Review of KIA Cerato

Test one: gas stove and vertical accelerations

I’m looking for something to complain about, but I find only positive aspects. The central lock control buttons are on the armrest of the driver’s door; you don’t have to reach for them in the center of the cabin, as in CEED, if necessary. For ventilation system deflectors in the “aviation” style, the owner of a different sports model will sell his soul. Pros? Yes, but there are downsides: Piano lacquer-colored plastic inserts look much simpler than metal elements in CEED. And the upholstery of the seats is not so luxurious, the usual “leatherette” instead of a combination, with a “embossed” fabric.

And, of course, the trunk of a sedan … As if on purpose, an “opportunity” turned up to transport a newly purchased gas stove. There was no question of placing it in the trunk, the loader in the store just waved his hand. I had to unpack, free from cardboard and foam, and together, carefully and carefully “introduce” the unit into the cabin, placing it on its side in the back seat. With a length (that is, height) of about 82 cm, the household utensils occupied about two-thirds of the sofa, which has a width of 134 cm. In principle, a passenger could also be seated next to the stove.

The sofa at the back is flat, it is easy for the three of us to sit down here. On the floor there is a small tunnel, which should not interfere with the legs of an average rider. But the lack of “extra” USB ports on the back is a drawback. It’s not in fashion today.

On the move, the gas stove actively bounces and strums with its elements. It would be better to place it in the trunk, it would not be so good to hear. The Cerato sedan is hard, on bumps it is felt especially strongly. Speed ​​bumps should be treated with respect.

Under the hood of the test version of Cerato is a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower naturally aspirated petrol, the most common characteristic of which among the owners of various Kia models does not pull. And I had to meet with this unit, for example, on Kia Sportage, at that time, I could also say – I didn’t pull. But, firstly, it was a heavy crossover. And secondly, time has passed, and … the motor seemed to have been replaced! Pulls, and how! Very pleased with the dynamics. Although not in all modes.

There are four of these modes. Three are turned on by the Drive mode button (ECO, Comfort and Smart), I sort through them, the difference in dynamics is small, in sensations it is more significant. ECO is the most “brake”, Comfort is the most comfortable, no matter how trite it sounds, the gears switch smoothly. But do not expect acceleration beyond the mark of 100 km / h, especially with a sharp addition of “gas” (a “failure” will follow). I liked the Smart position less, sort of like, more tactile switching. But the dynamics are better, in the city I would prefer this position. If not for the fourth mode – Sport …

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Power characteristics

Kia Cerato comes with two types motors:

1. Atmospheric 1.6-liter MPI (for initial configurations) with a capacity of 128 horsepower and a torque of 155 N‧m. The tandem is made up of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. The maximum speed in this version of Kia is 200 km / h for manual transmission and 195 km / h for automatic transmission. Acceleration to 100 km – 10.1 seconds (manual transmission), 11.6 seconds (automatic transmission). Gasoline consumption (city / suburban / combined cycles) – 9.3 / 5.8 / 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (manual transmission), 9.7 / 5.8 / 7.2 (automatic transmission).
2. Atmospheric two-liter MPI (for top versions). Productivity — 150 l. With.; maximum torque – 192 N‧m; Gearbox – six-speed “machine»; transmission – front-wheel drive; top speed – 203 km / h; acceleration to 100 km – 9.8 s.; gasoline consumption (city / suburban / combined cycles) – 10.2 / 5.7 / 7.4 liters per 100 km.

Other Features:

1. Length car – 464.0 cm.
2. Width – 180.0 cm.
3. Height – 145.0 cm.
4. Wheelbase – 270.0 cm.
5. Ground clearance – 15.0 cm.
6. The type of gasoline used is AI-92, AI-95.
7. Ecological class – Euro-5.
8. Fuel tank capacity – 50 l.
9. Brake discs: front – disc, ventilated; rear – disc.
10. Suspension – spring; front – independent; back – semi-dependent.

Both motor ride quite briskly, as far as possible within the limits of their performance. The operation of the automatic transmission is felt, but does not interfere with the control, it does not jerk, does not knock and does not part with gear changes. There are no questions about disc brakes, they work very confidently and efficiently. The suspension remained the same and retained the proper level of reliability and smoothness.

Salon overview

The interior of the Kia Cerato has also been restyled. Its interior design is now dominated by horizontal lines (on the seats and door linings), which effectively contrast with the circular air vents on the front panel. Despite the relatively low price, the quality of finishing materials is at a decent level: carbon fiber, solid fabric, molded plastic, wood, leather and metal inserts. IN top trim levels (Line and Line+) on seats there is a stylish red or white stitching with the letters “GT.

Seats are comfortable and well-equipped: electric heating, ventilation, lumbar support, lateral support, reinforced frame, manual adjustment. The driver’s seat is adjustable in eight directions, and its control is completely electric. The steering wheel is beveled at the bottom and is made in a sporty style, has a comfortable angle of inclination and is equipped with paddle shifters (for gear shifting) and a variety of function buttons.

One of the inconveniences is that the landing is too low (especially compared to crossovers), so when you get out you have to apply some effort instead of just putting your feet on the pavement. Side mirrors give mediocre visibility, but this disadvantage is compensated by the sensors of “blind spots”.

The technological equipment of Cerato is close to the premium level. Already in the base configuration there are:

• eight-inch touch screen multimedia systems (on the center console) supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Yandex services;
• seven-inch monitor on the dashboard;
• on-board computer;
• multifunctional steering wheel with adjustment function;
• a set of electric windows;
• USB connectors for charging mobile devices;
• 12-volt electrical outlet;
• set of pillows and electronic systems security (prevention clashes and exit to the oncoming lane, recognition of pedestrians and vehicles, monitoring the driver’s condition and “blind spots”).

In more expensive trim levels options are added:

• LED turn signals on exterior mirrors;
• powerful electric oven salon;
• dual-zone automatic climate control;
• light alloy 17-inch wheels;
• lateral support, electric heating and ventilation seats (front and rear);
• a set of electronic driving modes, including the “Sport” mode;
• parking assistant and parking sensors;
• additional decorative inserts.

We also note that Kia designers were able to achieve a good level of sound insulation in salon auto.

Safety

This car is a representative of the budget segment. Therefore, you should not expect the same level of safety as in Volvo, BMW or Audi. Nevertheless, there are quite a few options in the list of equipment of the machine. Among them:

• ABS;
• active management system;
• airbags for the driver and front passenger;
• safety curtains for all seats;
• tire pressure sensor;
• emergency brake assistant;
• assistance system at the beginning of the movement from the hill;
• parking assistants.

The new Kia Cerato, like all its predecessors, did not pass Euro NCAP crash tests. The fact is that this sedan is not exported to the EU countries. However, 2019-2021 models have been independently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, where they have always scored well. Therefore, you can drive this car without fear.

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Design

After restyling, the car began to look a little different. In South Korea, the Kia Cerato is now on sale with enlarged air intakes along the edges of the bumper in the front. The radiator grill has become a little thinner, and the car also received LED optics. The model now bears more resemblance to the K5. There are new brake lights in the back. Both the diffuser and the pattern in the lanterns have changed. But this is not a generation change, but just a planned restyling. Therefore, you should not expect that Cerato will have cardinal differences from its predecessor.

In the cabin, you can see a 10.25-inch central display (in the current model on the Russian market, the monitor is eight-inch). The digital screen on the “tidy” has a diagonal of seven inches. The seats are very comfortable and have lateral support, as well as several adjustment positions. The upholstery is made of quality materials despite the fairly budget price of the car.

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