New tech, Styling & Under The Skin Improvements
The Cerato is a key component of the South Korean brand’s overall 39,000-unit sales target this year, and the company is working to ensure the small sedan and hatch range becomes a major consideration for buyers.
In 2013, Cerato was number 12 in the small segment; this year Kia expects to be number five.
The nameplate is one of Kia’s most successful global models, with more than three million sales globally, while in Australia the Cerato is the top-selling model for the brand – notwithstanding the fast-approaching Sportage SUV.
Updates include styling revisions, cabin updates, fresh tweaks to the locally tuned suspension, a ‘Drive Mode Select’ system for automatic variants and, depending on the model grade, advanced driver-assist systems such as blind-spot detection (with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert), lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
As part of the launch, KMAu has set a driveaway price of $19,990 for the entry-level S variant with free automatic – the only model grade with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox (over a six-speed auto) and which accounts for around 60 per cent of all Cerato sales.
Both sedan and hatch body styles are still offered across four model variants – S, S Premium, Si and SLi – with driveaway pricing set at $24,990 for the S Premium, $28,990 for Si and $32,490 for SLi. The latter is the only model to cop a price rise (up $500).
Standard fare on the entry-level S includes 16-inch steel wheels (including a full-size spare), reach- and rake-adjustable steering, cloth trim, manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat, heated and power-adjustable mirrors, cruise control, a trip computer, power windows, two 12-volt sockets, Bluetooth and USB inputs for the six-speaker sound system and manual air-conditioning.
For an extra $500, Kia is offering an upgraded 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that brings with it a rearview camera, smartphone integration and automatic headlights.
The S Premium is fitted standard with 16-inch alloys (including full-size alloy spare), 7.0-inch LCD touchscreen with satellite navigation and rearview camera, along with upgraded interior surfaces.
Stepping up to the Si upgrades the seat trim to leather and adds rear air vents, keyless entry/start, power-folding mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, chrome exterior doorhandles and window surrounds and, not least of all, driver-assist technology in the form of blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
The flagship SLi has 17-inch alloy wheels (with full-size spare), aluminium sport pedals, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights, power-adjustable driver’s seat (with heating and ventilation), seat heating for the front passenger, a sunroof, Xenon headlights, auto-dipping rearview mirror, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
The upgraded touchscreen infotainment/sat-nav system has the hardware installed for the smartphone-integrating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and KMAu is aiming to be able to “software flash” the vehicles once the licensing agreements are in place, hopefully by July 2016 production.
Standard safety equipment range-wide includes six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, auto door locking (with emergency unlock), front and rear foglights, front and rear parking sensors with a visual display, electronic stability and traction control and hill start assist.
Suspension changes include the installation of revised (stiffer) front springs with the aim of improving the balance between ride comfort and handling, as well as improved damper compliance.
The brand is also claiming improved steering weight and feel with revised steering tuning and hardware improvements.
The new Drive Mode Select system on the auto has three steering modes – Normal, Eco and Sport.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine powering the entire range remains unchanged, producing 112kW at 6200rpm and 192Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Fuel economy is a claimed 7.1L/100km for all models, regardless of body style or transmission.
2016 Kia Cerato driveaway pricing
| S | $19,990 |
| S (a) | $19,990 |
| S with AV (a) | $20,490 |
| S Premium (a) | $24,990 |
| Si (a) | $28,990 |
| SLi (a) | $32,490 |
by Peter Barnwell · CarsGuide