2009 Kia Cerato First Steer
January 24, 2009 by David Twomey
The ride and handling is impressive for both a Kia and for a car in this segment, the car rides flat, doesn’t get out of shape easily, although it will ultimately understeer when you push it just too far, and rides with a level of comfort and quietness that wasn’t really expected.
When we deliberately dropped a couple of wheels off the broken edge of a country road the Cerato soaked up the bumps and stayed right on track.
At the same time on gravel it was reassuring to turn into corners knowing that the car was going to head precisely where it was pointed.
If there’s one downside to the new Cerato it’s Kia’s decision to make Electronic Stability Program (ESP), something we consider should be mandatory, and Traction Control an option, it’s part of a $1000 Option Pack, on the base model.
That said we drove a non-ESP Cerato S over some challenging gravel roads and it was more than reassuring, we just think that every driver should have the added assurance of ESP.
Kia National Marketing Manager, Steve Watt, argues the decision purely on the basis that the segment is price sensitive and that the Option Pack is already seeing widespread dealer take-up.
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 pre-tensioners for front seats; and 4-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 (Electronic Stability Program) and TCS (Traction Control System), which is also available as an option for the Cerato S.
From the outside the Cerato is definitely a much bolder, more aggressive look for Kia with a wedge-like side profile.
The ‘Schreyer line’ corporate face with its sweep of headlamps and distinctive radiator grille is accentuated by a strong front bumper and bonnet line that gives the car a very athletic stance.
The rear end is just as dynamic with a lip spoiler effect that creates a very aerodynamic feel and the low drag co-efficient of 0.29 and low lift coefficient of 0.16 is in part due to measures that channel air cleanly around the Cerato’s body.
All Cerato models feature body coloured bumpers and door mirrors. Cerato S has body coloured door handles, while the SLi has chrome door handles, chrome radiator grille and rear garnish.
Both models also feature electric heated outside door mirrors, convex door mirrors and side repeater lamps on door mirrors, while the SLI is also fitted with front fog lights.
Inside the cabin, the driver sits in front of a new two-tier dashboard with distinctive details such as a three-cylinder ‘Super Vision’ cluster in Cerato SLi which includes the in-dash display four ultrasonic rear parking sensors and a six-function trip computer.
Both Cerato S and SLi have a distinctive three-spoke steering wheel, with the latter model fitted with cruise control and remote audio controls (both optional on Cerato S).
Cerato SLi also features alloy pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob for an even sportier touch.
The centre fascia contains audio, heating and ventilation controls in a simple, easy-to-read layout. There’s also auxiliary and USB plugs available, which accommodate full iPod compatibility.
Both models are fitted with speed sensing door locks that automatically lock once the vehicle has reached a speed of 40km/h.
They also feature a driver’s seat height adjuster, 60:40 fold flat rear seat, tilt and telescope adjustable steering column and rear centre armrest.
As we said at the beginning this car isn’t the greatest car every built, but it signals yet another major player in the Australian car market moving up the ladder to offer vastly improved products that challenge the established leaders.
All-round the new Cerato deserves to be on small car buyers shopping lists and at the price it is extremely competitive.
Pricing:
Cerato S Manual $18,990
Cerato S Automatic $20,990
Option Pack $1000
Cerato SLi Manual $ 22,990
Cerato SLi Automatic $ 24,990
Premium paint (Mica/Metallic) is available at $300 extra cost.
My experiance with Toyota is limited to a new Rav4 and Aurion. Both were two of the worst cars I have ever owned. The Rav (new gen) came complete with 2 major water leaks that took months to fix and involved changing the carpet twice, but only after many threats. Water stains on a 3 month old carpet? I don’t think so. Then came the electrical problems, no doubt caused by the water leaks, oil leaks, brake problems. In the end I traded it and after some negotiations I was offered a good deal on an Aurion to offset the loss I would have made. I must admit that Toyota/the dealer were good about it. Boy did I live to regret that as the Aurion was so bad. Electrical issues, auto trans problems that even came back after it was changed, dash rattles and squeaks that involved removing the dash (and breaking the windscreen at the same time) airbag warning lights coming on and off, two replacement stereo’s and water leaks and plenty of other things that I can’t recall. The Cerato could never be as bad as the Toyotas. Plus KIA could not be as hard to come to the party for fixes. Plus they probably don’t charge you $35 a day for a loan Corolla while they try (in vain) to fix your 2 week old car! Toyota anyone? No I did not think so!!!!!!
Has typical korean advantages of high specs and low comparable prices.. The diffrence is the cerato actually has some substance aswell, in the way of looks, interior quality and handling, engine gearbox sound ok too.. Should be a success for kia. I would buy one over a boring COROLLA any day..
As others have said, Honda called; they want their styling back.
It seems to me that in an effort to get away from their horrible designs of the past, the Koreans are happy to plagiarize particular aspects of their cars – the back of the i30, the front (if not all) of this, etc. Yes, I’m aware this has been happening since the dawn of time, but at least in the past the stolen styling cues were loosely ‘reinterpreted’, not just blatantly copied. Unsurprisingly, it’s a great looking car.
Korean styling is improving, build quality is on the up, they’re definitely serious contenders these days. Please start plagiarizing some interiors though (preferably from the Europeans).
Clockwork, at least they are not the chinese, where many of the cars are direct copies.
Although there is to a certain point (feasable) one can plagarise though, its when doing something is going to cost quite a bit, and this is where interiors can add up to the cost of the car to build, so i doubt kia would adopt a full euro fixture and fittings like what you get in high end beemers or mercs..
eh179driver: sounds like you got a dud of an aurion, I remeber someone in the Toyota forums had soooo many problem with his aurions, he also had problems with the dealer as well, took him forever to get a new car, because it was such a lemon.
One thing I can confirm is a typical problem in all Aurion builds (perhaps they fixed it now) is those squeeks and rattles, I got mine fixed, it was the center ventilation fins.
I agree with the comments above where the Sth Korean manufacturers are picking up their game. Toyota has been sitting on its laurels for the pst decade not really innovative and wow at all. But I guess they do it on PURPOSE as why wouldnt they? if profit and growth are purely in its target sights and that they can build something so efficient and cost cutting and manage to make a sale out of it, why wouldnt you.
If you want to blame someone blame the people who accept cars as an A2Ber and purchase without much research/sucked in by the dealer and commercials. But then again you can blame people who by stuff from harvey norman at full price, people who by ready-to-use pc’s from HP, dell etc instead of building themselves or building using quality parts. People who by elite brand name clothing, even though the material used is rubbish…. hence the saying “Dont hate the player hate the game”, Toyota is a player who knows the game pretty well, and exploit the position they are in, but then every other profit aiming company would…
What a dull car. Make for dull people whom dont car about driving. Kia/Hyandai its all the same….
Robj, how is it a dull car? What do you believe is not a dull in this car segment?
Impressive value car this! Looks great and appears well built for the price…I expect these will sell real well.
Servicing. U have really opened a can of worms.
Fixed price servicing is both a fallacy and a ripoff.
There is little to service on a modern car. Change the oil and filter which takes less than 15mins for a skilled operator,change the air filter another five minutes and have a look to make sure none of the wheels are falling off.
Change the fuel filter another 15minutes every second or third service.Also change the pollen filter another five minutes.If brakes need doing this is over and above the fixed price service.
Whopper at 90,000klms might be a timing belt service?
I usually get about 80,000 to 100,000klms out of my brake pads but then Iam a good driver.
Perhaps Caradvice could include fix price servicing figures with each review.
Would keep em honest if nothing else.
Repeat…..no one company or person owns copyright to any styling cues. Get over this shallow nothing attitude and call a spade a spade and realise that Kia and Hyundai are listening to what public want in terms of fresh vibrant style and true “bang for your buck”
NM,
are you sure on that???
how did the court case end up when Mercedes and many other manufacturers took actions against chinese makers such as Chery.
Also, try and tell the ports that the immitating goods they seize trying to make their way onto our shores is fine and dandy
Hyundai have always given bang for your buck, its nothing new to say about them, but in saying that, you still only get the amount of bang in relation to the buck you are shelling out.
I Honda Euro knockoff that looks better than the original.LOL.
AndrewM re the copying debate……….BMW won in court against the knock off the X5 {except in Italy from memory}……..its all about passing off laws.Even in this Country,if you register your design before it is displayed in public and someone knocks it off after its registered its persevered as “passing off”
How do I know this cause our products design are registered in Europe,UK,USA and Australia ,someone in Australia thought they would make a copy of it even down to naming it the same {which its Trade Marked},lawyers shut them down on the “passing off law”. In the UK the products also landed at a trade fair {as samles} and where removed from the stand……..UK crushes copies,should do same here!
David Twomey, you are mistaken…price of servicing is quoted from 07-…i.e the 07 model etc….this is the 2009!
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 the moment you step into a KIA showroom.
So BMW won,
how did the rest go???
it could also be termed defamation in producing something that resembles a decent product, actually being a crap one.
BMW and merc etc could argue that it lowers their brand by producing clones that arent near as good.
Thats the whole problem they had with it from the start
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?
Lets see which customers purchase those dangerous Chinese cars (GWM, Chery etc)when they get here also.
Robj,
if the amount of Crazy Clarks style stores that has popped up over the last few years is any indicator of what the public wants,
Then yes, i will say the “el-cheap-o” cars will rocket out the doors
Great looking car. Better looking than Corolla, Lancer, Impreza, i30, and new mazda 3.
Agree with Harry dixon Balls….thats what the impreza should have looked like….they need the designer who pennned this face: http://www.cars101.com/subaru/.....ront1a.JPG
Lots of interest in it!
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 Cerato
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.
7/Should have called it a new name “Forte” like in other
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
Why all the fuss over the cars “borrowed” styling? The Japanese have been doing this for decades…
Seems like great value for money, and thankfully, as someone else noted, there’s substance underneath the style. Toyota should very definately be worried.
Now, can anyone tell me, does Hyundai own Kia?
Zorro, as far as I’m aware Hyundai does own Kia, and they share a lot of vehicle components with each other eg. the engine from the Santa Fe is the one you will find in the Sorrento.
As for the Cerato, it looks good. What does it matter that elements of one car look similar to another – I couldn’t give a rat’s tossbag. If a car looks good, then it looks good, as this one does. Doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for me, but it’s a good attractive, reliable option for those who can’t afford a more expensive car. It also seems that Kia are getting better quality-wise too, which can only be a good thing.
Why do some bloggers here get so worked up over how many reviews Car Advice do on one particular make or another? It’s ridiculous – to me they seem to be reviewing each manufacturer’s offerings when they get access to them. It’s no coincidence that Kia are releasing the Cerato in Aus at the same time that the Aus Open is on, so big deal? That’s just capitalising on your marketing opportunities – smart thinking really. And CA are reviewing the car as it has become available. There is no conspiracy here people, so just chill.
No offence, but many of you are either blind or simply idiots! Just because Kia is Korean they can’t build good cars or have their own individual style. This does not look like the Accord Euro, if you were purposely trying to match it to another car that would be the closest resemblance but otherwise it looks nothing like it!
Kia and Peter Schreyer have clearly made a beautiful effort with this car. It looks sounds, it got a good review, it doesn’t automatically mean that CA are advertising it!!!
I agree with HAL
Good points Hal and Steve Poyza. Why spend more on a car than you really have to? Besides, Hyundai does indeed own Kia and Hyundai have been at or near the top of the quality, reliability and customer satisfaction ratings in Europe and the USA for a few years now. Hyundai won the car of the year in Australia in 2007 with the I30 so it proves that they are doing something right. Although Car of the Year in Australia does not mean a whole lot these days….
this is one of the best looking mid size cars there are, i personally like it better than the toyota corolla let alone the honda civic
KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIA
Im impressed!
for starters, it doesnt look like a kia! AND the specs of the engine, combined with its claimed fuel economy figures ( http://www.kia.com.au ) are extremely impressive!!
Shame about the hideous hyundai elantra dash and that god awful steering wheel.
but great effort kia!!
( are kia still owned by Hyundai?? )
T.
Hyundai is the parent company. Great review. I am sure we will see a long term review soon. For a long time people have been talking about Kia being a threat to Japanese manufactures. I have the all of the competitors within spitting distance to my dealership and customers often compare Kia to them. I think we can say, Kia is on a par with the Japanese on quality, and we blow them out of the water on price and warranty.
I agree with Alan, and a few others – they should have used the i30 and c’eeds diesel engine as an option, and the multi link rear end. The Hyundai 6-speed auto should filter thru new models soon hopefully, thats the biggest downfall on most of their models. Toyota are in for a shock in the near future, although judging by some of the posts on here, dimwit badge snobs will keep them propped up for a while yet. If they want to waste money on a badge good luck to them.
It looks like a better looking Civic with a much nicer dashboard. It seems that Kia is doing to the Japanese what the Japanese did to American car companies.
The BIGGEST problem this new Cerato has is the price.
Its simply NOT cheap enough, quality/class wise yes, a massive improvement for them, BUT gut felling the all new too Mazda3 is going to blow it out of the water.
MAZDA3 will only be a few $k more at the max., and WELL worth spending the extra coin for vastly superior.
Go on to say the new Mazda3 WILL be the BEST car in its class.
The new Cerato for mine is about equal to the current Mazda3, but alas you dont think that the Japanese are just going to sit still and let Koreans catch up do you?
Cheers
F-0
PS/ Now that BIGT’s updated Corolla has proven to be a expensive update on the base, its off the list.
Leaves but 2 vehicles for me, the haonda City and new Mazda3
Should be a very good car,
HOWEVER, with the higher diff ratios used to achieve better fuel consumption in many cars from about 2000-ish, the 5 speed manuals should be 6 speeds.
1st and reverse gears are often too high for hilly terrain, stop start/ heavy traffic and towing, autos are a far better choice for this type of work.
Buyers be ware !
Hyundai/ Kia, FFS, get out of the stone ages and provide 6 speed manuals in these larger cars.
Good job Kia. Nice to see both Hyundai and Kia putting so much effort etc into their new cars.
After all the comments, let me some this up.
For all those comapring this new Cerato to Hondas, Toyotas etc etc…
As we all know this car was designed by Mr Schreyer. So this isn’t a replica design from any other manufacturer, its a design by someone who knows what they are doing! Schreyer previously designed the TT, Bettle & A5.
I personally have driven the vehicle, and let me tell you, for the price it is a very nice car. Yes it is still a KIA, but this is something which consumers will get used to by time. Remember when Honda first came into AUS, it was the crapest Jap car around. Now we could call HONDA one of the best…
Anyway my point here is, the new Cerato will go on sale next week & from my point of view, this car will sell. The price is not a set back as it has all of the features a VW GOLF comes with PLUS rear parking senses at a lower cost.
Ps CA this is a great review – keep up the good work!!!
I don’t care whose designs Kia copies. The new cerato looks good and hey for under 20 grand you can’t be picky. yes the headlights look like those of the civic type R. Check out the engine output: 57.5 KW /litre on 91 octtane fuel. NOT EVEN the $155,0000 pushrod crap HSV 7 liter lump can match and this crap requires either 95 or 98 octane fuel.
GOOD JOB Kia. My only wish: replace the steel wheels with alloys and guaratee you will sell a lot more
You are right James, in this current economic crisis, find the best value car for the money and the new Cerato is spot on.
Yes,had they put alloy wheels as standard equipment then nothing in Autralia beats it given price, equipment, engine output, looks, warranty.
Bravo Kia and salute to you for sponsoring the Australian Open tennis championship
Bloody koreans and there crappy cars. Those headlights are so ripped off a honda accord. If ur a serious driver, but a serious car. Driving a hyundai or kia just makes look like an idiot who can’t drive even if that’s not true. If ppl keep buying those pieces of crap from korea, Ford and Holden are gonna go out of business – costing australian their jobs. SAY NO TO KOREA!!!
This is the first Korean car review that I have actually bothered reading from start to end. The new Cerato does impress me, to be honest. The only complains I have is the Torsion Beam rear suspension and the 4 speed auto. But the auto is not so much a problem because I would be going for the manual if I were to buy one. These things aside, this car looks pretty promising. Can’t wait for the comprehensive review.
I’ll be waiting for the new Mazda 3 review as well. Perhaps CA can do a comparison of the Cerato, Mazda 3, and Lancer? That would be great!
Wake up Japan – the Koreans are coming.
Korea is the new Japan – nothing wrong with keeping the Japanese honest. Maybe one day we’ll stop thinking Made In Japan means the only they have the best quality. The Hyundai-Kia juggernaut just keeps on rolling along.
I guess Australians dont read up on the quality surveys coming from the country who’s tough enough to have lemon laws (who are they protecting by not having them here too???) and who remembers the systematic concealmeant by Japanese giant Mitsubishi and all their quality control cover ups over the last 20 yrs???
Good on ya Korea – pity Australia cant come up with something like this to keep our industry going and people in jobs. As long as the car makers here insist on the big 6 or 8 instead of a nice efficient 4.
And to all those going on about the 05 Accord – a very nice car to copy off!
Love it!! love the look, style, options & price! If you want a Honda, then buy one at a higher price!
Will be doing a test drive this weekend!
Good car but ‘ Bring on the 6 speed auto like the Holden Cruze”.
Also when are manufacturers going to put Auto up and down on the driver’s side window.My 1990 Nissan Pulsar Vector had that feature. The Cruze has this and auto down on all other windows. I agree with FrugalOne about gooseneck hinges on the boot. Manufacturers should change them to the newer ones that do not take up boot space.
Apart from those gripes I am very interested in buying one next year. (Hopefully when the 6 speed auto is available) Maybe that will come in around the Australian tennis open.