2009 Kia Cerato Review & Road Test
February 18, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 Kia Cerato S Review & Road Test
A to B cars usually aren’t this good
Model Tested:
- 2009 Kia Cerato S 2.0-litre automatic sedan – $20,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Option Pack – ESP, traction conrol, cruise control and remote audio – $1000; Metallic Paint $300 (Fitted – Santorini Blue)
Pleasing performance; improved fit & finish; spacious & comfortable
Four speed auto; steering wheel size & feel; dated instrument cluster
CarAdvice Rating: 
It has been my experience that most people baulk at the idea of owning a Kia, though I’m not quite sure why, for as I found out this week the all-new Cerato is a solid contender when it comes to shopping the small/mid-sized sedan market.
Traditionally style and Kia aren’t two words usually synonymous with one another, unless “lack thereof” is somewhere in between, but the 2009 Cerato has changed all that.
Clean, flowing angular lines, high shoulders and a more purposefully modern perspective have made this car an attractive and well proportioned vehicle seemingly no matter the angle from which it is viewed from.
Inside too a blend of colour and materials lifts the ambiance for a more bright and airy feel, complimenting the sense of available space nicely.
Layout, although rather simple, is very practical and almost elegant, though personally the large urethane steering wheel and instrument cluster design do tend to cheapen an otherwise pleasing decor.
Red and white back lighting makes night vision sharp and easy, with all information from the dated-looking instrument cluster easily read at a brief glance. The centre stack, clock and audio control buttons are uniformly illuminated in red. Additionally the multi-reflector halogen headlamps provide an excellent field of vision on country roads.
At the heart of the all-new Cerato is Kia’s 2.0-litre, DOHC, Theta II engine, which provides class-leading power, 115kW at 6200rpm, and adequate torque, 194Nm at 4300rpm, for just about any situation.
The engine loves to rev and is free flowing, offering a linear spread of power delivery across the entire rev range. Consequently the car feels quicker zero to 100km/h than the claimed 10.5 seconds and manages excellent performance both around town and on the open road.
Unfortunately there is one slight let down in this equation, and that’s the automatic transmission.
Coupled to a somewhat antiquated four-speed unit, the Cerato suffers from being disallowed a ratio between third and the upper limit of fourth, the result of which is a large gap that leads to over zealous kick-down under even slight throttle input.
This calibration issue does not pose any great bearing on the car’s overall performance, and the tall fourth ratio certainly improves Cerato’s fuel economy, but for the sake of a smooth transition both when up and down shifting, the six-speed unit currently in development will make what is already a very good car great.
Otherwise Cerato is surprisingly smooth to drive and the longer wheelbase, compared to the previous model, certainly helps to iron out bumps. Handling levels are fluid and capable while highway cruising is both comfortable and quiet – on all but the roughest coarse chip asphalt.
If you really get enthusiastic the front-wheel-drive’s tendency to understeer will become apparent, but as this is an issue confined to sudden high-speed cornering, it is not something I should imagine too many Cerato owners experiencing.
Kia utilises a strut front/torsion beam rear suspension arrangement under the Cerato, and despite some competitors offering a more modern multi-link rear end, this is one car that actually manages to make the most of its more basic set-up, and it’s this smooth ride that enhances what is already a comfortable and generously proportioned cabin.
Seating is well cushioned and very supportive with the associated adjustment from both the seat and the tilt/slide steering column being well thought out. In turn an enjoyable driving position has been created that, coupled with well placed primary and auxiliary controls, makes the whole driving experience a far more rewarding than the bargain price tag would have you believe.
Rear seat passengers too are afforded comfortable seating and generous leg-room – as well as excellent visibility – which makes long distance travel more enjoyable, especially if your little ones are prone to car sickness.
As far as the specification list in concerned Cerato S features cloth trim, manual air-conditioning, MP3 compatible CD tuner with iPod interface, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking with panic alarm and can also be fitted with optional cruise control.
I’d be rather inclined to tick the cruise control box as Cerato can tend to roll over the speed limit with very little fuss. Similarly I’d also opt for reverse parking sensors as shorter drivers may find the higher rear window a little bit of a hindrance when backing up.
Safety equipment is surprising in standard form with dual front, side and curtain airbags included in the list price. ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is also on the included check list though you will have to find an extra $1000 to have the peace of mind of ESP(coupled with traction control, cruise control and remote audio controls), which in my opinion is well worth the additional outlay.
Cargo capacity is a generous 415 litres, and with the added benefit of one-touch 60:40 split fold rear seats, this can be increased two-fold from inside the boot area meaning no more awkward jumping in and out of the back seat. Cerato can also tow up to 1200kg, braked.
So if you manage to set aside what ever brand bias you might have, and a small/mid-sized sedan is on your shopping list, then jump into a Cerato and take it for a test drive. I’m sure that just like me you’ll come to the same conclusion: A to B cars usually aren’t this good.
It’s a pleasant drive, is good on fuel and has adequate power for just about any situation. What’s more it’s roomy, comfortable, quiet, well built and, most of all, affordable, making the new Cerato pretty hard to pass up.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 1975cc DOHC four cylinder (16-valve)
- Power: 115kW @ 6200rpm
- Torque: 194Nm @ 4300rpm
- Induction: Multi Point
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Suspension: Strut(F)/Torsion Beam(R)
- Brakes: Discs with ABS & EBD
- Top Speed: 190km/h
- 0-100km/h: 10.5 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 187g/km (Combined)
- Fuel Consumption: 7.9 litres/100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 8.3 litres/100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 litres
- Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: Not yet tested
- Airbags: Dual front, side & curtain
- Safety: ESP & Traction Control (Optional)
- Spare Wheel: Full-size steel
- Cargo Capacity: 415 litres
- Tow Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 10.3 metres
- Warranty: Five Year/Unlimited Kilometre
- Weight: 1359kg
- Wheels: Steel 15 x 6.0-inch
Print it: 
you should probably look at the current Carnival to see how hard wearing it is… generally they are quite good even with messy kids and usual family wear and tear
in my opinion there is nothing that deteriorates as badly as a Holden Commodore… look how shabby they look after a mere 5 yrs…
I have much more faith in a car like the current Cerato which much survive in the US, Korean and European markets which can be much worse than ours.
I think both Holden and to some degree, Ford, make cars that deteriorate very quickly simply because they are not exported to markets that are very hard on cars.
Mate the Commodore is exported to every continent. Also it goes to the sandy climate of UAE and the rest of Arabia.And btw what do you consider a place that is hard on cars becaus eour own country ounishes cars when it comes to harshness. Their cars are also exported to the jungles of Brazil.
I test drove the Cerato today and was reasonably impressed by, well, everything. I don’t think it particularly excels in anything, but it does what it should for the bucks. The SLi is jammed packed with gadgets and features, which only makes me smile if it’s wrapped in a car worth driving… and this Kia is. One hitch. I’m committed to buting 5-star crash rated cars, and as far as I’m aware this has yet to be rated, anywhere. Anyone here in the know?
Well I’ve juxst signed up for an SLi. The dealer told me the base model is expected to get 4 1/2 stars and models with esp will get 5.
I went for the deal when I was offered $4000 more than the redbook price on my 2003 Elantra GLS.
The Hyundai never missed a beat in 100thousnd Ks. So Iam hoping the Kia will be the same.
^ update – took delivery Friday – (now Sunday) & 500 klms later I am grinning from ear to ear. This car is a quantum leap for Kia in aus. There is absolute integrity in the body/chasis construction & the fit finish is excellent & no squeaks or rattles, ok the plastic surfaces are not in the class of vw/audi but neither is the price. .
I would really have liked the option of the kia/hyundai family 1.6crdi but i am satisfied for now.
Hi guys,
I’ve just recently started to visit CA and found the reviews really good and informing.
And I always look forward to reading the comments below!
I think I can understand the differing views of HAL and the salesman.
Basically, you have readers like HAL who have a strong opinion on things like Jap/Euro/Korean cars based on his perception and experiences.
And then you have guys like the Salesman, who is giving his perceptions on actual experiences with the new Korean cars.
I am a guy looking at the markety for a small/medium car, and I’ll definetly now look at Hyundai/Kia cars. I don’t want to base my decisions like HAL who like himself have grown up in this country thinking Holden/Ford/Toyotas were the best cars.
After travelling Europe/America/Asia for about 2 years, I realised how small of a place Australia really is! Yes, I realised why we get crap handling Korean cars, it’s because they can’t justify spending money adjusting suspensions for a market that is just hitting 1million cars a year!
To people like HAL et al….seriously…get out of your shells and embrace globalism at its best! It is because people like HAL et al…that Hyundai/Kia get bad names in Oz! In most countries these cars are perceived as decent cars/decent quality products..in actual fact we know that as well!~
You think just Korean cars lack quality? This is so wrong as I can tell you just from my experiences of driving fleet cars of Camrys/Magnas (Japanese quality) and Holdens and Fords…its not that great! Broken radio/trims coming off in the Camry, jiggling plastics in the Magna…seroiusly…I dont’ think it’s just the Koreans guilty of this!
Give it a chance and surely CA gave the ratings it did because thats what they saw!
“And then you have guys like the Salesman, who is giving his perceptions on actual experiences with the new Korean cars.”
Salesman is a Kia salesman. So of course his ‘views’ will be biased towards Kias. I wouldn’t put much value on his opinion re this topic.
“Magnas (Japanese quality)”
Magnas were produced in Australia, so consider them on the same level as Falcon and Commodore.
….And Camry
well the bottom line any car thats saves you walking is a good car give me a sigma lada datsun sunny camira leyland p76 marina lets just say how busy the racq would be and yes you would be doing a lot of walking.
Yeah, Camry’s too. Though they have slightly better build, though nowhere near perfect.
Yeah I know how many 10+ year old Camrys do you still see on the roads compared to Falcons and Commodores?
Now in an ATTEMPT to try and get Back On Topic [as specified by the COC]….
I believe the design of the new Kias make the cars look more “unitary” – that is they look as if they were designed by the one person instead of being designed by a committee like Ssangyongs do.
Same applies to a number of the new Hyundais too
You are implying Wheelnut that they’re all gone to the tip after ten years, which isn’t true. There’s less Camry’s sold in the first place, hence why there’s less of them 10 years later. The average Falcon and Commodore looks like it’s been through an accident, even though it hasn’t, after only 5 years. Most look scruffy and start falling apart. Bumpers start sagging. Panel gaps increase, etc…
Hang on, Dan.
Camrys are no more immune from looking or driving shabby than Falcons and Commodores, from personal experience. Typical Camry foibles? 3rd gear synchros and head gaskets that both say sayonara after 45,000 kilometres, dashboards that crack at the base of the wind screen and peeling cloth door trims. Thousands and thousands of peeling cloth door trims, in fact. Yes, I’m generalising, but so were you.
I don’t know how newer Camrys go, we’re just talking the older ones here, right?
The camrys dont have any better build quality than the rest of the aussie makes.
do you even know how many recalls the last gen camry went through let alone the poor trimming issues???
the longer you play the toyota = better build tune the sillier you are gonna look
Golfie,
the newer models arent any better going by what i have seen
Dan Says: The average Falcon and Coomodre looks like its been through an accident even though it hasn’t”
So what youre saying Dan is that once again Toyota have copied Holden and Ford as the current Camry Looks like its been in an accident even before its left the Factory.
Despite the fact that Toyota may have sold less Camrys; given that Toyotas supposedly have superior reliability and build quality than Ford and Holden you would expect a greater %age of them to still be around than what there actually are wouldn’t you?
Infact I think Hyundai/Kia have come along way in the last 10 years in terms of reliability [as I still see a considerable number of 1old Kias/Hyundais on the road] and will continue to improve – if only Daewoo could do the same.. give them time I guess
Eww. I’m out of touch on them, admittedly.
ok for starters the security code being civic is kinda funny,
I took one for a test drive and found it to be quite good.
I have compared to some other cars. Focus, Mazda, etc.
and you do not get the same level of value. (based on SLI model). and they are also dearer to insure! (damn rip off insurance companies)
well i bought one blue SLI just waiting for it (up to 10th business day now).
The only things i would like to know is:
Will there eventually be the option in australia to upgrade/replace the auto 4 speed gearbox with the new 6 speed once its finished.
and what are the 5 year warranty terms????
“So what youre saying Dan is that once again Toyota have copied Holden and Ford as the current Camry Looks like its been in an accident even before its left the Factory.”
Are you on crack? WHere did I say that??
“Despite the fact that Toyota may have sold less Camrys; given that Toyotas supposedly have superior reliability and build quality than Ford and Holden you would expect a greater %age of them to still be around than what there actually are wouldn’t you?”
So what you’re saying Wheelnut is that falcodores don’t even last 10 years before they get scrapped? Wow. I would never have thought I’d hear that from you. But I’m glad you’ve acknowledged the facts!
“Infact I think Hyundai/Kia have come along way in the last 10 years”
LOL! Show me a 10 year old Hyundai or Kia. It will be a challenge as they are on the rubbish tip alrady. THey’ve certainly gone a long way haha. All the way to the tip!
We are still driving our very reliable 1998 hyundia excel and there many still on the road you must be blind as well as dumb LOL
well i have a 1987 camry 5 speed 275.ooo ks on the clock still going well as cars are like people you look after them they look after you.heaps of the old things on the road in qld around toowoomba and the bush must say something about the toyota brand. brett parry toowoomba qld.
I bet it has the trademark blue fumes coming from the exhaust pipe doesn’t it? LOL
no smoke or rust if it did it would be of the road yes i have had outher cars in my life all im saying is the camry has been good to us. and im not death or dumb just yet and we also own a honda a great car not sure if it will last 22 years only 20 years to go all the best to you all and safe and happy driving to you all regards brett.
I used to know this guy (ex-coworker now living in Queensland) who had this Hyundai Accent for more than 9 years. He said it’d never broken down on him and he’d easily buy another Hyundai i.e. great value and reliability.
I also know a guy who bought his Toyota Camry brand new only to have:
- The front right and rear left shockbreakers replaced coz they were squeaking (imagine the embarassment of driving a brand new car that squeaks on bumps)
- Left headlight refitted due to gaps and moisture buildup
- Right tail light seal replaced (water got in)
- Driver’s side door panel taken apart to fix a loose door clip that was rattling
- Rear bumper readjusted (sagging)
All above before it had 500km on the odo.
Then he told me he had to take it back in some time later since the steering wheel was squeaking when turned –> the steering column had to be replaced, twice.
Name one thing that’s the same between Toyota Camry and Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon (this also includes Mitsubishi Magna)?
They’re all AUSTRALIAN builds.
Hi I would like to tell you I have lived in China for about 9 years now and have driven many Chinese made cars, at this time I drive a Honda Accord made in China Motor 2 lite, the finish is very good the car condition is very good. So I think you should not down grade a cars because they come from China, till have have had first hands OK. That said I have a question from any one first, I will return to Australia this month April and will buy a new car. a Mazda 3/ Honda civic/ Holden Cruze. I know the Honda is made in thiland. the Holden cruze made in Koera. What about the Madza 3 the new model. thank in advance for the help.
10 years ago I was talking with my mates and said with conviction that: “Korean cars are crap, although they seemed to be improving – but there is no way I would buy one”
9 years ago my old car gave up the ghost and I decided not to stuff about with old bombs any more, so bought a new car. The new Hyundai Accent of 2000 was the best deal I could find. I had low expectations.
6 years ago I bought my current car, a Hyundai Elantra (as I wanted a sedan)with compeate confidance that I was buying a good product that should last at least 10 years.
In 9 years of Hyundai ownership I have covered almost 250,000km and a lot of Australia and they have never missed a beat. The only waranty work required over 2 cars has been 1 faulty tape deck, 1 faulty CD player, an eletrical glitch with a rear window wiper, and a worn out skuff strip on the bottom of the drivers side doorway. All repaired on the day of reporting them with out theatrics or excusses. Compared to the Falcons and Comodores at work, this is bl**dy fantastic!!!
As Hyundai and Kia are the same comany and their products share many of the same parts I would have no hessitation in a few years time to upgrade to one of these new Kia Ceratos (they look better than the current Elantra)
well a kangaroo jumped out in front of my dad driving.
no time to react at 80km/h. (basically it jumped from side of the road (country road tress, cant see nothing). and well to say the least alot of damage was done. so really they have skimped on the metal as the plastic stood up better than the side panel.
Question to Salesman:
I’m a very happy Kia Magentis owner but was intersted in the Rondo. Why, oh why didn’t Kia Australia bring out the 2.4 litre and the diesel instead of the 2 litre?
Darcy
We’ve had the Cerato two weeks and like it. I admit it takes a while to get used to the fact that I need to put my foot down out of roundabouts and corners because of the odd gear ratios. I’m more amused than critical of the way the dash LCD screen states “Door open” in large letters as soon as I open the door to get in, but the real annoyance is the following:
When you put in the key, but before switching on, a chime starts and continues annoyingly until I close the driver door. I’m sure it is common to just put the key in before closing the door. Most often it is because I’m still talking to someone outside the car. I’d expect the chime to start when I turn the key to ACC.
The chime is loud enough to stop a conversation and I’ve already had several people outside the car ask “What’s wrong?”
You’re not alone there Gordon – even my Mazda 6 has the same feature, so it’s not particular to Kia. Very irritating feature I agree.
Gordon, that is a common feature of many modern cars, a way around it is to actually start the engine when you put the key in. The chime will stop after the engine is started even when the door is left open, at least that’s the way it works with my civic.
Darcy
The Rondo is Kia’s second attempt at a very difficult market that no manufacturer has been able to be satisfactualy successful in Australia (Holden Zafira, Daewoo Tucuma, Peugeot, Etc). Kia decided to try this market again with Rondo only after it was well received in Canada. Canada (according to Kia) has the closest market to Australia’s demographic. Because Kia was only “testing the waters” we were only given the two litre engine. If Rondo gets the numbers you will see more engines on offer. Rumor is a diesel before the end of the year.
Gordon
Just an idea, Wind the window down and close the door. Or, dont put the key in until you have finished talking.
Would be very interested in the Cerato if it had the drivetrain options of the U.S. Forte SX & electronic power steering (without a huge price leap for the privilege)!
“The SX gets an updated 2.4L I4 engine with a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission”
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Forte
Sonata power + adequate gearboxes in a Cerato = Attractive Package!!!
If a Theta II 2.4L + 6 speed manual Cerato was available for the same price as the current SLi auto, I would buy one today!
The base model Cerato should have the optional safety-pack fitted as std. at no extra cost.
Also:
A 5 speed auto.
A trip computer.
Finally all for $21,990 [as per above] DRIVEAWAY.
I am really starting to warm to tyhis car!
Cheers
F-0
^^^^^CuriousForte
The 2.4L is NOT required here, the 2L is already THE most powerful in its class, 115kW.
VERY interested in the new just released in S/Korea and *maybe* coming to AUS 1.6L LPG and electric-hybrid job.
Can be sold for under <$30k, if the above is sold for $22k i would be prepared to pay say 20% more, say ~$26,500 bit of a DIEsel issue, least its CLEAN!
Cheers
F-0
Hi FrugalOne,
“the 2L is already THE most powerful in its class, 115kW”
Agreed, but the car also isn’t as light as it looks. 12kW more power, and heaps more torque, would sway me for my rural driving/safe overtaking!
What about “here” doesn’t require it compared to the U.S.? The 2L 115kW is more than adequate for the city, but not for me.
I think you mean more power is “NOT required here” for your-frugal-self! Also as a fairly consistent highway driver I believe that, even with the 2.4L engine, my fuel consumption would be vastly more frugal than a city dwellers.
However, I do agree with the first of your 2 posts. Safety shouldn’t be optional!!
BTW, I’m certainly not singling KIA out for this lack of power criticism.
I would be driving a Hyundai i30 right now if they had put either a 2.0L or 2.4L Theta II in it (with a decent transmission).
The worst offender, though, is the Mazda3 SP23 where you are forced to pay outrageously & for unnecessary bells & whistles just for a little more power in what is essentially the same engine.
It DOES NOT cost these companies more to produce the same engine with a little more bore &/or stroke. Same electronics & just about everything else. Unless upgraded transmission &/or brakes are required, I just don’t see why we should be paying more for slightly higher power versions.
This is a great opportunity for Kia/Hyundai to trump the competition. Especially with the Cerato. Please provide us with a comfortably powerful & usable (i.e. more gears for manual & auto) drivetrain to match the fantastic looks, leading safety & good handling of the Cerato!
may i ask how can i get the head lamp and Tail lamp this car (KIA CERATO 2009)? could any one have it’s OEM number,
so i could trace. and is this car suitable in European countries???
I’ll be very thankful if any one could answer me.
I have not seen this model in the dealers yet. I hope it has front drivers windows that are auto up and down. I also hope the interior colours do not have the usual BLACK interior that most cars have in Australia. I have not worked out how manufacturers seem to think that BLACK is a good colour for interiors. i always feel closed in and claustrophobic in a car with black interior. Lighter colours always make cars seem larger and more inviting.
Even though I would love to replace my current Mazda with one of these I will not consider it until and unless Ka puts its six speed auto in the model. Then it will be a definite buy for me.
The steering wheel looks ugly. Almost like a jeeps steeering wheel, or that it was designed by a communist deep inside Russia.I test drove a manual and auto 2009 Cerato and it felt cheap and nasty.Im going to test drive the Hyundai i30 because it looks better built. Im hoping not to be disappointed as I was with the Cerato.
Ive only sat in an i30 and just from that it feels like a good quality product.Its a pitty their sister company can’t do the same and I dont know why there is a company called kia it should all be Hyundai.
“The steering wheel looks ugly.”
>> Sorry, i don’t think so. Much better than your face. And its interior is not cheap as you said.
We purchased our Kia Cerato SLI new in March this year, and have recently returned from a trip from Bunbury WA to Sydney and back in the space of 7 weeks. We covered just over 13000 kms in that time (car now has done 21000 kms) and didn’t miss a beat. Best fuel economy was 6.0L/100km, worst was 7.4L/100km with a strong head wind. The car was driven over the Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road and had no trouble climbing those steep hills or overtaking road trains on the Nullabor. It was also quite comfortable to travel in for a smaller car than what I have had in the past. I have no hesitation in recommending a Kia Cerato, even with only a 4 speed auto.
Observation, no offense: Each models has rear fog lamp function, good. Secure space for stowage of a first aid kit and warning triangle too.
I have just signed for a Sli with Leather seats (thats what the salesman wrote on the contract” but am now being told they are not available in Australia “The sales rep made a mistake” I have been offered tinted windows and car mats and a price of $23,700 instead of the $24,200 price “with leather”. What should this silly female do?
i wouldn’t take it. it is available it just needs to be ordered in from Korea i signed up for one today and the rep said that it will be a min 3 months. can’t wait for that day. i loved the drive in this cerato ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!