2009 Kia Cerato here, Koup coming
January 23, 2009 by David Twomey
Update: Kia Cerato Koup review.
Kia Motors Australia has revealed the details and pricing of the all-new Cerato sedan, the first of a series of new models it will launch over the next two years leading a product revolution for the Korean brand.
The Cerato leads the Soul, the funky city car that Kia hopes will reinforce its new youthful image, and the Koup, a two-door version of the Cerato, that the company today confirmed will be released in Australia later this year.
Kia Product Manager, Nick Reid, said the final details of the Koup were still to be confirmed and he also declined to give indications of pricing.
Mr Reid said the Koup, which is a strong part of Kia’s youthful image push, would in effect replace the Cerato Hatch, which had been marketed on and off in Australia.
The all-new Cerato sedan is keenly priced with a starting figure of $18,990 for the five-speed manual base spec S model, which is also available with a $1000 Option Pack that includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, cruise control and remote audio controls on the steering wheel.
All these features are included in the top-spec SLi model, which is priced at $22,990 for the five-speed manual and 24,990 for the four-speed automatic.
Kia has conservatively estimated it will sell 3000 Ceratos this year, while also claiming that the car is capable of challenging the market leaders in the small car segment, all of which sell in much larger numbers.
Kia national marketing manager, Steve Watt, said the company realised it needed to change the perception of the Kia brand from just a price conscious brand to one that embodied both good value and good design.
The Cerato uses an all new chassis and introduces a new styling look for Kia that has been developed by the company’s global design officer, Peter Schreyer, who joined the Korean company from Volkswagen in 2006.
Most significant is the new ‘Schreyer Line’ grille that will become a corporate identity for all Kia vehicles going forward.
The grille design, a Schreyer feature that he developed with previous companies, including VW and Audi, is said to embody the roaring mouth of a tiger.
The Cerato range is equipped as standard with dual SRS front airbags; side front SRS airbags and full-length curtain SRS airbags; active headrests and seatbelt pretensioners for front seats; and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and Brake Assist.
The range-topping Cerato SLi comes standard with ESP and traction control, which is also available as a low cost option pack for the Cerato S.
Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new Kia Cerato has a spacious and comfortable interior with room for five occupants and a bigger boot.
New Cerato features an all-new, efficient 2.0-litre engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for class-leading power and torque, delivering the pulling power and responsiveness of a 2.2-litre engine without the fuel consumption of a bigger engine.
The engine, previously seen in the larger Magentis sedan and the Rondo7, revs smoothly to produce 115kW of power at 6200 rpm and 194Nm of torque at 4300 rpm to take the mantle of class-leader in the power stakes.
The class-leading, Euro IV-compliant Theta II engine is mated to a short-throw five-speed manual for optimum driver control as standard, or can be optioned with Kia’s gated, four-speed automatic gearbox for a smooth and relaxed drive with the choice of Sportsmatic manual-shift capability.
The 2.0-litre Theta II engine delivers good fuel economy with an official combined fuel consumption of 7.8 litres/100kms.
The all-new Kia Cerato is larger than its predecessor in both length and width and can rival all small segment competitors in overall size.
Kia says the chassis has been tuned to deliver the European feel favoured by many Australians, with excellent steering response, roadholding, ride comfort and braking the aim.
The combined result is precise steering and sure-footed roadholding, matched with a composed and supple ride, that offers driving enjoyment without compromising passenger comfort.
We’ll be better able to comment on this after tomorrow when we will get to drive the all-new Kia Cerato for the first time, look out for our First Steer on Saturday.
Print it: 
Alex, the Golf is the most over-rated car on the road. Seriously, I test-drove a 2.0 FSI Sportline when I was buying a new car a couple of years ago and not only was it inferior to the Astra SRi I bought in most areas, it was about 5 grand more. There was an Australian reliability survey leaked to the media in 07. VW finished last in every category in which they had a car. Most of them are made in Sth Africa and the quality and reliability is so bad even VW have acknowledged it and promised the Mk VI Golf will be up the standard people expect.
Anyway, if the new Cerato offers anything like the step-up that Hyundai managed with the i30, which it should as they are both built on the same platform, then it will be a cracking car for the money. Reviews of the i30 have commented very favourably on the interior quality and they both look very similar, so I think you can expect them to compete with the likes of Astra and upper spec Corolla, and be well ahead of Lancer or Impreza.
With 115kW, it should offer class leading performance, too. That’s as much power as an SP23 for less than 20 grand!
I will definitely be seriously considering a Koup as a replacement for my Astra Coupe if the chassis lives up to expectations and they offer a turbo 4.
I will say hyundai/kia’s reliability is up there with toyota and honda, but they need the longer warrenty to lure people into the show room. This is due to the image that people associate with hyundai of the past being unreliable, hence the need to assure people that their car is reliable enough for them to offer such a lengthy warrenty.
I have no doubt that hyundai/kia is catching up to the japanese, but i don’t think toyota’s quality is a myth like people here would say. They still consistently rank near the top in reliability surveys around the world.
As for buying Honda or Mazda for better finish, couldn’t agree more, both have much better presentation and percieved quality than toyota. Not so sure about Subaru though, Liberty has a nice interior, but i would say that the interior finish and switch gear of imprezza and forester is below those offered by toyota. The switch gears have too much play and doesn’t feel solid enough, and the plastic used is as bad as those on Lancer.
As for Golf being over rated, i wouldn’t say it’s over rated as it really does feel more luxury than cars in this class, but that luxury german feel comes at a price, which is too much for a economy box for daily run around.
To RD, Ford and Volkswagen are certainly up to the Korean standard of reliability. I have never had any problems with any Golfs that I have owned. As for my Citroen C4, well I haven’t had any problems with that either, but I will acknowledge that the French are not known for their reliability.
What do you mean am I a badge slave? You did read the brands didn’t you? Renault, Citroen, Ford? Maybe Volkswagen has an air of (well deserved) superiority but the other three are just standard family brands. Unless, you don’t happen to think that Toyota is a high class brand by any chance, do you?
Finally, I don’t think I’m going to use something called “Dog and Lemon Guide” as a reputable source of information.
To BONES, I really don’t see how Volkswagen could have come last in every segment they were in. I’m not saying they are the most reliable car in the world but please, there are so many brands that are well known for being less reliable than Volkswagen.
You are quite wrong about the Golf being over rated. It is class leader for goodness sake! Most people agree that the Astra is nothing to write home about and it is certainly not superior to the Golf and it is also not as reliable. The current Astra has numerous reliability problems while the Golf is known for being high quality and the most reliable thing next to a Honda. I can’t talk for the ones built in South Africa but the ones in Europe are just fine.
At US market, Kia Cerato will also be available with 2,4L four cylinder engine and KOUP will also hit the States.
Most manufacturers including Toyota are wary of the two big Koreans.
To Alex who seems to be an ‘expert’ on almost everything automotive, I can tell you from ownership of the VW Bora V6 and the Golf TDI DSG the latter has good build quality (excellebt shutlines/fit) but the DSG is a dog – yes surprise surprise – try getting smooth takeoffs everytime in first or reverse – doesn’t happen and the well regarded diesel uses expensive low ash oil at the rate of 1.0l every 10000km – that’s approaching rotary consumption!
I believe the Germanic influence in the Kia design house to be excellent and I hope they tune their suspension for Australia properly.
Alex says: “Finally, I don’t think I’m going to use something called “Dog and Lemon Guide” as a reputable source of information.”
You’d really ignore a book that is 880 pages long and contains every passenger vehicle sold in Aust/NZ in the last 20 years? And bases it’s results on owner reports and worldwide quality/reliability (such as JD Power) surveys?
Hmmmm…
I’d say Japan has had more influence in the design than the Germans… the front is the same as the Honda Accord Euro whilst the rear is the same as a Honda Civic Hybrid. Whilst side on it looks like a Mazda 3 and the interior is like a Nissan
Cerato drives much better than you might expect. I drove the Australia spec 2.0 litre and it is awesome (even at 200kph on the Hwasung test track Cerato felt keen to go harder). Also drove the Soul across Jeju island, through the hills and along the sea side, just brilliant. In 10 years with Kia i am confident to say Toyota should be very worried.
Bones,
Coupe has a turbo four but Kia wont conferm the engine yet. They have a 2.0 and 2.4 in Korea. My guess would be 2.4
I like it!
With Corolla now offereing safety-pack on the Ascent [bout time too!!]but at a still very high price [should be std.] and the fact still-no-electric-windows in the rear, its frankly a rip-off, i will pass on it.
The std. default Corolla @ ~$20k needs to the the Conquest.
Things i DONT like about the new Concerto
1/No 5 speed auto.
2/No trip computer on base model.
3/No outside temp. gauge on base model.
4/Goose neck hinges on boot.
5/About $1000 to much.
6/Safety pack should be inc.
No mention of service interval and cost, Toyota is fixed @ $120 for first 5 services.
Other than that will check it out in real and report back, other cars on my list are the new Mazda3, haonda City and 2nd hand Prius.
Cheers
F-0
WWW. DRIVE . COM. AU have road tested it
Services are every 15,000k or 12 months. You can get a $120.00 service anywhere.
Reminds me of the American Civic.
Time to trade up…
It’s funny how I see everyone comparing Toyota, Citroen, Renault, VW, Mazda and Honda. I do admit, I was compairing pretty much the same. But as class leader, no one has mentioned Peugeot, I mean, the 207 is the number 1 seller in Europe at the moment.
In regards to the other popular brands, I do agree with Zahmad’s comment previously. It’s just a big hype. People believe that because a manufacturer creates quality basic products initially, that once they start competing with other manufacturers in regards to technology for example, they don’t end up being all that great. I know from customer expeience, not myself, that the European version of the Corolla comes with a lot more specs on their base model, and the finish product is at a better quality.
I’m pretty sure I’ve stated before, but I will say again that the only reasons why the general public will go for these brands is because its just one big hype! Everyone needs to do a bit of research. It’s like the Iphone for heaven’s sake. Everyone wants want, just because of the label!
I do admit though, the Toyota Supra would have to be one of the best things that Toyota has produced, engine wise anyway.
I do also agree with everyone’s comment about wanting something greatly priced, having an excellent warranty, and that gets the job done, get a Kia. If you want to pay the extra for the hype of it all, please do so, but I’m sure if you were to drive everything, and you were a tightass like myself, I would still go a Kia. (The only way rich people get rich is by not blowing all their money, and spending it wisely!). And if you want something with great quality and reasonably priced, go a Peugeot, I mean, they’ve only been around over 100 years and have been the first of many companies to do a lot of things.
All this Kia hype for what??? A show car that will look far from these pic’s if it even gets here. Plasticy interiors with no durability, shiny paint that will wash off by the end of warranty. Cheap disposable cars people….. you get what you pay for. Please don’t compare to quality cars brands they are still far, far from that….
One more thing, SALESMAN. Please keep your pathetic Cash for Comments for KIA off these boards. Trying to always make out independent views. How about all those ex- Carnival owners with blown engines,, I’m sure they like to consider another KIA…
I guess only time will tell. Speaking personally many of my clients are repeat or referral and i often trade in old Kia’s on new. None of those customers have complained about wear. Certainly more positive’s to talk about. Carnival engine was a disaster, Kia did repair or replace every effected car (even those out of warranty) Anyway that was 9 – 10 years ago. There is not a car in the world i can think of over the last 10 years that has been immune to faults (that’s why we have new car warranties)
As for the cash for comments, I wish! Obviously if you believe I deserve to be rewarded for comments I will accept cash or card. Just call 1800 THESALESMAN
WRXMAN Says: January 24th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Time to trade up….
From What exactly?
Robj,
What two horribly misinformed and ignorant comments. You really have absolutely no idea. I bet you are one of those sad people that scourer the internet looking for any excuse at all, just so you can post negative things about KIA. Perhaps it is you that should “…keep your pathetic…” “…Comments for KIA off these boards.”
—
Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t CarAdvice let people leave comments in accordance to the article at hand, NOT for people just to post rubbish comments about certain car brands?
Just more proof that Japanese cars are taking over the world, time for lazy American and European manufacturers to wise up!
Errm Andy, KIA is Korean, not Japanese…
Comment deleted for breach of comment code of conduct.
Dingos back………….^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Although they are a car manufacturer; Kia really aren’t in the same league as Toyota.. Just as Toyota aren’t in the same League as BMW.
It’s all relative – you have to consider the size of the company; the technology/resources they have access to the markets that they compete in etc..
When you do that you would have to Admit that Kia do a reasonable job – They must do.. how else do you explain the considerable number of Kia Rios Kia Carnivals that you see on the road.
If you look at things on an even basis you would see that a Kia rio for example is alot better than say a Daihatsu Charade or a Daewoo Viva and not really that much different to a Swift or a Yaris.. The main difference being the [perceived] reputationof of the manufacturer
I mean most people don’t know a great deal about Kia [as proven by Andy saying that KIA are Japanese].. mind you years ago people didn’t know that much about Lexus either did they?
The other thing is that Kia owns Hyundai; which over the years has improved the design and build quality of their cars [I can't wait for the new Hyundai Coupe] you’d expect that Kia will start to do the same.
As build quality reliability and value for money improves so to will Kias Popularity.
I have no problem having views different to my own. Just don’t pretend KIA is anything but a budget brand aimed at the mass market whom care nothing about driving (pensioners & other low socio-economic groups). They are easy distracted by shiny trinkets and have very low demands as customers anyway. You can tell this if you step into a KIA showroom.
Robj: your previous comment is quite interesting – you say that basic budget cars only appeal to pensioners and uneducated peoople from low socio economic backgrounds.. as they are simple easily distracted by shiny things and aren’t really demanding customers anyway
Yet if any demographic is more demanding its pensioners and those from low socio economic backgrounds.
They do a fair amount of research [more than most] into almost everything they buy be it a car television computer etc.
They are always on the lookout for something that is of reasonable quality reliable built to last and is what they beleive is the best value for money.
Unlike most people they tend to buy something that is practical veratile and most suitable to their needs… because they don’t have the money to replace a car every year…. they’re not out to impress anyone
All of which explains why the Yaris and Corolla are so popular doesn’t it?
Gawd I love this site!!!!!!!!!
Yeah I had the original Carnival with the 2.5 and luckily didn’t have any probs. For all its shortcoming I miss that car.
Towed a trailer fall of gear and seven people up and down the east cost on Holidays etc and didn’t miss a beat.
Now have a Kia Grand Carnival and I am very happy with it.
I just read most of the comments relating to this new car from KIA and it’s true for many people that branding, safety rating and affordablity are the main criteria for choosing what one likes. If you take your time to read more about the car reviews streaming on the net these days, you wil find we are witness a new begininng not just for the bigger companies, but also KIA for example to hit a milestone in their innovation in reshape their company’s reputation. Just look at the new Swift and Grand Vitara from Suzuki for example. Not too long ago, people were only shying away from it because of the it cheap looks and mechanism. Now,depending on what your needs are, you are getting a pretty good product. And the new Ceranto if by no means a lesser car than a new corolla considering they have to wait at least 1 to 2 years before they care about the commuter’s safety with bare essentials specification.
I say we just have to be patience and wait for good news and reviews on this one.
I previous had a imported Skyline turbo, which was a great car but unfortuantely was not family friendly. When time came to upgrade, I checked out Kia and found the Magentis fitted the bill for what I wanted. After checking the quality at JD Power, I sceptically took a test drive. Surprisingly the Kias have come a long way in the last 3-5 years. In the end, although the Magentis is not the most powerful, the economy benefits and abiltiy to meet the requirements that I had of safety, space, comfort and quality were all ticked at a very afordable price.
I’m now a happy Kia driver, along with the rest of my family now and have no regrets about trusting Kia. I’m not one of the low-rent customers that some want to stereotype here, I’m a manager, with a CDB job in one of Australias largest companies, who prefers driving a KIA and paying off the mortgage rather than a BMW on hire purchase.
Whilst Kias may depreciate a little more than Japanese makes in terms of a % depreciation, the Magentis fares well in terms of real dollars lost over the life of the car compared to much more expensive similar offerings such as the Accord.
I often also drive the previous generation Cerato which is a great car. I’m sure the new model will be another real winner for Kia. It wasn’t too long ago when Japanese cars were considered rubbish. Times change, Kia has changed, suggest some people here smell the fresh coffee.
Just test drove the Cerato S manual. Very nice road handling and an excellent transmission. Has far more power than other I’ve tested (City, Focus, Mazda 3). Interior quality feels solid, as does paint and panels. Plenty of top notch extras included as well such as 6 airbags on the base model. Definitely worth a look if your in the market.
Andy of Melbourne, I too have a Magentis as my daily drive and I couldn’t be happier. I bought the top spec 2.4 EXL with leather etc and I too would much prefer to spend my money elsewhere. ie, mortgage, kids etc. I know people who upgrade cars regularly to “keep up with the Jones’s” while they struggle with the bare essentials like the mortgage.
My wife drives a 2006 Cerato Hatch and that too is a good car. Both my KIA’s have been trouble free and I will continue to buy KIA.
KIA make a good car but people just can’t accept that a company can make a good car cheaper than the main brands.
I have seen the new Cerato and it is a nice car. I personally like the SLI with the chrome grill and alloys.
To all those that think KIA are full of squeaks and rattles, let me tell you that both my cars have been lowered with firmer suspension and there is still no squeaks or rattles and nothing has fallen off. I drove my bosses VE Berlina to Newcastle from Sydney and was annoyed with the constant vibration of the dash at speeds above 100km’h. As I have said to many people before, go to the dealer and drive one. It won’t cost you anything and you will be surprised. If you want to continue shopping elsewhere, that’s your choice but you’ll either pay more or get a lower spec car for your troubles.
I have a KIA RIO, and it is absolutely wonderful, fantastic, surprising and comfortable, just to mention a few.. I must confess that i would rather continue to buy a KIA instead of a TOYOTA or HONDA that have made their names and can afford to produce any spec, and sell in the market without minding Options and price.. I must confess that my country has a lot of bad roads, and i travelled with the RIO on one of the worst routes covering over 600km.. Surprisingly, the vehicle came back intact, without a need for wheel-balancing and alignment.. try that with a HONDA, and u’ll pay thru ur nose, especially if u were to take it to a service centre… I LOVE KIA.
The 2009 Cerato is a Marvel to the eyes.. I only have a problem with the lack of a temperature guage.. Or are they trying to give the impression that the car will never have cause for over-heating issues?