DABAS blog post: Early July 2018,
Hello readers, in last week’s DABAS Blog we looked at hypothetical comparisons when updating your car; spending $14,000 on a good-quality used car or $21,000 on a near-entry-level small -to medium-sized brand-new car manufactured in 2018. In this week’s blog post, DABAS introduces you to one of many cars available in this $21,000 segment’s starting price range, by providing some general-in-nature information on the 2018 Kia Cerato sedan. We hope you find it an interesting read, providing some useful information to help you on your car-buying journey.
If you would like DABAS’s assistance in to purchase one of the new 2018 KIA Cerato variants please click here.
Here we go; KIA Australia recently launched a new 2018 version of the Cerato sedan with striking new looks resembling (some say) its Kia family stable-mate, the KIA Stinger.
This new-generation 2018 KIA Cerato model segment rivals are considered to be four-door rivals such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Corolla Ascent, entry VW Golfs and 2018’s new updated larger Polos, Holden Astras (sedan or hatch), Hyundai I30, the Ford Focus plus many more including of course the platform DNA’s sibling Hyundai Elantra, and the Honda Civic sedan.
This new MY2018 KIA Cerato model is reported to be a big step forward with safety inclusions over the previous model.
There are three specification variant grades, keeping the brand’s reputation of value and affordability.
Note; All new 2018 Kia Ceratos come standard with AEB: and a 8.0-inch (20cm) touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
1 –The Cerato S variant costs a very sharp $19,990 drive-away ($1500 extra for an auto).
2 –While the auto-only Sport variant is $23,690 drive away
3 -And Sport+ variant is $26,190 drive away.
– A note for the Hatchback enthusiast; the anticipated updated new hatchback model variants are apparently not due until much later in 2018 or even the early months of 2019.
(Psst; a comparison of the 2018 KIA Cerato sedan variants’ features is towards the bottom of this DABAS blog page post)
This new MY2018 Cerato was mostly designed at Kia’s California styling HQ. KIA suggests it adapts some of the styling cues of the Stinger GT, with the most noticeable styling cues being at the front.
The windscreen base is further back which lengthens the bonnet, whilst the roof tapers gently into a snubbyish boot, giving the new Cerato a gentle fastback silhouette.
The 2700mm wheelbase carries over from its predecessor, but this new model is 80mm longer overall, and 5mm taller.
This new MY2018 model KIA Cerato has more high-strength steel (made by Hyundai/Kia) in the body shell than previously, and a claimed 105 metres of structural adhesive , reported to be five times more than the previous model.
Inside the cabin there’s a wide dash with a fashionable horizontal fascia layout.
Compared to the previous model it has fewer buttons whilst the floating screen sits higher, and there are circular air vents and lots of soft-touch surfaces throughout. Kia reports that with this model there is slightly more legroom and headroom than the previous model, though the predecessor car was roomy. The boot has grown from 482L to 502L, measuring one-metre wide and 710mm tall. The back seats flip downwards 60:40.
Engine; while the design may carry elements of its KIA Stinger stable-mate, the engine in the Cerato is less dynamic than the Stinger’s. Under the Cerato’s bonnet is the familiar 2.0-litre multi-point injected, normally aspirated engine making 112kW of power and 192Nm of torque.
A popular choice will be the in-house six-speed automatic transmission, but remember the base car can be purchased with the $1500 cheaper six-speed manual “for those who like to drive”. Both transmissions are new-generation units.
Fuel usage; Kia reports that Fuel use is 7.4L/100km for the auto and 0.2L/100km more for the manual.
Kia fits a Drive Mode Select software system to all the automatic versions, with modes that change the steering resistance, throttle calibration and gearbox mapping.
KIA’s Sydney-based engineers have tuned the suspension for our Australian market, working within spec parameters from the KIA factory. The setup is a basic MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear layout.
The new Cerato’s firmer body, new suspension mounts, and addition of more sound-deadening material reduces the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
Warranty: Of course the new Cerato gets Kia’s market-leading seven-year warranty with roadside assist and servicing plans/prices as advertised at time of purchase.
Pricing and more details on the variants.
Cerato S manual: $19,990 or Cerato S automatic: $21,490
The Cerato S standard features
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Forward collision warning
Lane-keeping aid
Six airbags
Reversing camera with guidelines
Front/rear sensors
16-inch steel wheels
Tyre-pressure monitor
Speed limiter and cruise control
8.0-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
DAB+
Cerato Sport auto: $23,690
The Cerato sport’s extra included standard features
17-inch alloy wheels
Satellite-navigation with SUNA
‘Premium’ steering wheel, gear shifter
‘Sports’ seats
Cerato Sport+: $26,190
The Cerato Sport+ ; extra included standard features
AEB ‘Fusion II’ with pedestrian/cyclist recognition
Active cruise control function
LED daytime-running lights
Proximity key and button start
Leather seats
Electric folding mirrors
Climate control
Rear air vents
OPTIONS
Safety Pack 1 (S and Sport): $1000
Safety Pack 1 contains Fusion II AEB, active cruise control (auto only), blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-folding mirrors and leather steering wheel.
Safety Pack 2 (Sport+): $500 Safety Pack 2 contains blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert as the other features are already offered on Sport+.
To see the drive-away deals KIA Australia is currently offering on the KIA Cerato please go to the KIA Australian website.
At DABAS we know that buying a car to suit your needs can be one of the biggest purchases in your life; we hope this intended to be general -in-nature advice and Blog page has provided some helpful information to assist you in deciding the path of your car-buying journey. We look forward to having a chat when the need arises for you to update your car; to assess your personal car-safety requirements and buying needs to suit your lifestyle,
And importantly your set specified budget!
Whatever roads your life journey takes you on DABAS can help you find a car to travel those roads.
To contact DABAS to discuss your car-buying needs . . . please click here
Please note: All pricing mentioned in this Blog page would be considered expired or sold out within 12 hours of this Blog-post’s publication date: all specifications etc. – mentioned in this blog page will be confirmed together with a KIA sales representative in their showroom upon your transition to becoming a client of DABAS.
Thanks for visiting DABAS’s website and blog: Have a great day , Cheers, Tim.