2017 Kia Cerato S Premuim 02
2017 Kia Cerato S Premuim 03
2017 Kia Cerato S Premuim 01
2017 Kia Cerato S 03 d0yi
Matt Brogan24 May 2016
REVIEW

Kia Cerato 2016 Review

More style, more safety but less power for facelifted Cerato range

Kia Cerato S, S Premium, Si and SLi
Australian Launch Review
Hunter Valley, NSW

Kia will offer its MY17 Cerato hatch and sedan range from $19,990 drive-away for both six-speed manual and automatic variants. The four-range line-up sees refreshed styling inside and out, as well as the inclusion of standard electronic driver aids on high-series models. A revised powertrain offering sees a 2.0-litre petrol engine offered exclusively, Kia ditching the previous base 1.8-litre unit in favour of a 'compromise'. Down 17kW/17Nm, the new 112kW/192Nm mill is as efficient as the smaller displacement engine is supersedes at 7.1L/100km – and 0.4L better than the previous 2.0-litre. Will the recipe work? And can the Cerato manage better than sixth in the small-car sales race? We take to the Hunter Valley's back-roads to find out...

Style is nothing without substance, especially in the strong-selling small car segment. Kia knows this, so when it came to revising its third-generation Cerato hatch and sedan range, it balanced some of the former with more of the latter.

Yep, there's a lot more kit for your coin. And no, you won't spend any more to get it. In fact, from launch, Kia will offer drive-away pricing across its Cerato range, which is unchanged from $19,990.

The four-model line-up begins with the Cerato S. Offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions – and for the same sub-$20K pricetag as the outgoing model – the new Cerato S is distinguished by 16-inch steel wheels (with matching spare), projector beam headlights, the usual electronic mod cons and an optional tech pack that adds a 7.0-inch touch-screen audio system, reversing camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and dusk-sensing headlights for an additional $500.

2017 Kia Cerato Si 01 rwl8

Stepping up to the automatic-only Cerato S Premium we find 16-inch alloys (again with matching spare) dusk-sensing headlights, a 7.0-inch touch-screen audio system with reversing camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and sat-nav, and soft-touch interior surfaces for $24,990 drive-away.

Move to the Cerato Si ($28,990 drive-away) and in addition to those features listed for the S Premium, there are leather-trimmed seats, rear-seat ventilation outlets, keyless entry and push-button ignition, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change and rear cross-traffic alert.

Finally, the flagship Cerato SLi ($32,490 drive-away) offers 17-inch alloys (with matching spare), alloy pedals, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate-control, LED DRLs and tail-lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, sunroof and HID headlights, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems.

2017 Kia Cerato S 03 d0yi

All Cerato grades retain the former model's five-star ANCAP safety rating and are equipped with safety equipment including six airbags, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability/traction control and hill-start assist.

The Korean manufacturer's seven-year warranty, capped-price servicing and roadside assistance deal remains intact.

Kia has ditched the 110kW/178Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in its previous Cerato in favour of a detuned multi-point 2.0-litre 'Nu' unit. Kia offered a 2.0-litre petrol in high-grade versions of the former Cerato range, but that model offered 129kW and 209Nm -- 17kW and 17Nm more than the current iteration.

Economy figures improve slightly, the new model consuming 7.1L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle -- a 0.4L improvement over the outgoing 2.0-litre engine. The figure is identical to the former 1.8-litre motor's, while CO2 emissions are likewise similar at 168g/km (+1g/km on the previous 1.8-litre and -12g/km from the preceding 2.0-litre).

2017 Kia Cerato SLi 02

Stylistically the MY17 Cerato range is distinguished by a restyled front-end with updated black trim on its 'Tiger Nose' grille, reshaped headlights, bumper and foglights and a re-profiled bonnet. Sedan models also receive a new rear bumper and tail-light design.

Both the hatch and sedan are unchanged dimensionally, including cargo capacity of 385 litres (hatch) and 482 litres (sedan).

New interior materials, a sunglasses holder and metallic trim garnishes are said to give the cabin a 'more premium ambience', while the redesigned gear selector improves driver ergonomics. Depending on grade, the Cerato is offered with black cloth (S and S Premium) or black leather upholstery (Si and SLi).

But it's on the road that we find the most substantial changes. Kia has improved its locally-tuned suspension set-up with stiffer front springs, improved damper compliance and upgraded damper valving technology.

Pricing and Features
2017 Kia Cerato SLi 09

The Cerato's electrically-assisted steering system is also revised with a faster processor which, on automatic variants, benefits from a newly adopted Drive Mode Select system capable of adapting the level of steering engagement through three modes: Normal, Eco and Sport.

In Sport mode, the steering is altered to provide sharper response and feedback. Transmission and engine response are likewise sharpened. Normal mode defaults to a comfort setting with regular steering and transmission response, while Eco mode calms engine and transmission response, while also reducing the effort of the air-conditioning compressor.

It’s obvious from the get-go that the Cerato’s chassis is improved. The ride is comfortable without foregoing cornering ability. The car is not easily unsettled by mid-corner lumps and bumps, and maintains a secure footing over even the most pockmarked country back-roads.

2017 Kia Cerato S Premuim 01

Larger crates will jar the cabin slightly, but not in the way we’ve come to expect from ‘sports tuned’ competitors. There’s a softness to the Cerato’s ride that really helps it feel at home on local roads, and one that isn’t lessened to any great degree when riding on the larger 17-inch wheel option.

We love the steering feel and assistance. It's both appropriate for this class of car and superbly weighted. It returns to centre sweetly, too, making tight roundabouts and parking lots a breeze.

On the downside, the transmission is a little busy in normal mode, and without the pep of the direct-injected engine, can feel a little asthmatic when attempting to overtake or climb steep grades. Select Sport mode ahead of time, or be prepared to use wide-open throttle applications, and progress is decent, coupled with respectable fuel economy (we managed 7.9L/100km on test in mixed urban and rural conditions).

2017 Kia Cerato SLi 04

The Cerato’s brake pedal is nicely modulated for soft stops and offers decent assistance for comfortable deceleration from its four-wheel discs.

We found the Cerato’s cabin comfortable and with ample accommodation for four adults (five at a pinch). The door apertures allow easy entry and exit, as does the seat’s hip point. Personally, I felt the cloth-trimmed seats offered more cushioning while bolstering was better on the leather pews. Horses for courses, though we note the cloth upholstery is all new to the updated range…

A mature and thoroughly modern offering, the Cerato should give the very best of its rivals something to worry about. Barring a few technology omissions, it’s a comprehensively well-equipped package for the money with after-sales support that’s second to none.

Kia says the new model has what it takes to beat Holden’s Cruze in the sales race, and we reckon they may very well be right. Either way, it’s win-win for the small-car shopper.

2016 Kia Cerato S pricing and specifications:
Price: $19,990 (drive-away)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 112kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual/automatic
Fuel: 7.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 168g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

2016 Kia Cerato S Premium pricing and specifications:
Price: $24,990 (drive-away)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 112kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 168g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

2016 Kia Cerato Si pricing and specifications:
Price: $28,990 (drive-away)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 112kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 168g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

2016 Kia Cerato SLi pricing and specifications:
Price: $32,490 (drive-away)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 112kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 168g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Hyundai i30 (from $18,990 drive-away)
>> Mazda 3 (from $20,490 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Corolla (from $19,790 plus ORCs)

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Written byMatt Brogan
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
77/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
16/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
17/20
Safety & Technology
16/20
Behind The Wheel
15/20
X-Factor
13/20
Pros
  • Drive-away pricing improves value
  • Class-leading warranty and after-sales
  • Chassis changes enhance driveability
Cons
  • Lower output figures of new engine
  • No idle-stop, direct injection gone
  • No AEB or adaptive cruise control
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