Kia continues its winning ways with new Cerato

We know we’re going on and on and on about how Kia has reinvented their brand, improved their line-up and increased their market share.

It feels as if the topic pops up every second week and you guys are probably starting to think we’re on their payroll. Unfortunately, we’re not, but the fact remains that Kia have done exactly what we’ve been saying since 2010 when the new Cerato, the vehicle that turned the brand around, was launched in Southern Africa. Now, there’s a new one and Kia promise that it’s been improved in every single way. Tough talk…

Part of Kia’s success was down to their change in design philosophy, roping in the talent of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer who pencilled legends such as the Audi TT, but now the Korean automaker has departed the striking looks of the older Cerato and instead opted for their “Tiger Nose” design. Opinions may vary, we are massive fans of the previous Cerato styling, but we have to admit that bringing the Cerato design in line with their brand image, Kia have done well to bring balance to their line-up. No longer does Cerato (and Koup for that matter) feel like the step children of the range and instead feel part of the family, sort of the middle brother of the Rio and Optima. In fact, the new Cerato looks like an Optima that rear ended a Rio; it’s got all the right elements from its siblings. The new design is swoopy, classic even and easy to spot the base Hyundai i30 underneath the sexy sheet metal. Obviously the Tiger Nose grille plays a centre role, but the curvy angles of the new Cerato make it one of the best looking vehicles in the mid-sedan segment. As expected, a hatch and coupe version will be released within a year.

The interior as well is much improved. Gone are the cheap, creaky plastics, replaced with more plastic, but at least they’ve used high quality materials this time. Kia have cheated with the dashboard though. The dash is of the stitched variety, but there’s so much trim around the dash that the stitched appearance consumes only a tiny amount of the dashboard. Still, it does look and feel great. The centre console has also been replaced with a slightly more upmarket media unit at play. The controls are now more in line with the Optima and makes for easier operation. I quite liked the seats in the old Cerato, but these have been replaced with a new set. They don’t have that plush look to them anymore, but support has been greatly improved. Cabin noise has been improved as well and is now on par with its German counterparts.

I’m glad to report that Kia have not only worked on the exterior and interior, but the drive train has received extensive work as well. The older model had a case of severe kangarooing during hard acceleration and gear changes, most notably from first to second gear. Kia have managed to completely eliminate this issue as well as giving the gear shift a shorter through that makes for crisp swaps. The motor also feels livelier than before even though it retains the same capacity as previously. Suspension wise not much has changed, it’s still sharp and responsive, but now offers electronically weighted steering. Putting the weighting on sport mode gives drivers adequate feel through the thick spoke steering wheel. It’s a small touch and one not needed in this segment, but it sure feels nice to know that Kia has catered to all kinds.

The new Cerato makes it clear that Kia not only want to cater for people looking for an affordable car, but that they are serious about making cars for people. They listened to the complaints and have improved the aready likable Cerato considerably. Sure, it’s slightly more expensive, but it’s about as perfect a sedan as you will ever get. It’s also packed to the brim with features. It’s not just affordable; it’s a damn right bargain.

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