Kia Cerato 1.5 CRDi H / RED
Content
Although with their prototypes at Kia they predict a jump into higher price ranges (Audi should be their role model), the current situation remains the same as it has been for several years: Kia is basically a car that offers a reliable combination of technology, design and equipment for reasonable money. Or else: a big car for little money.
However, it is not recommended to monitor the surplus; Also in Kia, progress is noticeable in all the areas just mentioned. And Cerato is a good example as there is no element to indicate a rung in place or even a failure.
Quietly, Cerato has been present on our market for quite a long time, but only with the second version of the case it became really interesting, because we Slovenes are very similar to Europeans. The five-door sedan may be (because tastes are so different) "less noble" than the classic four-door sedan, but it's about as good-looking, but (which supposedly needs no explanation) much more useful. And speaking of appearance: the fact that it has an Italian name does not help, but we cannot classify the body shape as less cute. It may not be quite a trend, but it is a perfectly correct product and quite decent, so it should not be embarrassed during more expensive and generally more noble competitions (say, in a parking lot). Even the one who does not approach him, he unlocks it and sits in it. And, of course, he leaves.
This price difference is much more noticeable on the inside. The fact that there is no prestigious variety, a person has a feeling as soon as he sits in it, but mostly we are talking about things that do not affect the usability: interior strokes, colors, and especially materials. The customer-specific dimension is also clearly visible on the controls: the gauges, for example, are large, neat but nothing kitschy, easy to read but simple. The switches do not show off any design originality either, but they are generally close at hand and large enough that you won't be mistaken when you want to press any of them.
The radio tape recorder stands out completely. If you get stuck only in the control: the buttons (and of course the functions) are huge and all filigree are small. Quite the opposite, like the rest of the interior. The reason is clear: the radio has been modernized and chosen incorrectly, because it does not match the rest of the interior. Even in appearance. But the choice of the audio system is left to the discretion of the owner, and not quite so with the steering wheel. Since it is quite large, thin and plastic, it is not very convenient to use, and the seats could be better. We blame them for the feel while seated, but it's true that they provide enough lateral grip while driving and don't fatigue on long journeys.
That it doesn't have to be expensive, that it (in some items) is better or better than the more expensive ones, is proved by this Cerato with a lot of useful drawers in the cabin (well, there are no pockets on the back of the seats), as well as with such a nice feature. like a rear wiper and continuous operation, which is rarely found in the world of automobiles. Speaking of rain, the Cerato does not have a rain sensor, but all the wipers run up to their maximum speeds. Which is also not a rule for cars. And if we look with a sober head, we find that there really aren't many flaws in Serat; equipment, you can just skip the adjustment of the outside mirrors using electricity and the on-board computer or at least the outside temperature sensor. Well, if someone is offended by the security, he will miss not only two airbags.
If you look under the raised boot lid, you won't be surprised, as the basic boot is not very large, but it does have three nice features: it's easily accessible, simple (and therefore useful) in shape, and folds down. lower the back bench by a third, or you can fully straighten. Nothing fancy, but if we had just mentioned the Cerata in the sedan version, this is the only significant difference between the two. The interior space on the seats, which is in the middle, is exactly the same in both cases.
Almost in the same breath with such a five-door body, Cerato received another very powerful argument: the engine. This proves once again that you do not have to be expensive to be good or even better than more expensive ones. At first glance, it may not particularly attract attention, since 1 liter in such a body does not seem impressive. Its preheating is also quite lengthy and experience has shown that it can be significantly better insulated from noise and vibration.
Especially since it's a turbodiesel. But if you can skip it, it has two trump cards: performance and consumption. Both are cleverly complemented by unusually calculated gear ratios: the first four gears are quite short (fourth shows the speedometer at about 140 kilometers per hour), and the fifth is unusually long (up to a maximum speed of about 180 kilometers per hour), but who is not careful not to notice this - and after all, why would you do it.
So to speak: the engine. Despite the fact that the volume is relatively small, and the power (in liters) is quite large, it is so flexible that (“only”) five gears of the transmission are quite enough. There's nothing wrong with the transmission in sixth gear, but you still won't have to shift often, as it's useful from light idle to just over 4000 rpm. It's true, however, that in fifth gear the engine revs almost red-hot (at 4500) - up to 4200 rpm to be exact, which sixth gear smooths out - in terms of fuel consumption and engine longevity.
Its responsiveness is slightly inferior to its motor properties, which suggests that a (excessive) inertia turbocharger helps it breathe, but it's a fuzzy and therefore unperturbed phenomenon. In the case of the drive mechanics, the transmission deserves the worst rating with its inherently poor feel when shifting gears. At the request of the driver, it allows you to shift quickly, but each time leaves a vague rubbery feeling when shifting, especially each time one gear is engaged.
The owner for whom such a Cerato is intended will probably rarely check the limits to which the chassis can follow the wishes, but it is worth noting that the balance between comfort and active safety is very good. The Cerato is predictable at borders, but doesn't lean too much and is decently comfortable even on rough roads. However, during every ride test, it is important to remember that all mechanics, including the steering wheel and brakes, are designed for easy driving, not rough racing hands.
Because, you know, a song for a dinar is not the kind of song that would make you ring the radio twice a day because of musical desire. Even the Cerato is not one to dream about at night. But if you see yourself as a potential buyer and user and add up to what it offers, it's worth thinking twice. Despite the small print in the commercials.
Vinko Kernc
Photo: Aleš Pavletič.
Kia Cerato 1.5 CRDi H / RED
Basic data
| Sales: | KMAG dd |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 14.187,95 € |
| Test model cost: | 14.187,95 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 75kW (1002 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 12,3 with |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,8l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection turbodiesel - displacement 1493 cm3 - maximum power 75 kW (102 hp) at 4000 rpm - maximum torque 235 Nm at 2000 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front-wheel drive engine - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 185/65 R 15 T (Michelin Energy). |
| Capacity: | top speed 175 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h no data - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,4 / 4,0 / 4,9 l / 100 km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, spring legs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, spring struts, cross rails, longitudinal rails, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear rolling diameter disk 11,3 m. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1371 kg - permissible gross weight 1815 kg. |
| Inner dimensions: | fuel tank 55 l. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured using AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 1 backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 1 × suitcase (85,5 l). |
Our measurements
| T = 17 ° C / p = 1029 mbar / rel. Owner: 55% / Tires: 185/65 R 15 T (Michelin Energy / Meter reading: 12229 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 12,3s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 18,3 years ( 125 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 33,3 years ( 157 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 8,6s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 11,3s |
| Maximum speed: | 180km / h (V.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 6,1l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 11,7l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 78 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 41,9m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 66dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 32dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 68dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 66dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (276/420)
This Cerato is much more European in style than the Cerata 1.6 16V with 4 doors (AM 1/2005). The car will satisfy less demanding users, but by no means those who are looking for a car with a soul.
Exterior (12/15)
Precise Korean bodywork and good looks.
Interior (100/140)
Here, too, the quality of workmanship prevails over the quality of materials. Disturbed by the gray color, impressed by the many boxes.
Engine, transmission (28
/ 40)When it comes to the transmission, the gearbox control is the worst part, but on the other hand, it's a great engine!
Driving performance (53
/ 95)The chassis is focused on comfort, not driving pleasure. The steering wheel is not communicative.
Performance (23/35)
Frisky in the city and satisfactory fast on the track, and also maneuverable enough for quick overtaking.
Security (33/45)
The safety equipment is satisfactory, but without newer elements (rain sensor, protective curtains, ESP).
Economy
Although the engine is resilient, it is also very fuel efficient even when accelerating. Rapid loss of value.
We praise and reproach
engine power and consumption
family usability
wipers
inner drawers
radio
it does not have an outside temperature sensor
gear box
interior: materials, appearance
