Kia Cerato 2018 review

Badging on the mid and top-spec models has changed to Sport (our test car) and Sport+. These are auto only, with the Sport expected to be the top seller at $23,690. As well as being better dressed, with 17-inch alloy wheels, higher-grade cloth seats and a premium steering wheel, the Sport also gets satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic and 10 years’ Mapcare. 

The top-spec Sport+, at $26,190 drive-away, brings AEB Fusion II (pedestrian and cyclist recognition), advanced smart cruise control, LED daytime running lights, smart key and push-button start, leather seats, automatic-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control and rear air vents. More safety features for the various models are available in two option packs.

Kia has shaken the cheap and cheerful tag to deliver cabin presentation and build quality that’s among the best. There are still a few hard plastic trim fittings but overall it has more of a premium look and feel than might be expected in a car of its price. For the driver it is a very neat, easy-to-use layout with large, clear instruments and well-positioned switches. Seating is comfortable and has a good range of adjustments.

On the road, Cerato does not set any new class standards but has clearly moved up a few rungs. The 2.0-litre multi-point fuel-injected petrol engine is carried over from the previous model, and while not the most technically sophisticated unit in Kia’s stable, its output of 112kW and 192Nm is around the class average, and Cerato does everything expected from a car of this type, and with ease.

To help compensate for the bigger body’s extra weight and keep fuel consumption down, there was some minor tweaking to the transmissions, and a Smart mode was added to Kia’s Drive Select system on automatic models. Official fuel consumption for the auto sedan is 7.4L/100km, which is 0.2L more than the previous model and noticeably higher than many of its peers. On test, our Cerato Sport averaged 8.2L/100km. Some engine noise can be heard at times, when it’s working hard.

The new model’s stiffer body, revised suspension mounting points, and upgraded steering gave Kia’s local engineering team a good start in their usual fine-tuning for Australian road conditions. The result is a well-balanced package for easy everyday use that has surefooted handling and a comfortable, quieter ride. Our main criticism is that the lane-keep assistant can be a touch aggressive.

Rounding out the deal, Kia’s lengthy seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven-year roadside assistance package adds to Cerato’s value for money. 

A hatchback version, which traditionally has been the more popular body configuration, is due later this year.

The verdict

Cerato continues to be a value-for-money proposition but a new-found maturity, with improved style, quality, safety features and on-road ability, has strengthened its case as a serious contender in the small car class. While Kia’s customer support program adds to the appeal, fuel consumption is a little on the high side.