Kia Cerato S Premium 2016 Review

With its extensive standard equipment, the S Premium hatch might be a mere one step up from the base S version, but it adds things – such as standard sat-nav – that make it a tempting alternative in one of the hottest market segments.

At $24,990 driveaway for the S Premium Cerato, you could hardly argue Kia isn’t going all-out on sweet deals.

Solidly equipped with standard six-speed automatic transmission, a willing 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre engine and a collection of standard equipment – that includes not just the (very unintuitive) sat-nav, but also a reversing camera, heated door mirrors, a ‘premium’ steering wheel, faux leather on the soft-touch dash, a full set of auto-down power windows and 16-inch alloy wheels (including the spare) – the S Premium Cerato is clearly in pursuit of hip-pocket conscious buyers.

An industry-leading, seven-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty with capped-price servicing and roadside assist seals the deal.

The S Premium Cerato’s road manners are commensurate with its attractive looks, spaciousness and apparent quality. Developed with significant Australian input, the Kia’s ride and handling balance is impressively competent.

The steering is well-weighted, responsive and quick, while the ride is quiet and nicely composed.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, though a little harsh at times, combines well with the transmission to produce perky on-road performance. It’s neither the cleanest, nor the most economical in its class, but it’s competitive enough at 7.1L/100km and 168g/km respectively. On test we managed a reading of 8.8L/100km.

The Cerato S Premium hatch is available at Kia dealers nation-wide for a drive away price of $24,990 and sells alongside the virtually identically-equipped and priced sedan version.

Kia makes no bones about the Cerato’s demographic profile: Even though the top-spec SLi model stretches past $30,000 a Cerato can be put on the road, in entry-level S form complete with auto transmission, for a smidge below $20,000 (at the time of writing), which is of great appeal to first-car buyers or young families.

Its spacious small-car interior will take at least four adults in comfort, while the hatchback flexibility makes it impressively versatile and appealing.

Not many would consider a Cerato as a tow car but, if you wish, it’s possible to have a small camper-trailer tagging along, provided it’s equipped with brakes.

Eagerly lined up behind, there’s a long list of aspirants including the Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza, Renault Megane, Ford Focus, Nissan Pulsar and even wildcards such as Skoda’s Octavia and Citroen’s C4.

The Cerato confronts all these with its combination of irresistible value, strongly identifiable but safe styling, efficient packaging and perceived quality.

If you look at the Kia Cerato in isolation, there’s no denying it’s a terrifically appealing small car. On top of the Peter Schreyer styling influences and the focus on a finely-honed detail presentation, it ticks all the boxes for road behaviour and functionality; and, with its seven-year warranty, it boosts consumer confidence as well.

The only real issue is the quantity and quality of the competition.

2016 Kia Cerato S Premium Hatch