Kia Cerato
Ratings
2 stars
Summary
Not recommended. Kia's history lesson - this is the way Korean cars used to be. The newer Cee'd is a far better all-round proposition.
Review
If you're looking for uncomplaining transport then the Kia Cerato can offer plenty of utility, plus the reassurance of one of the best warranties in the business.
But compared to more modern rivals, not least Kia's new mid-sized Cee'd, the Cerato feels a long off the pace. It feels cheap and downmarket and the driving dynamics can't get close to those offered by the rest of the segment. A lack of engine choice, and pricetags that get dangerously close to those of mainstream alternatives mean that it's hard to see much appeal in the total package.
Behind the bland design the Cerato is solidly constructed, although the cabin materials feel very cheap and there's not a great deal of space for rear-seat passengers. Standard equipment is reasonable, including standard-fit air conditioning, but the Cerato does without the safety features of some more modern rivals.
It's no great shakes to drive, either, being loud and crude at motorway cruising speeds and prone to roll and lurch its way through corners. Undemanding urban trundling is dispatched painlessly enough, but most drivers will want a car capable of more than this. Only two engines are available: a 1.6 litre petrol that gives decent performance and an impressively frugal 1.5 litre diesel motor that suffers from a serious lack of refinement.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
Bland does not really do justice to the Cerato. It's the sort of car you could lose in a crowded room.
Handling
2 star
Safe enough, but the Cerato's chassis has very modest limits and there's no fun to be found in getting near to them.
Comfort
2 star
Reasonable seating position in the front but the Cerato suffers from loud, drone-prone cruising and poor ride quality on rougher road surfaces.
Quality & Reliability
2 star
Tough construction, as with all modern Kias, but the cabin materials feel very cheap and downmarket.
Performance
3 star
Basic 1.6 litre petrol version gives decent urge. The 1.5 diesel delivers lively performance at the cost of a very industrial soundtrack.
Roominess
2 star
Rear seat accomodation is cramped for taller occupants although the boot is decently proportioned.
Running Costs
3 star
The Cerato's disastrous residual values mean it will be quite expensive to run for anybody proposing to trade it in at any point. Fuel economy is reasonable and servicing is cheap.
Value for money
3 star
Decent standard equipment makes the Cerato look like good value, but better-known manufacturers offer limited edition models for similar money.
