Kia Cerato 2018 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Sep 26, 2020

There is no doubt that there has been a steady rise in the popularity of SUVs in the country over recent years. People are flocking towards 4x4 vehicles to serve as family vehicles as well as for those long summer trips. Even then, there is even a greater market for subcompact cars in the $30K range. This is a very competitive class of vehicles with dozens of models being introduced each year. Most notable vehicles are the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and the Hyundai i30.

 

Such competition means that a buyer is riddled with plenty of options. One can browse through the hundreds of cars, with differing performance, fuel economy, and shapes. It is no surprise that this is one of the most popular car segments in Australia.

 

The demand in the market means that other car manufacturing companies also understand the need. With that in mind, Kia has been utilizing this segment with its new Kia Cerato 2018. The Kia Cerato has been in the Australian market for the last few years, perfected over time.

 

Kia has been known to introduce some fancy and popular cars in the country. Take the Kia Sportage and the Spectra for instance. The question is, is the Kia Cerato hatch 2018 worth the hype? And does Kia justify the demand that is felt in the sub-compact car class? Find out below!

 

The Kia Cerato 2018 was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It followed closely in the design of the Kia Stinger. It came as the fourth generation of the Cerato series. It was later replaced by the Kia Forte. Built using an advanced high-steel material, the Cerato 2018 sure is robust. It is stronger than the previous generations and tends to give an exhilarating ride. The car applies a six-speed manual transmission or Kia’s first CVT. It is available in three trim levels, which are discussed further below.

 

Overview:

The Kia Cerato has been in production since 2003. Designed and developed in South Korea by Kia Motors, the car is known by the name of Spectra in the United States. In 2008, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Forte but still is labeled as the Cerato in Australia and some other export markets.

 

Exterior:

The Kia Cerato 2018 is made a bit longer than the previous generations, to take way for a longer bonnet. It successfully delivers that, just like in the Stinger. Similarities with the Stinger do not end here. The front bumper has a lower apron and air dams which are just as shiny black as in the Stinger. The front grille is similarly slender as well as the headlights.

 

Interior:

There is an expansive piece of metallic trim and thin air-con vents. To outwardly extend the dashboard you will see the new unattached 8-inch touchscreen sound framework. Somewhere else, there's piano dark trim and extravagant stream turbine-motivated air-con vents. In addition to delicate plastics on the dashboard itself. So, while the Forte did not feel modest, the new Cerato feels like a little advance up in quality.

 

Indeed, even the steering controls look and feel somewhat posher than previously. On account of unpretentious metallic additions. Astonishing what a touch of gleaming stuff can do.

 

Engine and Performance:

The Kia Cerato 2018 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It is capable of producing 112 kW of power and a decent 192 Nm torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and helps deliver the power nicely. As a result, the car takes off pretty well and can reach 0 to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

 

In the start, the engine may not feel that powerful. That is, until you cross 2,000 rpm. That is when the engine finds the right spirit and delivers the best performance. Unfortunately, the engine also tends to get noisier at higher rpms.

 

Colors:

 Below are the available colors for the 2018 Kia Cerato:

✓ Clear White

✓ Snow White Pearl

✓ Silky Silver

✓ Aurora Black

✓ Metal Stream

✓ Temptation Red

✓ Gravity Blue

✓ Planet Blue

 

Trims and Price:

The base model is the Kia Cerato sedan 2018 or the S model. The manual version is priced at a drive-away price of $19,990. While the six-speed automatic variant is at $21,490. Even though this is the base model, there are a plethora of features included. You get autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, collision alert. There is a rear-view camera as well as front and back parking sensors. The infotainment system consists of an eight-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

 

Next in line is the 2018 Kia Cerato Sport. It is priced at AUD 23,690 and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, premium seats, and steering wheel. You also get satellite navigation included in the package. Top of the range is the Kia Cerato Sports Plus 2018. It will set you back AUD 26,200. In addition to the features and technology from the previous two trims, the Sports Plus offers smart cruise control, keyless entry and push to start button. It also includes LED daytime running lights, leather seats, power mirrors and dual control climate control.

 

Final Verdict:

It is true that the Kia Cerato 2018 is based on an old platform and does need a redo. But the fact that it comes with an awesome warranty and a reasonable price make this a good bargain. It simply is too good a deal. Till the time that a new variant is launched, we would suggest that you keep your fingers crossed. Until then, the 2018 Kia Cerato Sport hatch is a great car with plenty of miles still to go! If you need more information Well, now it is made easier as we are providing a 24/7 available online portal. All you need is to enter the car details, and we will deliver you the original history of your vehicle. Click here!