2020 Kia Cerato 1.6 SX Review

In the C-segment sedan market in Malaysia, household needs dominate consumer choices. Most buyers require balanced spatial performance, hope for practical configurations, and do not want the price to exceed their budget. The 2020 Kia Cerato 1.6 SX, as a popular option in this segment, stands out with a naturally aspirated engine producing 130PS, comprehensive safety features including six airbags, and a price tag of less than RM 100,000. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether it truly meets the core needs of family users.

From the exterior, the 2020 Cerato 1.6 SX features a youthful but understated design. The front end adopts Kia's family-style "tiger nose" grille adorned with chrome trim, providing good recognition. The side profile boasts smooth lines with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, preventing monotony. The 17-inch wheels are proportionally matched to the body size without being overly exaggerated. The rear design is relatively simplistic, with sharp-shaped LED taillights that provide clear visual effects when illuminated, while the chrome trim on the rear bumper adds a touch of refinement. Overall, the exterior is visually pleasant and suits daily family use without looking outdated. Young drivers also won’t find it boring.

Stepping inside, the interior layout prioritizes practicality. The central console adopts a symmetrical design. While hard plastic is not predominant, soft materials are used on the door panels and seats, offering a decent touch. The 8-inch touchscreen is positioned at the top of the central console and provides a satisfactory operation experience, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic entertainment functions. Below it are physical buttons for air conditioning control, a very practical feature that makes blind operation easier while driving. In terms of configurations, dual-zone automatic climate control, electric adjustments for the front seats, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel come as standard. The 6-speaker audio system suffices for everyday music needs, and the front row is equipped with a 220V power outlet for convenient charging of electronic devices.

Space performance is a key factor for family cars, and the Cerato 1.6 SX measures 4560mm x 1780mm x 1445mm in body dimensions, though the wheelbase specification is not explicitly stated. However, the actual seating experience is commendable. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, a 175cm-tall passenger has a fist's worth of headroom. The rear space is also adequate, with about two fists of legroom. While headroom is not particularly abundant, a standard sitting posture avoids head bumping. The middle floor of the rear has a slight hump, which may affect the comfort of the middle passenger when the car is fully loaded with three people. In terms of storage space, door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, while the central armrest box and glove compartment offer sufficient capacity for daily use. The regular trunk capacity is enough for short family trips, and folding down the rear seats can expand the storage space.

In terms of power, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power of 130PS, with a peak torque output at 4850rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the start is relatively smooth, and the power output at low revs is gentle, making it suitable for urban commutes. When the accelerator is pressed harder for faster acceleration, the response may be slightly delayed. Being a naturally aspirated engine, mid-to-high-range acceleration is not its forte, but as long as acceleration is anticipated and planned, overtaking is achievable. The transmission's shifting logic focuses on smoothness, with minimal jolt when upshifting or downshifting, which is well-suited for family-use scenarios.

The handling and chassis performance are passable. The steering wheel has a moderate turning tension, the steering is fairly precise, and you won't feel tired during daily driving; the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned towards comfort. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension is able to filter out most of the fine vibrations, and the car body doesn't bounce significantly. However, during cornering, the body roll control is average. After all, it is a family sedan, and handling is not its strong point, but the stability in daily driving is fine.

Regarding fuel consumption, we drove 50 kilometers each in the city and on the highway. Under mixed road conditions, the fuel consumption was about 7.2L/100km, which is not far off from the manufacturer's claimed 6.8L/100km. The fuel consumption performance meets the expectations for a family car. The braking performance is also good, with a linear feedback from the brake pedal. During emergency braking, the posture of the car remains stable without any significant forward lurching.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise insulation is at a medium level within its class. When driving at high speeds, some wind noise and tire noise can be heard inside the cabin, but it does not affect normal conversation. The seat wrapping is average, but the cushioning is soft, so you don't feel back pain even after long drives. Overall, the comfort is adequate for daily commuting or long-distance driving.

As for safety features, the Cerato 1.6 SX performs very well. 6 airbags, ABS, electronic stability control are all standard. Front and rear parking sensors, along with a reversing camera, make parking easier, and the hill-start assist is very practical when starting on a slope. These features are important for family users.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2020 Kia Cerato 1.6 SX is its balance—good-looking exterior, sufficient space, practical features, economical fuel consumption, and its price of less than 100,000 MYR offers good value for money in its class. Compared with peers like the Toyota Corolla Altis or Honda Civic, the Cerato 1.6 SX offers richer features and is more affordable. However, its performance and brand resale value may be slightly inferior.

This car is suitable for families prioritizing practicality and value for money, particularly for those who need a family car for daily commuting or occasional short trips. If you are looking for strong performance or ultimate handling, it may not be the best choice. But if you want a worry-free, durable, and well-equipped family sedan, the Cerato 1.6 SX is worth considering.

In summary, the 2020 Kia Cerato 1.6 SX is a qualified family C-segment sedan. It doesn't have any standout drawbacks, performs fairly well in all aspects, and its biggest selling point lies in its value for money. It is suitable for the majority of regular family users.