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The Kia Cerato started out as a cheap and cheerful alternative to the established players in the small segment, such as the Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Lancer.
That was a decade ago, and three generations later the Cerato has the styling trump most of its competition, and promises the spec and driveability to make it a genuine contender in the small car segment.
Beyond the sleek exterior, the Cerato’s interior has a great quality overall feel. The third-generation Cerato’s ride on a 50mm longer wheelbase than the old model, which has boosted legroom in the rear to a surprisingly opulent level.
Headroom is ample for adults of average height, despite the Cerato’s sleek roofline.
Visibility is pretty good too, with thin C-pillars and quarter windows up the front to help you see around the side mirrors
There’s a useful 482 litres of boot space in the back, and the seats fold 60/40.
The middle of the range Si model tested here sits above the S, and below the SLi range-topper.
Ours also has the six speed auto, which along with metallic paint takes its asking price up to $26,510.
Now this is fair jump from the entry S’s headline-grabbing $19,990 list price, but the auto Si’s extra $6500 brings a bigger 2.0-litre engine than the S’s 1.8-litre, plus a few modern motoring must-haves.
A smallish 4.3 inch multimedia screen with reversing camera are two such items, along with proximity keys, extra dabs of chrome around the outside, upgraded interior trim, and 16 inch alloys.
All Cerato models come with Bluetooth audio and telephone, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, heated external mirrors, and front and rear foglamps.
The Cerato also comes with Kia’s 5 year unlimited km warranty and capped price service plan, so the ownership experience should be surprise free.
The Si’s direct-injected 2.0 litre petrol engine puts out a pretty tidy 129kW and 209Nm. These are the sort of numbers put out by the best 2.5-litre engines of a few years ago, and the Cerato’s 7.4L/100km official consumption is better than many 2.0-litres of the same era.
A six-speed manual is standard, but ours was fitted with the optional six-speed torque converter automatic.
Like all current Ceratos, the Si sedan comes with a five star ANCAP rating, with dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD and stability control.
To drive, the 2.0-litre has no trouble moving the 1300kg Cerato around, and doesn’t mind a full load or climbing hills.
The six-speed auto is smooth and responsive, and is well suited to the engine’s power delivery.
Kia has paid close attention to the suspension tune of Australian Ceratos. This really shows over Sydney’s terrible surfaces, ironing out sharp bumps and maintaining control at higher speeds.
The steering feel won’t embarrass Lotus owners, but the three mode flex-steer system at least gives you the chance to adjust the assistance level to your liking.
All other controls have a great quality, smooth feel to them, and the ergonomics are pretty spot on overall.
If you’re after a no-fuss small sedan, the Cerato Si is a compelling option and a good looking one at that.
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiR | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN | $6,600 – 9,240 | 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 SiR Pricing and Specs |
| S | 1.8L, ULP, 6 SP MAN | $8,360 – 11,770 | 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 S Pricing and Specs |
| Si | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $9,790 – 13,420 | 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 Si Pricing and Specs |
| Koup SLS | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN | $10,890 – 14,960 | 2014 Kia Cerato 2014 Koup SLS Pricing and Specs |
$4,990
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