Đánh giá cerato 2.0 2023 năm 2024

Has Kia’s focus on high-grade and electrified models come at the cost of affordable cars that make sense to the budget buyer? Daniel Gardner spends a week in the budget-oriented entry-level Cerato to find out.

What we love

• Lots of interior space for adults
• Seven-year warranty
• Huge boot for the class

What we don’t

• Base model feels a bit too 'rental spec'
• Advanced safety features part of an optional pack
• Thrashy engine and too much road noise

2023 Kia Cerato S sedan

The Kia Cerato has become somewhat of a monument to affordable transport that’s remained a constant, even as the South Korean carmaker transitioned from cheap basic cars to genuinely desirable high-quality models.

Despite the shifting trend to EVs and SUVs, which have never been better represented in the Kia line-up, the Cerato hatchback and sedan continue to attract a loyal audience lured by the combination of likeable looks, impressive quality and, most importantly, value for money.

Now that Kia has recently welcomed its first circa-$100,000 car into the range with the flagship EV6 GT, and is set to welcome the even-larger EV9 SUV, the brand continues to power onward ever deeper into premium territory. But affordable vehicles like the entry Cerato S we have here serve as a timeline back to the days of cheap and cheerful Kias that made buyers sit up and pay attention.

Can Kia still do a bargain basement sedan or have its efforts at the pointy end of the market made it forget the trick that put it on the map?

How much does the Kia Cerato cost in Australia?

With a healthy budget, there’s a choice of four Cerato variants available in both hatchback and sedan bodies, headlined by the genuinely sporty Cerato GT, which gets a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, slick looks, and a $38,390 drive-away price.

However, for the majority of the model’s audience who are drawn to the line-up for the accessible price, there are the three other variants. All three get the same 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol bolted to a six-speed conventional automatic transmission, and a price that ranges from $33,590 down to $27,890 drive-away depending on which of the Sport+, Sport or S versions you choose.

Unlike some other manufacturers, Kia charges no premium for the sedan with pricing identical for both body types in each variant.

As is fairly typical for the brand, virtually no options are offered for the Cerato, with all equipment choices made through selecting one of the variants. One exception, however, is for the entry S and Sport, which have an optional Safety Pack that can be added for $1500.

As it’s the entry version, our car rolls on 16-inch steel wheels, its cabin is decked out in cloth, daytime running lights are LED but main headlights are halogen globes, Clear White paint is included in the price and a very pleasant finish, but optional metallic and pearl paint finishes add an extra $520 to the bottom line.

Ours has the Safety Pack, which also means a high-quality leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector replace the less than desirable plastic versions, an electric park brake replaces the manual lever, the rear brake discs are increased in diameter by 22mm to 284mm, and crucially the safety features list adds blind-spot detection, more advanced AEB with cyclist detection, safe exit warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

As obvious as the equipment that’s included is the stuff that’s left out. There’s remote central locking but it needs a push of a button not keyless, as is the ignition that requires a key turned in the dash – increasingly uncommon.

The driver’s window lacks one-press operation, there’s no self-dimming rear-view mirror, cloth upholstery is a bit basic, hubcaps look a bit bargain basement, and speedometer and tachometer are old-school analogue, which all keeps the cost down but adds to the rental-car feel.

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Key details2023 Kia Cerato S Price$27,890 drive-awayColour of test carClear WhiteOptionsSafety Pack – $1500Price as tested$29,390 drive-awayRivalsHyundai i30 | Toyota Corolla | MG 5

How much space does the Kia Cerato have inside?

The Cerato is classed as a ’small’ car, which may imply it’s limited in the amount of space it can offer, but it’s actually one of the largest in its small sedan class and therefore one of the more spacious.

Storage cubbies are a little underrepresented with smallish door pockets and a couple of centre console options that are, again, on the small side. Although the one ahead of the gear selector is deep, and we liked the second-level shelf that allows more effective organisation.

Ergonomically speaking, the front seats make up for their utilitarian appearance with excellent comfort and support, while the view out of the cabin is similarly good with very good driver visibility.

It’s just as good in the second row, albeit with a lower roof line that limits headroom for the tallest passengers and there’s good toe and knee room also. The absence of USB-C type power sockets anywhere in the S's cabin somewhat dates the interior and tech levels, with the older USB-A type offered in the front and one for the rear seats.

Only the flagship GT gets electric seat adjustment, with all others requiring elbow grease to set a seating position. We normally dislike a lack of seat base tilt adjustment, but the Cerato’s most basic seat has a comfortable natural rearward tilt that promotes good posture.

We also loved the driving position, which is more mature than expected with a relaxed but purposeful laid-back posture and good steering wheel positioning relative to the driver.

Where the Cerato sedan really wins practicality points, however, is in the boot space. With 502L to fill, it’s segment-leading. Add to that a usefully square shape and 60:40-split rear folding seats, and the sedan offers excellent flexibility for a wide range of duties.

2023 Kia Cerato SSeatsFiveBoot volume502LLength4640mmWidth1800mmHeight1440mmWheelbase2700mm

Does the Kia Cerato have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

All versions of the Cerato enable both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connections. Strangely, though, it is only the most lightly equipped S that supports wireless connection.

The tradeoff is that the S gets a smaller 8.0-inch central touchscreen in place of the more impressive 10.25-inch display offered in all other variants. That said, the relatively small screen is still great to use with sharp resolution and easy-to-learn features. In something of a quirk of spec, Android Auto can be accessed by either wired or wireless connection, but Apple users can only connect wirelessly.

It’s likely most Cerato drivers will use navigation systems relayed through a smartphone, but in the entry S they’ll have to as native navigation is not offered as standard. Other omissions include multi-device Bluetooth connection, digital (DAB) radio, and Kia’s Sounds of Nature relaxing soundtracks that we’ve learned to love – and miss.

Higher-spec Ceratos have an eight-speaker sound system, but the most basic six-speaker system fitted in the S sounds pretty respectable. Regardless of the trim and specification level, no Cerato is offered with a fully-digital instrument cluster, with all versions sharing the same analogue dials and a 4.2-inch digital display wedged in between.

It’s another feature that dates the Cerato a little, but if you squint, the little screen does contain a lot of useful information including a nice large digital speed reading.

While there are a pair of USB sockets serving the front occupants and one for the rear, they are all of the USB-A vintage. Customers wanting wireless device charging will need to fork out for the range-topping GT, but its relevance is hard to understand without the ability to mirror a phone without plugging in a cable.

Kia has started to roll out connected infotainment systems in some new models, but at present the Cerato doesn't feature any form of app-linking or remote connectivity.

Is the Kia Cerato a safe car?

Opt for one of the higher-grade Ceratos and you’ll get a car that has been awarded the full five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP); however, the entry-level S and Sport were rated separately for one important reason.

To enable the most affordable price possible, Kia offers the two cheapest versions without the same safety inclusions as the rest of the range, and the option to add it back in with the aforementioned $1500 Safety Pack. For this reason, ANCAP rates the Cerato S four stars.

Check the option box, though, and the S and Sport gain a more sophisticated autonomous emergency braking system that can detect cyclists, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, safe vehicle exit warning, adaptive cruise control and electric park brake.

What safety technology does the Kia Cerato have?

Standard versions of the Cerato S (and Sport) not optioned with the Safety Pack still have a good level of safety equipment included, such as AEB with pedestrian detection (but not cyclist), lane-keep assistance, driver attention monitoring, parking sensors front and rear, and a reversing camera.

There are also six airbags including full-length curtain airbags, and hill-start assistance along with ISOFIX anchors for two child seats.

The Cerato’s active safety features work well in practice, with gentle assistance to keep the car in the lane on freeways and not too many of the dreaded warning alerts that plague too many other safety systems.

That said, the lane-keeping gets a little confused with anything other than straight cruising, while the cruise control allows a little too much variation from the set speed than we would prefer.

How much does the Kia Cerato cost to maintain?

Full comprehensive insurance for the Cerato costs $981.65 per year based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates will vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

The Kia Cerato range is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with scheduled maintenance required every 12 months or 15,000km for 2.0-litre models, whichever comes first. With its more highly strung turbo engine, the 1.6-litre GT needs attention every 12 months or 10,000km.

Five-year capped-price servicing is available for $2022, which is above average for the segment.

At a glance2023 Kia Cerato SWarrantySeven yearsService intervals15,000kmServicing costs$1096 (3 years) $2022 (5 years) $2957 (7 years)

Is the Kia Cerato fuel-efficient?

Given the lack of more advanced forced induction (turbo), we were surprised how easily a fuel economy figure close to the manufacturer’s claim was achieved. Even more so when you consider the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre doesn’t have fuel and carbon-saving idle-stop technology.

Despite the increased power and torque outputs, the turbocharged GT engine manages to use less fuel than the more affordable drivetrain, and if frugality is high on the list of priorities, the GT is the version to go for.

That said, a real-world (indicated) figure of 7.6 litres per 100km is pretty respectable, particularly as we used the Cerato S mostly in suburban and metropolitan driving. In urban driving, Kia says the S sedan will use about 10.4L/100km, so it was doing particularly well – perhaps it’s just our efficient driving style…

Fuel Useage Fuel Stats Fuel cons. (claimed) 7.4L/100km Fuel cons. (on test) 7.6L/100km Fuel type 91-octane unleaded Fuel tank size 50L

What is the Kia Cerato like to drive?

Perhaps it was the pizza-cutter steel wheels with hubcaps and cloth seats, but our expectations for how the Cerato S drives were set fairly low. However, there’s a surprising amount of fun to be had at the wheel.

Modest power and torque of 112kW and 192Nm are offset by a relatively light 1320kg tare weight, and acceleration – while not exactly scintillating – is good. Neither is the six-speed automatic transmission programmed to deliver aggressive shifts for maximum performance, but it still does a good job of being urgent when called upon.

In an effort to compensate the sub-200Nm torque, the gearbox has a tendency to hold on to gears and use power for progress in lieu of low-down grunt, but this can be a little unrefined.

If revved out to the redline, the engine sounds thrashy with noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels suffering, along with too much road noise than one would expect from such tall side-walled tyres.

Speaking of which, those 205/55 R16 Kumho Ecsta tyres do not like wet weather, and it’s not hard to make them give up on larger B-road roundabouts in the rain.

However, most of that can be forgiven on enjoyable roads in the dry when the Cerato shows off its likeable handling and body control. The steering is nicely weighted and responsive with the nose turning obediently.

A respectable level of ride comfort is also commendable, but balanced with rewarding dynamics when on twisty roads. Once again, this comes down to the relatively light weight along with Kia’s renowned locally tuned suspension.

There is a Sport mode in addition to the Eco driving setting, which only influences throttle sensitivity and transmission shift points. In Sport, the gearbox holds gears even longer, which exacerbates the engine noise issue and Eco mode is in most ways the most pleasant to live with.

Not only do the lower revs improve cabin ambience, the gearbox seems to function more logically with low engine speeds. A big turbo torque-boost would be the ideal pairing, but the S’s simple powertrain of 2.0-litre and conventional torque converter auto is a tried-and-tested recipe that works well.

For the most advanced AEB technology, our recommendation would be to spend the extra cash and go for the Safety Pack. But the other features it brings would be fairly easy to live without.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are certainly nice to have, but nothing that a few extra moments of checking can’t achieve – the all-round visibility is very good. The standard safety tech provided for all Ceratos is at a good level and works well in practice.

Lane-keeping assistance, for example, is subtle in its operation until required in ‘anger’ when it’s adequately aggressive/effective.

Key details2023 Kia Cerato SEngine2.0-litre four-cylinder petrolPower112kW @ 6200rpmTorque192Nm @ 4000rpmDrive typeFront-wheel driveTransmission6-speed torque converter automaticPower-to-weight ratio84.8kW/tWeight (tare)1320kgSpare tyre typeSpace-saverTow rating1100kg braked 610kg unbrakedTurning circle10.6m

Should I buy a Kia Cerato?

Over the years, the Kia Cerato has certainly grown up, and the 2023 model has evolved into an accomplished car with handsome looks and space in all areas, and a size that borders on promoting it into mid-sized territory – especially in the case of the sedan.

It bundles a reasonable amount of technology into a generously proportioned body, and although the sub-GT powertrain is somewhat unsophisticated, it manages to provide decent performance and good fuel efficiency.

However, there are too many examples of refinement sacrificed in favour of cost-cutting, and while features such as wireless smartphone mirroring (unique to the entry S), playful handling, and a decent touchscreen redeem the S's value proposition to an extent, it’s not quite enough.

Even with a base $27,890 drive-away price tag, the Cerato S is walking the line between getting what you pay for and perhaps a little expensive, especially when you look at the deal offered by Hyundai at the entry point of its i30 sedan.

Asking another $1500 to match the safety tech in the high-grade variants complicates the quandary.

If space is top of the priorities and a no-frills cabin and powertrain are of little concern, the cheapest Cerato offers a lot of car in sheer quantity, but a few more dollars are required in the budget to access a version that looks, feels and functions as a more high-quality car. Put simply, the more you spend in this range, the better bang-for-buck that’s returned.

For many, Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty and deserved reputation for quality will be enough to seal the deal, but the cheapest Cerato in the range doesn’t necessarily offer the best value for money.

Ratings Breakdown

2023 Kia Cerato S Sedan

7.3/ 10

Infotainment & Connectivity

Interior Comfort & Packaging

After ten years on the spanners as a BMW technician and a tenure as a project engineer, Dan realised that writing about cars was far better than a real job. More than a decade later he's still at it, contributing to many of Australia's leading publications including Wheels magazine, 4x4 Australia, Carsguide, Chasing Cars and, of course, Drive. Domiciled with Australia's most successful female racing driver Molly Taylor, there's no room in the trophy cabinet for any of Dan's accomplishments although he was once nominated for an International Motor Film Awards - Best Journalist Film, and he recently finished second in a Power Karts Raceway 16-lap grand prix against some children. On the days Dan isn't on the road somewhere in the world making suspiciously good stories, you'll most likely find him at he and Molly's joint venture - the MaD Garage - attempting to make an unsuspecting vehicle go faster without ending up in a hedge or on fire - more often than not unsuccessfully.