RIGHT ON TARGET

When it comes to small commuter sedans, Kia’s staple Cerato hits the mark

As more buyers switch to SUVs there are renewed efforts to improve the appeal of conventional passenger cars. Take the new Kia Cerato sedan for example. It’s bigger than a Toyota Camry from 20 years ago — and larger than the current Corolla and Mazda3 sedans — and equipped with class-leading technology despite not wearing a European badge.

The price of the base model automatic — the most popular variant — has risen from the long-standing discounted $19,990 drive-away to $21,490 drive-away.

However, it’s still cheaper than most of its mainstream peers, including the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza.

It’s better equipped than the cheapest versions of these rivals, too, an amazing doubleact that’s likely to cement the Cerato’s place in the top five sellers list in the small-car class.

Standard fare includes city autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance, rear camera, front and rear sensors, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, digital radio, a digital speed display and dusk-sensing headlights.

Optional on the two cheapest variants — and standard on the $26,190 drive-away flagship — are radar cruise control and AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone warning are also available. Unlike most rivals, all of the above extra safety tech can be added on the base model, for $1000.

Despite having the ingredients for five-star safety, the Cerato does not have an ANCAP crash rating as it is yet to be tested.

Convenience items include a one-touch auto-up power window for the driver, three USB ports and one 12V socket.

Both sun visors have large vanity mirrors, although only the top models are illuminated.

The dearest model gains leather seats, LED headlights, built-in navigation with free map upgrades for 10 years, sensor key with pushbutton start, and dual zone air-conditioning.

The exterior may look familiar but this Cerato is new from the tyres up, a clean-sheet design from the predecessor introduced in 2013.

Inside, there’s more head, shoulder and knee-room and the interior presentation has been given a lift.

The seats have better cushioning and fabrics, the cabin materials have a higher quality appearance and there’s a large tablet-style