[ad_1]
Small hatchbacks and sedans that are popular in South Korea have arrived in Australia, but bargainers may be shocked by rudeness.
Kia is the latest manufacturer to abandon low-cost drive-off pricing for small cars, launching updated Cerato sedan and hatchbacks, starting at $25,990.
Just two years ago, you could buy a Cerato car for $21,990.
However, the new price is still about US$1700 lower than the competitor Toyota Corolla and about US$3000 lower than the Mazda3. The generous standard equipment list and leading seven-year warranty still exist, supplemented by a brand-new appearance and higher safety. And better technology.
The manufacturer abandoned the cheapest manual option, which only accounts for 1% of sales.
The new Cerato is equipped with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which can be accessed via an 8-inch touch screen. The strange thing is that only Android Auto can use a wire connection.
Cerato automatically brakes cars and pedestrians, keeping you in your lane and gently pulling the steering wheel as you move.
If you want radar cruise control, blind spot warning, or rear intersection warning, you need to add an optional safety package that costs an additional $1,500.
The basic model is equipped with cloth seats, wear-resistant plastic surfaces and 16-inch steel wheels, as well as rear air conditioning vents and three USB charging points.
The sports grade is priced at $27,990, has a larger 10.25-inch touch screen, 17-inch alloy wheels and a better steering wheel, but the safety package is still optional.
The Sport+ version comes standard with all safety technologies, as well as comfortable heated leather seats and self-folding side-view mirrors, and is priced at $31,690.
The top GT version-priced at $36,990-uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine instead of the standard 2.0-liter engine and a more sporty suspension tuning. There are also heating, cooling and power adjustable sports seats, wireless device charging, 18-inch alloy wheels and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel.
Cerato has a spacious cabin, and the rear seats provide plenty of space for adults. The cargo space is above average, with 502 liters for cars and 434 liters for hatches.
However, it is disappointing that any model does not have a digital instrument display.
The standard 2.0-liter engine can produce considerable 112kW and 192Nm, and is paired with a six-speed car, while the GT’s 1.6-liter engine can produce a lively 150kW and 265Nm, which is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch car.
The cheaper 2.0-liter engine is sufficient for city commuting and highway cruising, although it requires considerable effort to accelerate when overtaking.
Kia’s local suspension tuning is excellent. It can absorb bumps and ripples of various shapes and sizes, and the cabin can be well insulated from road and tire noise.
However, the steering may feel a little numb.
The claimed fuel usage is 7.4 liters/100 kilometers, but we used a mixture of approximately 8.3 liters/100 kilometers on urban roads and winding country roads.
The GT drives significantly sharper, with the strong low-speed thrust of the turbo engine and the quick shifting of the dual-clutch car. Not so thirsty, only 6.9L per hundred kilometers.
The steering feels more direct, and the stiffer suspension helps keep it safe from corners. The trade-off is that it’s not very comfortable to ride on the pockmarked city center streets.
It may be more expensive than before, but Cerato is still good value for money, especially when you consider a seven-year/unlimited kilometer warranty and seven-year free roadside assistance.
However, the price of the capping service is relatively high. The seven-year cost of the cheap model is about US$3,000, and the cost of the GT is US$3,300.
Verdict 3.5/5
Cerato is beautiful, well-equipped, and reasonably priced, and it has done nothing wrong.
Kia CERATO S VITALS
price: Depart from $27,490
engine: 2.0 liters four-cylinder gasoline, 112kW/192Nm
warranty service: Seven years/unlimited kilometers, 2015 USD within five years.
Safety: Five stars, six airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist. Blind spot warning and rear intersection warning in optional safety package.
thirst: 7.4L/100km
Free: Temporary steel
goods: 502L (car), 434L (cabin door)
[ad_2]
Source link
