Owner Review: A touch of class and sophistication - My 2014 Kia Cerato YD 1.6l (Model K3)

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Basic information about my car:

2014 Kia Cerato YD 1.6l (Model K3) – Price RM99,000

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

The car was purchased to fulfil commuting duties throughout the week. The car is also used for occasional road trips.

Car selection process

I have a budget of: RM120,000 -150,000

The cars that were considered include the Toyota Vios and Honda City from the B segment and the base Honda Civic from the C segment.

Reasons why I chose this car:

The Kia Cerato was a unique proposition in that it was priced like a top of the line B segment vehicle, but was a C segment vehicle. 

It was also refreshing to note the Cerato had a list of features that could compete with the likes of D segment vehicles such as the Honda Accord. Even the 1.6L model came generously equipped with 10 way power adjustable memory seats, dual zone auto air con, paddle shifters and cruise control.

Kia as a brand was starting to really take shape globally with high acclaims for its reliability and design. This was a major factor! Being a car that needed to fulfil daily commutes meant reliability was of utmost importance. A bit of research and digging helped quell any concerns about reliability. The beautifully executed design of the vehicle was the clincher. 

I was not too worried about after sales service and parts availability. This was because I was aware of the existence of several specialist businesses catering to brands like Kias and Hyundais. Owner’s groups and forums also helped ease any anxiety about the subject

Upon inspection in the showroom, the car seemed practical and usable enough for a family of 4.

User Experience

• I have done: 86,000 km
• My average fuel consumption is about: 13.8 km/l

Since purchasing, the car has been deeply impressive! On every level, the Cerato has punched above its weight throughout the 7 years of ownership. Especially with regards to comfort, reliability and its ability to munch miles, the car has been outstanding!

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

• The design of the Kia Cerato was the major plus point of the car. Even after close to a decade, the car still looks contemporary. My background as a Transport Designer has helped me appreciate the brilliance of its design - clean, purposeful lines are what make it unique amongst its competition. The lack of unnecessary aggressive creases and slashes that one would usually associate with modern Japanese car design is absent, making it timeless. Korean car design, thanks to European influence had come a long way and the Cerato was an embodiment of that. Overall, its form factor and design execution is something I enjoy, even today.

• Another noteworthy point is its overall supple and sophisticated driving characteristic. After a stressful day, the Cerato has a way of calming the nerves on the drive home. Supportive seats with a wide range of adjustments, a low spring rate for the suspension and a relatively quiet ride help make it supremely comfortable. Little details like an organ-type accelerator pedal and lumbar support just elevate the experience. 
• Third point to note is the quality of materials and fit and finish. This is another department where the Cerato and other Korean cars outclass the traditional Japanese rivals. Where the Japanese cars feel run of the mill and utilitarian; the Cerato shines with higher grade plastics, solid fit and tactile feel to buttons. Even after 7 years, there is hardly a squeak or rattle.

• The engine has been reliable and strong too. It pulls decently past 3000rpm all the way to 5000rpm and the gearbox is programmed well – the car can sit at speeds over 130kph very comfortably.
• Combine all these points, and you are left with a car that goes about its duties with a great deal of finesse and polish. The attention to detail in design and execution is what elevates the experience in the Cerato.
• Maintenance and servicing has been relatively trouble free and reasonable in terms of cost.

Cons

• The lower spring rate is a bit of a moot point- this setup along with low profile tyres offers up plenty of mechanical grip, however, it doesn’t offer much in terms of driver confidence or thrills. I believe this comes due to a lack of local tuning. The suspension hits its bump stops all too easily and can’t seem to manage the overall weight of the car properly.

• The overall chassis of the Cerato feels underwhelming - the car is stable at high speeds on smooth tarmac, but loses composure over undulations and higher speed corners. There is a distinct lack of feel and connection to the road. The car is happiest driving at six tenths rather than ten tenths – half speed, if you will! That’s why one would normally spot a Cerato on the slower lanes of most highways!!!
• The low profile 45 section tyres are also problematic over sharp potholes and speed humps as every element of a poor road is felt through the steering and seats.
• After sales support can be patchy at times.

Total Score: 4

Performance: 3

Quality & Features: 5

Space: 4

Ride comfort: 4

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & cost: 5

Summary:

In summary, the Cerato exudes a level of class and sophistication that few cars within this segment can match. Especially where price is concerned, I am certain no car can match the Cerato’s breadth of abilities. Throughout the period of ownership, the car has been loyal and served the needs of the family well. There still is a sense of pride and feel-good factor attached to driving and owning the car, which is noteworthy given the car’s age. I still turn my head and admire the car after a drive!!!

Interesting events 

I am a bit of a driving enthusiast and do take the car on winding roads outside town; my favourite being the rural roads that lead to Kuala Klawang. When one needs to break away from the stresses of the real world, a drive is the best remedy. The Cerato on drives like these has done surprisingly well. Despite not being a driver’s car by any stretch of the imagination, it is a car that rewards you for learning the way it works. The soft suspension may not offer up much in the way of driver confidence, but the more you drive the car, the more you trust it. Over time I have learned the Cerato has good mechanical grip and has the capacity to handle being chucked into corners at a decent rate of pace. The body lean also serves to offer information about grip levels. The car may not be the most poised, but for a comfortable family car, it does impress when pushed. The engine too, rewards when revved and the paddle shifters encourage you to ring out every bit of power by shifting through the lower gears.

Overall, the trip to a scenic destination is made even better with the drive!

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