Spot the differences with new KIA Cerato

From 2003, the Cerato has been a loyal family member of the KIA nameplate. With the purpose of being user friendly, family orientated and affordable, the latest 2016 model ticks all the boxes quite easily.

The KIA Cerato presents itself as a number one contender in the local C-segment class. The Korean automaker has given the third generation Cerato a refresh which includes some notable exterior changes coupled with a few interior improvements.

 On the outside

The compact Korean has undergone some cosmetic tweaks resulting in a far more aesthetically pleasing Cerato. Primary among the updates is an all-new headlight design which replaces the predecessor’s large ‘bubble-eye’ headlights. The long slender design wraps along the redesigned bonnet where we see a new front bumper that features a long lower grille flanked by fog lights and accentuated with black trim. At the back sits a newly equipped rear bumper.

And inside?

The Cerato’s cabin has also been modernised and although the changes are not ‘major interior changes’ they are subtle enough to set itself apart from the previous model. The door trim, dashboard and gear lever are composed of new materials and the centre fascia has undergone a redesign. Still it must be said the overall look is bland and probably won’t appeal to the younger generation.

What it is like behind the wheel?

With a choice of two engine variants, the refreshed KIA Cerato will be available in both sedan and hatch. A choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic will be offered for both hatch and sedan models.  The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre will both be offered in EX trim whilst the 1.6-litre will also be available in a higher spec SX trim. The 1.6 SX hatch will only be available in a six-speed manual whereas the 1.6 SX sedan will only be offered with a six-speed automatic.

The model that I drove was the 1.6 EX manual. Inclusive with this model is air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, LED daytime running lights, powered windows, steering wheel mounted controls as well as a six speaker system, to name but a few.

Overall, the refreshed KIA Cerato is aesthetically pleasing both inside and out but it’s perhaps not as zippy or technologically astounding as German alternatives and KIA will need to move the game on in bigger leaps with other models.

How much will the refreshed Cerato set me back?

• Cerato 1.6 EX Automatic R312 995
• Cerato 1.6 EX Manual R299 995
• Cerato 2.0 EX Automatic R353 995
• Cerato 2.0 EX Manual R340 995
• Cerato 1.6 SX Manual (Hatch only) R344 995
• Cerato 1.6 SX Automatic (Sedan only) R357 995

All models comes with a 5-year / Unlimited km Warranty and 5-year / 90 000km service plan