Kia CERATO 1.5 CRDi
Sometimes you really have to wonder. Sitting at the press launch for Kias Cerato under a huge banner which read "Kia Cerato: Life Accelerator", I had to question whether the Korean executives present were aware of Kias rather geriatric image in the UK. I had visions of getting into the Cerato and having my life accelerated so quickly Id step out with osteoporosis and a flat cap. Fortunately this didnt prove to be the case. The Cerato, whilst hardly the most exciting choice in its market sector actually has a lot going for it, especially in diesel guise.
Lets get straight into the figures. The 1,493cc Euro III compliant engine delivers over 100 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm. With 101 hp/PS at 4,000 rpm, the 1.5 CRDi unit outperforms class leading competitors including the Vauxhall Astra 1.
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5 CRDi has been programmed for maximum fuel economy with fuel consumption on the combined cycle at 57.6 mpg and CO2 ratings of 129 g/km. With CO2 figures lower than many leading competitors such as Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTI 16V, Peugeot 307 2.
0 HDI and Seat Leon 1.9 TDI, the Cerato is an extremely attractive proposition for the fleet market. Attracting an 18% Benefit In Kind CO2 rating, a company car driver on the standard tax rate will pay only £400 for the 1.5 GS derivative and £429 for the LX version, while those in the 40% tax bracket will pay £727 for the GS and £781 for the LX per annum.
Compelling figures.
"Getting a lot of car for your money is still the key reason most customers choose Kia"
The subjective feel however, is that the Cerato engine lacks the sort of punch associated with most modern diesels. Without this turbocharged urge to fall back on, the Cerato must appeal on other levels. The fuel economy is certainly worth mentioning. With a combined figure of 58mpg and emissions of just 128g/km, this will not be an expensive car to run.
Getting a lot for your money is the key reason why most customers choose Kia and this, their very first diesel-powered passenger car, fulfils that brief adequately. Both four door saloon and five door hatches are offered to UK buyers at prices which start around the £10,300 mark, although given our predilection for things that flip up at the rear, its doubtful whether the saloon will shift too many units. Compared to the saloon model, the hatch is some 140mm shorter, much of this due to the fact that the rear overhang has been cut from 965mm to a mere 825mm. The roof height is shared by both cars but the roof of the hatch is longer and also yields a little more in the way of rear seat headroom (up by 15mm).
The added versatility of the five-door shape ensures that despite its more compact overall dimensions, it can carry 538 litres with the seats upright and 1,494 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The back bench splits 60/40 for added practicality. The interior design isnt going to win any industry awards but its far removed from the sort of plastic dungeons weve come to expect from budget South East Asian cars, the dashboard divided horizontally with the upper surfaces trimmed in a dark colour which then continues onto the door trims. Its perhaps a little disappointing that Kia couldnt have injected a little more design flair into the Cerato.
The reason the Mentor was such a nonentity was that it was utterly forgettable. The company has shown that it can develop stylish show cars and its Picanto has the sort of cheeky good looks that will notch up sales but the Cerato is something of a style free zone. Private buyers will probably form the bulk of the Ceratos clientele and for these customers it makes a respectable choice. The styling can best be described as is tidy and its even been engineered to handle competently.
Its fully independent suspension system is a nicety denied the latest Vauxhall Astra and both the front and rear suspension units are fitted with nitrogen filled Sachs gas shock absorbers. The power-assisted steering feels fairly direct at just 2.8 turns lock to lock and while the standard 60-series tyres take some of the edge off the sharpness of turn-in, Kia offer 16-inch alloys fitted with lower profile tyres if you hanker after a more entertaining steer. Safety is well taken care of.
The all-disc braking system is bolstered by the addition of four-channel anti lock brakes as standard. This system also incorporates the added safety net of Brake Assist which helps drivers braker harder and faster in the event of an emergency. If you need to accelerate out of danger rapidly, a traction control system is also offered. Multi stage airbags are installed as standard up front and side airbags for the front seats and full length curtain bags are also available.
The drivers seats can also be ordered with an active headrest that protects from whiplash injuries. The Cerato diesel offers all the right sorts of figures but ultimately seems something of a missed opportunity. As a company, Kia have developed to such a stage that they now no longer need to campaign merely on price. We expect their wares to be good full stop rather than good taking into account its bargain basement pricing.
The Cerato lacks the personality to develop into a crossover success although the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine is an impressive enough powerplant. If costs are everything, the Cerato will prove a welcome addition, offering a lot of car for your money but, as anybody whos ever eaten at a Las Vegas casino buffet will attest, quantity isnt everything. Kia have done the hard work but have run out of resolve when it came to styling and design.
Life acceleration? Ill pass.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Kia Cerato 1.5CRDi range
PRICES: £10,995-£11,695 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 7
CO2 EMISSIONS: 129g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 12.5s / Max Speed 108mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 44.8mpg / (extra urban) 68.0mpg / (combined) 57.6mpg
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr] Length/Width/Heightmm 4340/1735/1470
