New Cerato takes some beating

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Brimming with bells and whistles, this latest addition to the value-for-money Korean manufacturer's stable is streets ahead of the original Cerato, and right up there with the best on offer in a market segment responsible for 36% of all new car sales in this country.

Yes, we all know the original Cerato was a cheap and nasty disaster - plasticky, tinny, lethargic and so boringly dull that even the car rental companies known for their fleets of toilet-white wheelie bin cars were not interested in buying it.

But trust me, they are going to be queuing up for this latest Kia incarnation.

Not only is it stylish and good-looking, but it brags with class-leading cabin space, a big boot, peppy performance, good road-holding, comfortable ride, plus a Christmas tree of classy specifications, all wrapped in a price parcel that is going to knock the socks off the opposition.

There are two models to choose from - a 1.6-litre EX and a 2.0-litre SX, and both offer the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

All models have impressive safety specifications that include disc bakes with anti-locking braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), driver-, side- and full- length curtain airbags, active headrests, a high-mounted brake light and power steering.

Standard kit include central locking, electric windows, a fully-adjustable steering wheel, front and rear fog lamps, a six-speaker audio system made up of radio/CD/MP3 with USB and iPod connectivity, 60/40 split rear seats, 415-litres of boot space, 2170-litres of cabin space and a 52-litre fuel tank.

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The 2.0-litre models also have automatic light adjustment, cruise control, leather seats and rear parking assist.

The 1.6-litre models ride on 16-inch alloys and the 2.0-litre models strides on handsome 17-inchers.

The entry level models are powered by a 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers 91.2kW at 6,300rpm and 156Nm at 4,200rpm.

The bigger models get their kicks from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 114.7kW at 6,200rpm and 194.2Nm at 4,300rpm.

Because both versions of the new Cerato had only arrived in South Africa days before they were unveiled to the local motoring media, no local performance, emission and fuel consumption figures were available.

But the manufacturer's estimated international figures for the various models are:

• 1.6-litre manual - 190km/h and 0-100km/h in 10.3 seconds, CO2 g/km emissions of 178 and fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100km.
  
• 1.6-litre automatic - 182km/h and 0-100km/h in 12.0 seconds, CO2 g/km emissions of 163 and fuel consumption of 7 l/100km.
  
• 2.0-litre manual - 200km/h and 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds, CO2 emissions 178 and fuel consumption 7.5 l/100km.
  
• 2.0-litre automatic 190km/h and 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds, CO2 emissions 181 and fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100km.

I drove both models and gearbox variants on the lovely winding coastal route from Cape Town to Hermanus and back in a good mix of wind, rain, fog and sunshine on nice fast, straight roads and through plenty of tight, twisting sections and both models received good marks in a number of crucial evaluation departments.

The high-revving engines are responsive and even the 1.6-litre doesn't lack in enthusiasm, although you have to stir the central soup spoon quite enthusiastically on undulating stretches to keep the speed up.

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But feed either one of the two models a good dollop of juice, slip your foot off the clutch and the tyres will chirp quite sprightly.

Both models cruise comfortably and quietly at high speed. At high revs on take-off, both engines growl quite pleasantly but they settle down nicely to a good steady hum once up and at cruising trot.

The Cerato feels firm and confident on the road and I particularly enjoyed the well-weighted steering, which is a welcome change from the airy-fairy, finger-tip vagueness of so many modern cars.

The gear shifts on both the auto and manual versions are smoothly gated and the brakes are right up there with the best in this segment.

The Cerato cabin is impressively spacious, with acres of leg room. The two-tier console and instrument lay-out is a attractive and logical and the red instrument lighting and metal and chrome finishes add a nice touch of distinction.

The three-spoke steering wheel with remote audio controls also adds a nice sporty edge to the ambience of the living quarters.

The overall feeling one gets is of a relaxed, comfortable travel space, cleverly designed and well glued and screwed together. Event the doors shut with a nice solid thud.

Overall, this new Cerato got general nods of approval from our group of critical and sceptical motoring journalists during post-mortem discussions over a few jars in the pub afterwards.

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There are some serious players in this market segment, but the Cerato is more than capable of holding its head up high in the company of the soon-to-be-launched Chevrolet Cruze and the likes of Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Nissan Tiida, Renault Megan, Toyota Corolla and the VW Jetta.

If you are one of the fuddy-duddies who still cling to the silly notion that Korean cars in general and the Kia stable in particular are not in the same class as the Japs and the Continentals then it's time to catch a wake-up call.

The Cerato has got everything their cars have and more, particularly if you judge them against the crucial buying persuaders of price, warranty and service plan.

The 1.6-litre EX manual costs R179,995 and the automatic R189,995. The 2.0-litre SX manual sells for R199,995 and the automatic for R209,995.

All Cerato models come with a price-inclusive 100,000km warranty and a four-year/90,000km service plan, two crucial peace of minders which, on their own, are enticing enough to elevate the Cerato's status.

If you are in the market for sensible four-seater transport, it may well be worth your while to go and do little homework. Check and compare prices and specifications of what is on offer in the C-segment and then go for a spin in a Cerato...you could be in for a pleasant surprise.

Footnote: Kia has revealed that it is to launch its first-ever two-door coupe, the Cerato Koup, later this year at R209,995.

I've only seen photographs of the new Koup and if it looks as good as it does in the pictures then it's got potential to walk off the showroom floors.