Kia Cerato Reviews

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.

Cool looks and classy handling defines the Kia Cerato, which helps explain why it's the South Korean company's best-selling car around the world.The features list in the range-topping SLi is enough to impress most small car buyers and it comes with capped-price servicing for the duration of the five-year warranty. That doesn't hurt its appeal, either.The Cerato starts under $20,000 but the SLi models top out at $24,055 for the sedan and $24,305 for the hatch. That buys a 2.0-litre car with a decent amount of go, a big boot (in the case of the sedan) and features that run from Bluetooth connectivity to rear parking sensors and climate-control airconditioning.A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, the six-speed auto adds $2200. Rivals include the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf. That's tough company to keep, especially given the Cerato is nearly three-years old. A few age spots aside, nothing has started to sag on the compact Kia.Local suspension tune gives the Cerato a grip on the small-car market it mightn't otherwise enjoy. It is supple enough to let owners think they're driving on smooth roads rather than the chopped-up bitumen that dominates most cities. The engine itself isn't the best in the class and the auto gearbox is likewise OK rather than brilliant.Styling is Kia's strong suit and the Cerato is one of the smarter examples to come off lead designer Peter Schreyer's drawing board. The sharp lines are offset with scalloped door recesses and work well on both the sedan and hatch.The interior is starting to show its age, with relatively hard plastics and red light displays but there's a new model due midway next year that should bring it back on terms with the latest Focus and the Golf Mk VII.Airbags aren't everything, as ANCAP has shown by giving four-bag models five-star ratings. In the case of the Cerato, there are six airbags, stability control and brake assist along with brakeforce distribution to compensate for uneven loads. When it arrived 2010 ANCAP gave the Kia a four-star rating.The Cerato's biggest problem is it looks like a sporty car, so you tend to think of it as one. The red-lit instrument cluster only adds to the illusion, because this car is intended to be a good value middle-of-the-road contender.The engine pulls well down low and through the midrange but tends to whine rather than wind up with heavy applications of the right foot. It is still quick enough on takeoff and the sorted suspension encourages run on windy roads. But the stability/traction control, which happily permits wheel-chirping starts, kills the joy with prolonged intervention the nanosecond a yaw sensor starts to twinge. That's great for learner drivers and absent-minded parents but doesn't do justice to the otherwise well-balanced car. The steering is likewise engineered with enough play to cope with nervous twitches while going straight at the expense of outright precision.As family transport, the Cerato is a winner. There's room in the rear for long-legged teens, boot space aplenty and it doesn't chew through a tank of fuel around town. 

The popularity of the five-door Cerato hatch is growing yearly and now leads from the Rio to claim top sales for Kia. Interest in the Cerato should keep expanding with the release of 2013 Cerato teaser images, which give a glimpse of the new car that arrives in Australia around the middle of next year.  In the

A muscular man in a low-rider looked our car up and down, gave a quick nod of his head, then revved his engine and sped off.We weren’t sure how to take that at first, but then realised that apparently the Kia Cerato Koup has street cred.Kia might not be the first manufacture you turn to when looking for a sports car, but if you’re craving good looks and a bit of speed to get you noticed on the road the Koup may be worth a test drive.Suitable for those longing for a sports car as well as a larger budget, the Cerato Koup has a lot to offer price conscious buyers.Price and EquipmentFor $29,190 the automatic Kia Cerato Koup SLS gives you plenty of perks. ABS, ESC, leather trim, rear parking sensors with dash display, powered sunroof, paddle shifter, active front headrests, 17 inch dual tone alloy wheels, anti-theft immobiliser, battery saver, wheel mounted Bluetooth, cruise, and volume control, 6 function trip computer, MP3 compatible CD Player, iPod compatibility, 6-speakers, Speed Dependent Volume Control, climate control air-conditioning, and for those daredevils with allergies, a pollen and dust filter. TechnologyThe 2.0L petrol engine brings 115kW of power and 194Nm of torque to zip you around the motorways. The six speed automatic transmission is smooth, accurate, and ready to run. 7.7L/100km is the official fuel figure though our fun little rev around Sydney and the Blue Mountains found 9.8.DesignThe Cerato Koup SLS is a neat little bundle dressed to impress. Externally, sharp lines, tinted glass and the dual chrome tip rear muffler makes even the toughest driver stop and take note. While parked on the street, an elderly man walking a cavoodle stopped and remarked, ‘That’s one good looking car.’ He may not be the toughest bloke on the block, but his sentiment was shared by everyone we met.Internally, with black leather seats and red stitching, leather wrapped steering wheel and alloy sports pedals, this car is ready to race. The styled dash gets you in the mood to cruise and the 6-way driver’s seat with height adjustment lets you do that in supreme comfort.The Koup is a smart choice for those seeking the status of a sports car, but still wanting storage and the option of carrying more than two passengers.Sentencing friends to the backseats of a two door is usually a cruel punishment, but the Koup’s seats are well designed. Passengers in back can enjoy sufficient legroom for short jaunts and even little touches like a spot to place their flat whites in the two rear cup holders. The boot has a lot of room, enough to fit boxes when a friend asked us to help them move, so using the excuse, ‘Sorry I can’t help you move, I only have a two door,’ won’t cut it. SafetySafety features include driver and front passenger, front side, and curtain SRS airbags. Impact sensing auto door unlocking, side door impact beams, and active front headrests come standard in this four-star ANCAP rated car.DrivingFast acceleration and responsive handling gives you plenty of excitement on the motorway. Handling curves is no problem and though the Koup is a little bumpy on uneven roads, it’s not a worry as you won’t take this baby off-road.Sharp brakes will stop you on a dime and wheel mounted controls give you Bluetooth, cruise, and volume control at your fingertips.Visibility out the back isn’t great but the rear parking sensors with dash display will beep at you if you get too close to anything. You may park too far away from the curb at the start, thinking the hood is longer than it actually is but once you get your bearings it’s easy to fit into a tight spot.For an affordable sporty two door, you get a lot cabin space, style, and street cred. For speedsters looking for a pleasing fast car, with the practicality of a smaller price tag - you’ve met your mate.VerdictThe automatic Kia Cerato Koup SLS will fill your need for speed without emptying your bank account.Kia CeratoPrice: $29,190Warranty: 5 yearsEconomy: 7.7l/100 kmSafety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD.Crash rating: 4 star ANCAPEngine: 4 Cylinder, 2.0 LitreTransmission: Sports Automatic, Front Wheel DriveBody: 2 Door CoupeDimensions: 4480mm (L); 1765mm (W); 1400mm (H); 2650mm (WB)Weight: 1740