Cerato the best of both worlds
MODERN LOOK: HIGHLIGHTS CAR’S MUSCULARITY WHILE RETAINING ITS COUPE-LIKE SILHOUETTE
Kia’s new model strikes balance between segment trends and customer demands.
KIA has introduced an upgraded version of its highly successful Cerato range.
But you can only buy one next month because the people responsible for it being homologated are taking their time. Such are the joys of government departments.
The car that KIA are champing at the bit to start selling benefits from a new, more modern look that emphasises the dynamic muscularity of the car, while retaining its low, coupe-like roofline, sleek silhouette and cab-forward styling.
For sedan and hatchback models, the front of the car gets updated black or gloss black trim for KIA’s signature “tiger-nose” grille, and newly-designed headlamps, a new front bumper and fog-lamps, and a reprofiled hood. Sedan models also receive a new rear bumper and tail-light design, complemented by new and sportier alloy wheels. All models now feature electric folding side mirrors.
The Cerato sedan’s dimensions are unchanged (4 560mm long with 2 700mm wheelbase, 1 780mm wide, and 1 445mm high), offering buyers high levels of practicality with the same sporty appearance.
The Cerato is available in a choice of 10 exterior colours. Every model has received a range of updates to the interior to create a more premium ambience. KIA’s interior designers have introduced new materials to the dashboard and door trims, and to the centre fascia and console hood, while silver and piano black trim add a more sophisticated ambience to the cabin. The gear-shift lever has also been redesigned for a higher quality look and feel, and improved comfort.
But upgrades to the KIA Cerato go beyond visual modifications. In the automatic models, to enhance engagement, drivers have a new Drive Mode Select (DMS) system at their disposal with three selectable modes – Normal, Sport and Comfort – that alter the effort required to turn the steering wheel.
The enhanced KIA Cerato range is still available with a choice of highly-efficient four-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions, each channelling power through the front wheels. At the entry point, Cerato is powered by a 95kW 1.6-litre “Gamma” engine, while a 118kW 2-litre “Nu” engine is also on offer. Both engines are comparatively light in weight, aided by aluminium cylinder blocks and heads, while multipoint injection aids lower emissions and increase efficiency.
Based on segment trends and customer demands, KIA Motors South Africa has revised the Cerato range slightly. Both hatch and sedan are still available in EX trim (1.6 and 2.0, offered with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions), but the former range-topping 2.0 SX model has been deleted. In its place comes a new, previously unavailable 1.6 SX model. The 1.6 SX Hatch is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 1.6 SX Sedan is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.6 EX models feature an array of standard convenience features, including air-conditioning, automatic light control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control, front and rear electric windows, LED daytime running lights, an MP3/iPod/USB compatible radio with CD front
Every model in the upgraded KIA Cerato line-up has received a range of updates to the interior to create a more premium ambience.
loader, rear air vents, six speakers, 60/40-split rear seats, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The more powerful 2.0 EX features identical specification, except for an upgraded instrument cluster and leather upholstery.
The higher specification 1.6 SX models build on the comprehensive standard features of the EX models, but gain a number of features, including HID xenon headlamps, a rear view camera, a smart key with a stop/start button, a smart welcome lighting system, front and rear park distance control, a supervision TFT LCD cluster and automatic dual-zone air-conditioning.
All KIA Cerato Hatch and Sedan models come standard with KIA’s 5-year/Unlimited Kilometre warranty, 5-year/Unlimited Kilometres Roadside Assistance and a 5-year/90 000km Service Plan.