Kia Cerato S and Si 2013 review

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.

Explore the 2013 Kia Cerato range

• Kia Cerato Si sedan 2013 review
• Kia Cerato sedan 2013 review
• Kia Cerato S and Si 2013 review
• Kia Cerato SLi auto sedan 2013 review
• Kia Cerato Si 2.0 GDI 2013 review
• Kia Cerato S hatch 2013 review
• Kia Cerato hatch 2013 review
• Kia Cerato 2013 review
• Kia Cerato SLi auto hatch 2013 review
• Kia Cerato Si sedan 2013 review: snapshot

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.

Value

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.

Technology

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.

Safety

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.

Driving

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.

Verdict

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.