In recent years, some of the most improved players on the automotive playing field have been entry-level compact saloon. Many of these so-called economy cars now offer levels of style and equipment that rival larger and more expensive cars. A good example is the Kia Cerato. This particular Kia has charmed the hearts of many and continues to retain the title of the best-selling car in the company’s motoring range. The previous generation Kia Cerato laid the foundations of successes for the Korean automaker. This was attributed to the saloon’s attractive price, great looks, efficient engines and a long list of standard equipment.
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| All-New Kia Cerato |
Replacing the outgoing model is an all-new Kia Cerato Sporting a sleeker profile with futuristic and dynamic styling, the all-new Kia Cerato saloon is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor. The car features an all-new re-engineered body shell structure and boasts improved quality, upgraded equipment and a host of additional convenience features. The all-new Kia Cerato drivers will experience a more spacious and refined cabin as well as an upgraded power train line-up.
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| The Cerato’s profile |
Looks
Sculpted to portray ‘dynamic muscularity’ and provoke an emotional response, the sleeker new Kia Cerato has cab-forward styling, a lower coupe-like roofline, distinctive eye-catching concave door contours and a rising beltline with a chrome window moulding extending into the C-pillar to project an aura of elegance. Moving the A-pillar forwards and the C-pillar backwards allows the addition of front and rear quarter glass panels which enhance the car’s sense of spaciousness and improves visibility by eliminating blind spots while enhancing the car’s premium image. At the rear, the boot lid is shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag and the rear combination lamps smooth the airflow while reinforcing the all-new Kia Cerato’s wide stance.
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| DOHC power plant |
Performance
The all-new Kia Cerato is available with a choice of two petrol engines – a 118 kW (158 hp) 2.0-liter Nu engine and the popular 95 kW (127 hp) 1.6-liter Gamma engine. Powered by the 2.0-litre power unit, the saloon, with the manual gearbox, accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds or 9.3 seconds (automatic model) and attains a top speed of 210 km/h. With Gamma power, the 1.6-litre power plant, the all-new Kia Cerato has a top speed of 200 km/h and reaches 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and 11.6 seconds on the automatic model. The all-new Kia Cerato rides on McPherson struts front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle.
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| Best selling Kia car |
Steering feel is improved utilizing larger bushings and revised front suspension geometry. Electric power steering has replaced the hydraulic system from the previous model. Optional Flex Steer puts the driver firmly in control. For maximum stopping power, all-new Kia Cerato models can be equipped with an all-disc braking system featuring large diameter ventilated front discs and solid discs at the rear, backed up by ABS anti-lock, to achieve a stopping distance from 100 km/h of as little as 42.3 meters.
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| Driver oriented dashboard |
Interior
Opening the wide doors reveals a cabin sculpted in organic curves. Gentle ripples are visible across the instrument panel. The driver-centric cabin is angled by 10 degrees and features high-quality materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read instrument dials are visible behind the sporty steering wheel. Secondary controls for air-con and radio are also easier to reach. An optional 4.2-inch colour LCD screen is visible between the black and white instrument gauges.
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| Comfortable front seats |
This displays trip and auxiliary vehicle information to the driver. Tasteful chrome surfaces ring the AC rotary knobs and the optional push-start power button. Additional chrome accents, standard Bluetooth hands free phone integration and power window mirrors are also fitted. Optional leather seating trim, HID head lights, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear seat vents enhance the Kia Cerato interior environment.
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| Coupe like design |
Verdict
Amid the growing crowd of compact saloon, the affordable Kia holds its own. We consider the all-new Kia Cerato as a legitimate alternative to traditional segment leaders due to its eye-catching style, competitive feature content and good value. Should you be interested in a fun little car at a low price, the all-new Kia Cerato is worth a look.