection petrol engine.

What are competitors?

Hyundai's own Elantra, the Mazda3, Corolla, Cruze, Focus, Impreza, Lancer, Civic and so on. This is one of the most hotly contested segments in the market.

What's under the bonnet?

The 2.0-litre engine features the latest direct injection technology, with 129kW of power at 6500 revs and 209Nm of torque at 4700 revs. It has cast aluminium cylinder blocks and aluminium cylinder heads, and has an offset crankshaft (to reduce friction), a low-noise timing chain, mechanical lash adjustment, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, and plastic variable intake manifold.

How does it go?

Impressive. We reckon this engine in combination with the six speed manual is the pick, offering a surprisingly sporty drive. Slap on some spoilers and a body kit and who knows what it could do?

Is it economical?

Combined cycle fuel consumption for both the manual and automatic models is 7.4 litres/100km (we were getting 7.3 after 500km).

Is it green?

Gets 3.5 stars out of 5 from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets 5).

Is it safe?

Has been awarded 5 ANCAP stars in crash testing.

Is it comfortable?

Hits the mark. Easy to get in and out of, with large sensible cloth covered seats and easy to use controls.

What's it like to drive?

We gave it a good old thrashing and were surprised by how well it rides and handles. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 8.5 secs and it has a top speed of 210km/h. Feels like it'd go even better with better breathing - because it feels constrained most of the time?

Is it value for money?

Cruise is standard along with steering force adjustment, rear and front corner parking sensors, Bluetooth and USB/AUX inputs for audio. Si model adds 16-inch alloys, chrome exterior highlights (belt-line, exterior door handle and exhaust pipe), electric folding door mirrors, auto lights and a 4.3-inch touch-screen audio system, push button start and a reversing camera.

Would we buy one?

Absolutely. It's the right size and offers above average performance with plenty of kit for the price.