Kia Cerato Si sedan 2013 Review

Kia Cerato Si (sedan)

What we liked:
>> Performance and handling
>> Generous interior space
>> Quiet ride

Not so much:
>> Unknown safety score
>> Rear seat headroom
>> Brand recognition

The South Korean-built Kia sedan immediately distinguished itself with a cracking turn of pace courtesy of its 2.0-litre engine. In this company it’s at the top of the tree, delivering an impressive 129kW and 209Nm.

The engine proved well matched to its six-speed automatic transmission, which delivered crisp, quick shifts up or down the ratios.

While the Cerato led the field on the dragstrip, its braking performance was also impressive, landing it a top-three finish in the stopping stakes.

It backed this up with ride and handling that has clearly been tuned more to the sporty side of the ledger, allowing it to be driven surprisingly hard through our test circuit without losing composure. Dynamically it had the wood on its compatriot, the Hyundai i30, but not by a vast margin.

The steering would load up slightly when really being pressed into corners but other than this there were few causes for complaint about this car’s dynamics.

On the debit side, the performance came at a price. The Cerato fell towards the bottom of the pack on fuel consumption.

Shut lines are uniform across the car. The doors fit flush, and are well-sealed. The solid note upon closing is also reassuring, trailing just behind Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The jambs and fuel filler opening were visually clean, except for a few welds around the door frames.

The boot lid is unsupported and the carpeting within was a little thin, if well-presented. The cargo area has a light, but the latch is exposed.

Like the Honda Civic, Kia Cerato’s rakish shape does force you to duck your head to get in the back seat. Once in, however, the accommodation is excellent.

A carpeted parcel shelf is welcome, as are rear seat ventilation outlets. The upholstery is of a high grade, but the carpet is better described as ‘durable’.

The ‘gill-look’ dash adds interest, even if it wasn’t to our taste, and the level of oddment storage is well above average. The audio head-unit looks basic but is easy to operate. Ditto the HVAC and trip computer controls.

We didn’t like the fuel-cap release on the floor but the engine bay was noted as ‘quite presentable’. Cerato managed the best road noise here at 75dBA.

Twin 12V outlets, USB and 3.5mm auxiliary audio inputs, and one of the most intuitive Bluetooth pairing protocols, made pairing and charging the iPhone effortless. A proximity key facilitates keyless entry and engine start.

The layout of controls is simple but appealing – particularly the steering wheel controls. Indeed, Cerato is one of the easiest cars to use thanks to class-leading ergonomics. Everything was clearly labelled and located where you'd expect it to be. The touch-screen system was another highlight. The days of Kia cars being ‘cheap and cheerful’ are well and truly over – this was one of the best performers on test.

A reversing camera was a nice touch and the stability control was very good also, intervening rapidly upon loss of traction and gently bringing the car back to the straight and narrow via deft dabs of the individual brakes. It was an unobtrusive system too, barely felt when engaging.

Priced at a competitive $25,990 (plus on-road costs) including $2000 for the optional six-speed automatic, the Cerato presented solid value. This is especially so when one considers it has the most-powerful engine in its class.

Keyless entry/go, reversing camera/audio screen and subtle touches like the air vents to the rear compartment made up for a lack of dual-zone climate control and sat-nav. In Si form, Cerato rode on 16-inch alloys with a full-size spare.

Kia’s Connect aftersales plan certainly adds further value. Kia offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, 12-month roadside assistance package (extendable at each dealership service) and 12-month/15,000km service intervals with a complimentary 3000km service to boot.

Additionally the first five services are capped, ranging from the 15,000km service at $260 to the major 60,000km version at $532.

The Cerato has come a long way in three years, but a look at resale for a similar MY10 Cerato Si indicates a median private sale value of $12,800; a retained value of 58 per cent.

Inside the Cerato, driver and front passenger seats are very comfortable. Three-way manually-adjustable seats (standard across this test group) provide good adjustability.

The Cerato’s cabin is plush, modern and well equipped. Ergonomics are excellent, as is in-cabin storage. Entering the Cerato there’s an instant sense of comfort and familiarity, thanks to thoughtful design execution.

The Cerato delivered a well insulated and beautifully quiet ride. It was beaten by the narrowest of margin only by the Volkswagen Golf in this regard.

Second row comfort is top-notch, with large comfortable seats, two directional air vents and centre armrest with two cupholders. Three adult passengers can be seated comfortably – kids will have ample space. The only downside to the Cerato’s cabin accommodation is that taller passengers on our test found their head touching the roof.

The Cerato’s cargo capacity and flexibility is best on test and includes 60:40 splitfold seats that can be operated remotely from the boot.

Visibility from the Cerato is excellent. It is helped by the clever inclusion of small windows forward of the A pillar. Large, long side windows aid good side and rear three-quarter visibility.