2019 Kia Cerato 1.6 Review

In Malaysia's C-segment sedan market, consumers have increasingly high demands for balance – requiring both good looks and practical features, while also catering to smooth daily driving and fuel efficiency. As a regular contender in this segment, the 2019 Kia Cerato 1.6L model comes with an extended wheelbase, abundant safety features, and smart connectivity options. In this test drive, we focus on assessing whether its practicality in terms of space and performance meets the needs of local family users, and whether it still holds a value-for-money advantage compared to its competitors in the same class.

The exterior design of the 2019 Cerato appears sharper compared to its predecessor, with the front fascia featuring Kia’s signature "Tiger Nose" grille, filled with a black mesh structure. The grille is flanked by irregularly shaped LED daytime running lights, complemented by halogen projector headlights below, which give it a high level of recognition. The car's side profile is designed with smooth lines, with a waistline running through the door handles from the hood to the tail. Paired with 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and 215/45R17 tires, the overall proportions are harmonious and free from a bulky feel. At the rear, the LED tail lights are horizontally designed, echoing the small ducktail shape of the trunk edge. The lower hidden exhaust layout maintains a clean style, making the entire design timeless and understated among its peers.

Sitting inside the car, the interior features black as the main color, with a soft-touch material covering the dashboard and silver trim accents. While the texture isn’t exceptionally luxurious, the build quality is solid. The center console screen is an 8-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver’s side, reducing the need for significant head-turning during operation. The infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic navigation functions, which may not be as advanced as those in newer models but are sufficient for daily use. The instrument panel consists of a 3.5-inch monochrome TFT LCD paired with mechanical gauges, displaying core information such as fuel consumption, speed, and mileage in a clear manner. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable, with the driver’s seat supporting multi-directional adjustments, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, allowing for an expansion of the trunk space. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning is standard, and the rear row is equipped with independent air vents and USB charging ports, which adequately cater to passenger needs.

In terms of dimensions, the 2019 Cerato measures 4560mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which ranks among the upper tiers in its class. Regarding the actual seating experience, a 175cm-tall passenger sitting in the front row has a headroom clearance of one fist and two fingers. Keeping the front seats in position, the rear legroom offers two fists of space, while the headroom provides one fist. Even with three adults seated in the back, it does not feel overly cramped. Regarding storage space, the door panel storage compartments can hold two 500ml water bottles, and both the center armrest console and glove compartment offer sufficient capacity for daily use. The trunk provides a standard volume of 428 liters, which can be expanded to 1290 liters by folding down the rear seats, enough to accommodate large items like strollers and suitcases.

For power, the 2019 Cerato is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power output of 130PS at 6300rpm and a maximum torque of 157Nm at 4850rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During everyday driving, the power output at the starting phase is smooth, and the throttle response is not overly aggressive but remains adequately linear, making it suitable for urban traffic conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds 3000rpm, the power delivery becomes more pronounced. When overtaking and applying firm pressure on the accelerator, the transmission promptly downshifts, ensuring that the acceleration process is not sluggish. There are two driving modes available: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission delays upshifts, maintaining a higher RPM for a more responsive driving experience, though fuel consumption may slightly increase. The chassis employs a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. The tuning leans toward comfort – when passing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension absorbs most of the jolts without causing noticeable harsh impacts. During cornering, body roll is well-contained within a reasonable range, and the steering is moderately accurate with minimal play, making everyday handling quite effortless.

We tested fuel consumption under mixed road conditions, with urban congested roads accounting for about 40% and highways accounting for 60%. The final fuel consumption was 7.2L per 100 kilometers, slightly higher than the official 6.8L. However, considering the road conditions and driving habits in Malaysia, this result falls within the normal level for the same segment. The braking system performs stably, with a combination of front ventilated discs and rear solid discs. The brake pedal feedback is linear, and the body stance remains stable during emergency braking, without noticeable nosedives. In terms of noise control, the cabin is relatively quiet at speeds below 60km/h, and tire noise becomes gradually noticeable at speeds above 80km/h, though it does not affect normal conversations. Engine noise can enter the cabin at high RPMs, but it is well suppressed and does not feel irritating.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Kia Cerato 1.6L lie in the spaciousness brought by its 2700mm long wheelbase, comprehensive safety features including 6 airbags, front and rear sensors, and vehicle stability control, as well as its smooth power delivery and solid chassis tuning. Compared to competitors like the Honda Civic 1.6L or Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6L, the Cerato is more affordable (priced at RM103,348) while offering comparable features, making it stand out in terms of value for money. This car is especially suitable for families who prioritize spacious practicality and balanced performance. It meets the requirements for daily commuting and weekend family outings. For young buyers with limited budgets but looking for a compact car from a joint venture brand, it is also a worthwhile option. Overall, the 2019 Cerato 1.6L is a well-rounded family sedan with no glaring weaknesses, best summarized by the phrase "practical and balanced."