An overview of the Kia Cerato 2019

Kia Motors launched the Cerato sedan back in 2003 and it shared its underpinnings with the Hyundai Elantra. The Cerato is also known in some markets as the Forte, and is now in its fourth generation. The 2019 Kia Cerato continues to be sold in hatchback and sedan forms, but has been given a thorough overhaul for its latest iteration.

Over 15 years after it was introduced, the rather boring and uninspiring design of the first-gen model has given way to a far more attractive and competitive package in the 2019 Kia Cerato. However, the 2019 Cerato sedan is surrounded by some really capable and strong rivals such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus.

Exterior

Compared to its former self, the new 2019 Kia Cerato sedan is no longer a bland and unrecognizable silhouette on the road. In its new avatar, this sedan has turned into a flamboyant and rather attractive looking vehicle. The front grille of the 2019 Cerato is instantly identifiable as that found in many other new Kia cars, plus the large yet slender headlights along with the sporty bumper look great.

The stylish theme continues along the side as well, where the European design theme is evident. The 2019 Cerato sedan’s smooth body lines, poised stance, elegant contours, sporty alloy wheels, and a gently sloping roof all come together rather nicely. The rear of this Korean sedan looks well-proportioned with its sleek taillamps and a large sculpted bumper.

The 2019 Kia Cerato sedan measures 4.560 meters in length, 1.780 meters in width, 1.445 meters in height, and its wheelbase is 2.700 meters. The overall boot capacity of the Cerato sedan is a respectable 482 liters, which is in line with its rivals in the segment.

Interior

In keeping with its modern exterior, the interior of the 2019 Kia Cerato is now way better than it has ever been before. The design and layout of the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, and seats all look the part. Apart from the aesthetics of it, this cabin also offers good quality materials with decent fit & finish as well.

Space for five adults isn’t the best here, though it is far from tight. Comfort levels are fine, and cabin isolation from NVH is decent as well. As far as features are concerned, the 2019 Kia Cerato can be equipped with automatic HID headlights, LED DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless-entry with push-button start, electric sunroof, leather seats, cruise control, steering-mounted paddle controls, automatic climate control, parking sensors with rear camera, and split-folding rear seats.

On the safety front, the new Cerato comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability program, blind-spot monitoring, a tire-pressure monitor, and automatic door unlock in the event of a crash.

Engine and performance

The 2019 Kia Cerato can be had with either a 1.6-liter, or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 1.6-liter unit produces 130 HP and 157 Nm of torque, while the latter makes 157 HP and 194 Nm of torque. Both engines power the front wheels and transmission chores are taken care of by a 6-speed automatic. In terms of fuel consumption, the efficient Cerato 1.6 can do 6.5L/100 km, whereas the more power Cerato 2.0 can only manage 8.0L/100 km. Performance-wise, the peppy  2.0-liter engine enables the 2019 Kia Cerato to hit a top speed of 195 km/h, though the run to 100 km/h takes a sluggish 12 seconds.

Verdict

Prices for the 2019 Kia Cerato sedan range between AED 57,900 and AED 83,900, while cost of insurance varies from AED 1,303 to AED 1,888.