2017 Kia Cerato review

The 2017 Kia Cerato has an updated exterior, extra safety additions (on certain models) and a refreshed interior.

Launching into an extremely competitive small car segment, the Cerato is available in two body styles – four-door sedan and five-door hatch – and four model grades – the S, S Premium, Si and SLi. The Cerato continues Kia's drive-away pricing structure, with the S manual priced at $19,990, the auto at $19,990 drive away progressing through the range to the flagship SLi auto priced at $32,490 drive away.

2017 Kia Cerato style and comfort

The new Cerato's exterior looks more dynamic, with sleeker headlights, a more prominent grille, a redesigned lower air intake with integrated fog lights, and new tail light internals. Wheel options are dependent on the model – 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps for the S models, 16-inch alloys for the S Premium and Si, and 17-inch alloys for the SLi.

Inside, the Euro-inspired dark theme has changes that focus on making it look more premium. There are new materials on the dash, door trims, hood lining and console. The cabin ergonomics are great, with all the major controls within reach and a well positioned screen.

Seating comfort is good, as is the seating position, although passengers don't get electric adjustment. There's good leg and head room in the rear seats. Boot space is fairly generous at 482 litres for the sedan and 385 litres for the hatch.

S models get a basic audio system with USB input, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth, which can be controlled via steering wheel mounted controls. The S Auto model can be upgraded to a 7.0-inch touchscreen system with Android Auto, rear camera, and dusk sensing headlights as part of an option pack for $500. Kia says Apple CarPlay will be available and will be fitted later free of charge. The higher grades get the 7.0-inch screen with satellite navigation standard.

The base Cerato doesn't get a reverse-view camera but does get front and rear parking sensors.

2017 Kia Cerato specs and safety

There's only one engine choice – a 2.0-litre MPI engine which can be mated to either a six-speed manual (S grade) or six-speed auto. The four-cylinder generates 112kW at 6200rpm and 192Nm at 4000rpm and sips 7.1L/100km combined consumption.

Automatic models gain Kia's Drive Mode Select system, which has three modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. The SLi also gets steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

The 2.0-litre engine has good get up and go and, while it gets noisy under harsh acceleration, it's happy to rev to redline. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and works well with the four-cylinder.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, hill start assist, electronic stability control and a five-star ANCAP rating for all models. Si models gain blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, while SLi grade adds lane departure warning system and forward collision warning system.

The Cerato's ride is a little firm on the 17-inch wheels, but it absorbs bumps well and shows off the extensive local tune that includes changes to the front springs and improved damper compliance. The steering tune has been revised and features improved hardware for better weight and feel.

The last part of the value equation is Kia's seven-year warranty, seven-year capped price servicing plan and seven-year's roadside assistance.

The verdict

Kia expects the S model automatic will be the most popular seller and it's not hard to see why. The entry-level model is not left wanting (except for the camera and larger screen). It's comfortable, has a premium interior feel and features a good/ride handling package. Backed by the three 7's, and with a driveway price under $20,000, it's certainly an attractive proposition in an overcrowded class.

Pros: Sharp pricing, 7-year warranty, capped price servicing and roadside assist, premium feel cabin

Cons: No rear camera on base model, base model doesn't get 7-inch screen