Kia Cerato Review
Published: 1st March 2005
Kia Cerato
How It Drove - Performance
The Kia Cerato is powered by a 1,975 cc, 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valve engine with variable valve timing which produces 141 bhp @ 6000 rpm enabling it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 9.0 seconds and continue to a top speed of 129 mph.
By judicious weight saving measures and attention to matching engine performance and gearing the Cerato achieves highly competitive performance and fuel economy figures. Combined consumption for the 2.0 SE model is 37.7 mpg with a CO2 rating of 180g/km.
The 2.0 litre engine is relatively quick and responsive but is rather noisy when accelerating hard. The 5-speed manual gearbox is light and easy to operate but we found the clutch a little on the light side although after stalling a couple of times we got used to it.
The Cerato is equipped with all round disc brakes, ABS (anti-lock brakes) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BAS (brake assist) for maximum stopping power.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
Kia have fine-tuned the suspension for European driving conditions and overall the ride is smooth and it copes well with uneven road surfaces and potholes. However, there was a little more body roll than we would have liked and we found the rack & pinion steering light and lacking in feedback.
Kia have incorporated structural and design elements intended to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and road and wind noise are certainly kept to a minimum. Overall we found the Cerato enjoyable to drive as it is one of those cars that you just get into and drive - no fuss - no drama - it just does its job.
