WHAT’S NEW

PRICE

The base model auto increases from its longstanding discounted price of $19,990 drive-away to $21,490 drive-away but it is much better equipped. The manual remains $19,990 drive-away. The Sport is $23,690 drive-away and the flagship Sport+ is $26,190 drive-away.

TECH

The Cerato now leads the class. All models gain camera-based autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lanekeeping assistance in addition to a rear camera and front and rear sensors. Also available are radar cruise control (adding pedestrian and cyclist detection to the AEB), rear cross traffic alert and blind zone warning.

DRIVING

As with all models sold locally, Kia has tuned the suspension on Australian roads. The base model on 16-inch wheels and Kumho tyres is a good all-round package. The Sport pair (both with 17-inch alloys and Nexen tyres) feel good in dry conditions but wet weather grip could be better.

PERFORMANCE

The carry-over 2.0-litre four-cylinder is matched to a revised six-speed auto or sixspeed manual. It uses a touch more fuel than before (up from 7.2L/100km to 7.4L) because the new model is slightly heavier.

DESIGN

New from the ground up but with the same footprint as the model it replaces, the Cerato is longer bumper-to-bumper and roomier — it’s bigger than a Toyota Camry from the mid 1990s.