Formerly known as the Kia Forte, the Kia Cerato is touted as an affordable sedan in Australia and boasts a host of new features and upgraded tech.
It also comes with a selection of safety technologies available across entry level trims. Standard equipment includes an 8.0 inch infotainment touchscreen, 4.2 inch driver information display, and support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Buyers can also find a six speaker sound system, six way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and manual air conditioning.
The safety features include a reversing camera, lane keep assist, driver attention monitoring, manual cruise control, and rear-seat alert. You can find a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating on the GT and Sport+ but the S and Sport variants only come with four stars – unless you get the $1000 safety pack, more on that below.
The optional $1000 safety pack adds adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, power folding mirrors, and large rear brake discs for improved stopping performance.
Engine and Ride Details
The Kia Cerato GT comes with an impactful powertrain. It is the only trim powered by the turbocharged 1.6 litre four cylinder engine capable of producing 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque.
In terms of ride, the sedan offers an engaging and enjoyable drive. Its dual clutch responds quickly to driver inputs when you have engaged manual mode, both when you are using shift paddles or the shift level. The only time you’ll have to struggle with the steering wheel is during take-offs under hard acceleration due to the wheelspin and torque-steer.
It can handle mid corner bumps efficiently even at high speeds, and doesn’t cause the car to jolt sideward across the road.
Furthermore, the GT sedan comes with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km – which is par for the course for a modern sedan.
The Interior
The cabin experience across all trims remains the same, except the GT models which come with an opening glass sunroof. This isn’t a bad thing because the Kia Cerato has excellent interior quality, presentation, and design.
The interior doesn’t offer anything out of the ordinary but it is clean and elegant, with high-end tech and a large central touchscreen that looks premium. Much of the gear is designed to facilitate ergonomics, from the buttons and switches on the steering wheel to the ventilation control installed high on the dashboard.
The Sport+ and GT score top marks in terms of seat ventilation, heating, and climate control. Speaking of the GT, its front seats are more comfortable than the other trims. They provide improved lateral support through cornering and better overall comfort and support.
Verdict – Will You Enjoy this Sedan
All trims of the Kia Cerato will offer a good driving experience. The ride feels stable in most regular conditions and grips fairly well, but its cornering performance isn’t the best.
It’s worth mentioning that the suspension has been designed specifically to handle Australian roads – so you’ll find an excellent grip on bumpy roads and steep corners.
You’ll learn more about the Kia Cerato here: https://www.carexpert.com.au/kia/cerato.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
