Kia Cerato 2014 Review

The compact sedan market in Malaysia has always been fiercely competitive. Consumers demand not only attractive designs but also configurations and space that can meet the daily needs of families. The 2014 Kia Cerato public, as one of the popular choices in this segment, has garnered considerable attention with its youthful design and balanced features. This time, we got our hands on the real car for comprehensive testing with the primary goal of assessing whether it can truly hold its ground in the same class in terms of static experience and dynamic performance, providing potential buyers with a clear reference.

From a distance, the exterior lines of the 2014 Cerato public are sharp, taking on a youthful and sporty style overall. The front features the family-style tiger-nose grille, paired with irregularly shaped headlights, giving it a decent visual identity. The side profile has a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 16-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, which make the side view less monotonous. At the rear, the taillight assembly adopts a horizontal design, echoing the lines of the rear bumper. The overall design is simple and consistent with mainstream aesthetics. In terms of the lighting system, the headlights are equipped with halogen light sources. While the brightness is average, they suffice for daily use. The taillights incorporate LED elements, which look sharp when lit at night.

Sitting inside, the interior features black as its primary color scheme, accented with silver trims, giving it a solid and stable appearance. The center console adopts a layered design, with the upper part covered in soft-touch materials that feel decent, while the lower part uses hard plastic, which corresponds to the material standards at this level. The center control screen is a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions. The operation is moderately smooth but wins points for its intuitive interface. The three-spoke steering wheel has volume adjustment and Bluetooth call buttons integrated on the left, making it convenient for operation while driving. The seats are wrapped in leather, with the driver's seat supporting 6-way manual adjustment and the passenger seat 4-way manual adjustment. The padding is on the harder side but offers good support, ensuring that long journeys aren't too tiring.

In terms of space, the 2014 Cerato public's dimensions are 4560mm×1780mm×1445mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, placing it on the larger side among cars in the same class. The front-row seating space is ample. A 175cm tall tester adjusts the seating to a comfortable position and still gets a fist worth of headroom. The rear-row space is also impressive, with over two fist lengths of legroom and about one fist of headroom. The center floor hump is slightly raised but does not affect the short-term comfort of the middle passenger. For storage, the front door panels can accommodate two drink bottles. The center armrest box and glovebox have sufficient capacity for daily use. The trunk volume is 421L, which can fit two 20-inch suitcases and some miscellaneous items, meeting the needs of family outings.

In terms of power, the 2014 Cerato public is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 130PS and a peak torque of 157N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the start is relatively smooth, with gentle power output at low revolutions, making it suitable for urban commuting. When the accelerator is pressed hard and the engine revs climb above 3000 rpm, there is a noticeable power burst, providing sufficient confidence for overtaking. The transmission shifts smoothly, with clear upshift and downshift logic, and nearly no perceptible jerks. There are two driving modes: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, but the overall power performance doesn’t differ significantly.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. It feels light at low speeds, while becoming stable and confidence-inspiring at high speeds. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, which is slightly stiff. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body may experience slight jolts, but overall the handling is clean without excessive swaying. While cornering, the body roll is well controlled, and the suspension provides adequate support, maintaining good stability.

As for fuel consumption, we conducted tests under urban and highway conditions. In urban conditions, the average fuel consumption was 8.5L/100km, while on highways it was 6.8L/100km. Overall performance is average and meets the expectations for vehicles in this class. In terms of noise control, the engine noise is minimal at idle, but wind and tire noise become more noticeable after 80km/h. However, it does not interfere with normal conversations among passengers inside the car.

Overall, the 2014 Kia Cerato public's core strengths lie in its balanced space performance, rich configuration, and stable power output. Compared to competitors in the same class like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, it offers a more compelling price advantage and relatively richer features, such as standard leather seats and a multifunction steering wheel. However, in terms of fuel efficiency and brand influence, it slightly lags behind its competitors.

This car is suitable for family users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and space, particularly those who need a vehicle for both daily commuting and family outings. Its power is sufficient for daily use, its space meets family needs, and its features can handle basic usage scenarios. If you're on a budget but want a reliable and durable compact sedan, the 2014 Kia Cerato public is worth considering.