The Cerato, is Kia's best-selling model Down Under. And this year it's been given the makeover
it deserves. With more safety and smarts on the inside, and a fresh new look on the outside,
the face-lifted Cerato, also breaks out as the first model to arrive with Kia's all new logo.
But we're here to find out what else makes this upgraded small car
so much better than the last one. Spoiler alert, it's more than just that new badge.
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Currently in its fourth generation, Cerato is the South Korean car maker's best seller down under,
and the third best seller in its segment, out-performed on the sales
charts only by the likes of its Hyundai i30 sibling and the Toyota Corolla. Now,
both hatchback and sedan versions of the Cerato, have been reinvigorated for 2021,
with all four variants now available in showrooms with prices that start at 25,990, drive away.
Pricing for each variant is the same no matter whether you choose the hatch or sedan body,
and the top grade GT we're testing here is currently priced at a whooping 36,990, drive away.
The LED headlights are slimmer than before and are now connected by this redesigned grill.
There's more shiny bits and, of course, the new badge. Look close, and you'll notice the badges
are finished in a classy brushed aluminium, but whether those changes actually improve
its appearance? We'll let you be the judge. The rear end of hatchback models stays the same,
but Cerato sedans get a new rear bumper, boot and tail lights.
Standard equipment for sporty GT grades includes wireless phone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels,
larger 305 mil brakes up front, and re-jigged suspension for 2021. Power plates remain the same,
and in this range topping GT, it's a turbocharged 1.6 litre four cylinder.
Another headline update for the 2021 Cerato,
is that stick shift manuals are out in base spec grades and automatics are in across the board.
In this top spec GT, a seven-speed dual clutch does work sending power to the front wheels,
while every other two-litre Cerato, is mated to a six-speed torque converter auto, which also sends
power up front. The cabin is relatively unchanged except for this larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.
There's now digital radio and the sounds of nature, so you can keep the kids in the back calm.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a selection of drive modes and steering wheel
mounted shift pedals are carried over. The steering wheel is soft underhand,
with high quality materials at almost every touch point around the cabin. The GT sports
leather appointed seats are comfy for long stints of driving and still bring heating,
but ventilation has been added for 2021. There's also plenty of ergonomic adjustability too,
with the driver getting an eight-way electric seat with lumbar and memory, along with tilt and
reach adjustments for the steering wheel. As with other Kia models, updated Ceratos, are now fitted
with safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, and leading vehicle departure for when you're just
not paying attention. It also comes filled with the latest in safety and driver aids, including
autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. And while there's a speed
limiter function on board, the Cerato doesn't come with speed or traffic sign recognition.
Not much has changed here in the back seat either, with two adults still able to travel
in relative comfort. Previously reserved for top spec grades, every 2021 Cerato,
now gets rear air vents. Other features on the GT include a center armrest with cup holders,
bottle storage in each door pocket, one USB port and outboard ISOFIX points.
Meanwhile, the sedan still has the slightly larger 502-litre boot, compared to the hatchback's
428 litres. But it's behind the steering wheel that the Kia Cerato GT really shines.
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For everyday driving, it is a firm ride, both in terms of suspension and steering. And pop it into
sport mode and the steering stiffens up even more, and you get a nice responsive throttle.
Power delivery is just as keen, but only when you're keeping revs high and working its four
cylinder engine hard. It's a rewarding powertrain to play with. The dual clutch responds quickly to
driver inputs when you're thrashing it around in manual mode, and throttle response is sharpest in
sport mode. That's complemented by heavily synthesised engine noise inside the cabin,
which probably tricks you into thinking you're going harder than you actually are.
The GT's body and firm suspension set-up is great for when you wanna do a little bit of sportier,
more enthusiastic driving, but the body as a whole may be a little bit too rigid for some,
especially if you do a lot of driving on coarse chip services or roads that have a lot of bumps
and potholes in them. Even still, it takes a fair bit to unsettle the Cerato, and for the most part,
including fast changes of direction, it's a balanced and sure-footed ride. The only time
you'll likely have to wrestle with the steering wheel is under hard acceleration when taking off,
or on a highway with lane assist activated, as its sensitivity can be overzealous.
Thanks to that re-tuned suspension, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires,
and huge 18-inch alloy wheels, there's loads of front-end grip and it's really confidence
inspiring chucking it into a corner. The only downside is with those 18's though,
is there's quite a lot of road noise that comes into the cabin on coarse chip and rough surfaces.
Fuel consumption is a little higher than Kia's claim, with the GT Sedan we spent the most time
in sipping around 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres. But overall, steering is quick and precise,
large brakes offer plenty of stopping power, and vision out every window is good. But I'd
love to be able to adjust the driver's seat a little lower as it feels too high even at its
lowest setting. Each 2021 Cerato, comes with Kia's seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty,
with roadside assistance over the same period, while servicing the GT in the first three years
will cost just over $1100 dollars. While it's not the volume seller in the Cerato range,
the flagship GT is certainly the most enjoyable to drive. It's not quite a hot hatch or hot sedan,
but it does combine a practical cabin, engaging dynamics, and great levels of safety and tech.
And for those reasons, the Cerato should remain a popular choice for Aussie buyers.