Kia Cerato 1.6 16V EX
Test Drive

Kia Cerato 1.6 16V EX

Please don't start feeling disgusted. At Kia, they've taken a big step forward in recent years. Almost without exception, their products have become more attractive, technological and quality. You do not believe? Sit down at Serat.

True, he cannot hide his origin. And we must agree with this. The exterior lines are too Asian and the 15-inch wheels are too small to fit under the umbrella of any of the European manufacturers. Even for the layman. However, we must admit that the form is not so wrong. In particular, large taillights and a spoiler on the trunk lid (available at an additional cost) are details that provide a more dynamic image.

The passenger compartment is a different story. In general, light shades of gray give more warmth than sportiness. The steering wheel, gauges and all switches also show that the car is by no means an athlete. They are all too big to radiate sporting ambition. However, they will be delighted with the elderly or all those whose eyesight can undermine them a little. Because they are easy to read or reach at night. You may be surprised by the many drawers and drawers that, thanks to the rubber bottom, not only perform the function of presence, but also the convenience of use.

Add to that a well-adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel, a relatively genial rear seat, and an almost proverbial rich package, and you can believe that this car's interior evokes everything you'd expect from passengers. The only condition is that the brand of the car does not bother you. Kia still evokes a strange connotation in Slovenians. And that's what's most confusing. Stop for a moment and take another look at Kia's palette. Sorrento, Picatno, Cerato. . If they continue in the same spirit as they started, then they will succeed. In doing so, however, they will have to thank much of Korea's largest automaker, Hyundai, for which they are now firmly on their side.

Therefore, we cannot talk about the secret of success. Like many automakers, a similar move has been made in Korea. This means that they have teamed up (read: Hyundai bought Kio) and were intent on cutting costs in the first place. Especially in development. Therefore, many borrowed components can be found on Cerat. But not all. Don't be fooled by the wheelbase information. This is the same as the Hyundai Elantra, so the Cerato sits on a newer and more technologically advanced chassis.

The separate suspension at the front has an auxiliary frame, and instead of a semi-rigid axle at the rear, the Cerat has individually mounted wheels along with spring-loaded legs, longitudinal and double sideways rails. It is certainly fair to wonder how Kia boasts a more advanced and more expensive chassis on the market than the Elantra. However, like many incomprehensible questions, this one probably also has a logical answer. To speculate a bit, the chassis that the Cerato sits on today is the basis for the new Elantra.

Most of the remaining parts are clearly Hyundai or Elantra. The engine range is the same on both models. It contains two petrol (1.6 16V and 2.0 CVVT) and one turbo diesel (2.0 CRDi). It's the same with gearboxes. However, as a user, you will never notice this, as well as the fact that the Cerato is on a newer chassis.

The relatively small 15-inch wheels, medium tires (Sava Eskimo S3) and close-to-comfort suspension blur the technical picture of the chassis. The Cerato still leans into corners and gives the driver a rather distrustful feeling when the speed is too high. Therefore, it makes no sense to exaggerate the speed. This, in turn, makes it clear what type of driver and driving style the latest Kia products are for.

The point is that this car, if you don't ask too much of it, makes for a surprisingly enjoyable ride. The engine is powerful enough for the average demanding driver, the transmission is decently accurate (we're not used to that on a Kia yet), the safety package includes four airbags, ABS and an active driver seat cushion. Interestingly, the thoughtful center console and rich equipment.

But then such a Cerato approaches the price of European competitors.

Matevž Koroshec

Photo: Aleš Pavletič.

Kia Cerato 1.6 16V EX

Basic data

Sales: KMAG dd
Base model price: 15.222,83 €
Test model cost: 15.473,21 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:77kW (105


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 11,8 with
Maximum speed: 180 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 9,6l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - displacement 1599 cm3 - maximum power 77 kW (105 hp) at 5800 rpm - maximum torque 143 Nm at 4500 rpm.
Energy transfer: the engine drives the front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 185/65 R 15 T (Sava Eskimo S3 M + S).
Capacity: top speed 186 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 11,0 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 9,1 / 5,5 / 6,8 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension: sedan - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, leaf springs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, spring struts, two cross rails, longitudinal rails, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear reel – rolling circumference 10,2 m.
Mass: empty vehicle 1249 kg - permissible gross weight 1720 kg.
Inner dimensions: fuel tank 55 l.
Box: Trunk volume measured using AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total 278,5 L): 1 backpack (20 L), 1 air suitcase (36 L), 1 suitcase (68, L), 1 suitcase (85,5, XNUMX). l)

Our measurements

T = 3 ° C / p = 1000 mbar / rel. Owner: 67% / Tires: 185/65 R 15 T (Sava Eskimo S3 M + S) / Meter reading: 4406 km
Acceleration 0-100km:11,8s
402m from the city: 18,1 years (


125 km / h)
1000m from the city: 33,2 years (


157 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 12,3s
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 19,7s
Maximum speed: 180km / h


(V.)
Minimum consumption: 9,1l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 11,5l / 100km
test consumption: 9,6 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 46,8m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear53dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear52dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear61dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear60dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear70dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear68dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear66dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (264/420)

  • Kia has made great strides in recent years. Just look at Sorrento, Picanto and, last but not least, at Surata ... This Korean plant deserves every praise. Therefore, many will not be satisfied with the price. They are also being promoted and in some models are already flirting with European competitors.

  • Exterior (12/15)

    However, the fact that Cerato is flirting with Europe should not be overlooked.

  • Interior (101/140)

    The salon is pleasant and of sufficient quality. Distracted by a rather small trunk.

  • Engine, transmission (24


    / 40)

    The engine and transmission are not gems of technology, but they do their job right.

  • Driving performance (51


    / 95)

    The technologically advanced chassis conceals small wheels, tires and (overly) soft suspension.

  • Performance (20/35)

    Nothing shocking. The base engine is designed primarily to meet the needs of mid-range drivers.

  • Security (28/45)

    It has ABS, four airbags, an active airbag in the driver's seat, five seat belts, ...

  • Economy

    It offers everything that European competitors have to offer, but in the end its price is very high.

We praise and reproach

rich equipment

feeling inside

technologically advanced chassis

production

the interior loves dew

(also) soft suspension

loss of value

narrow opening between the trunk and the passenger compartment

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