Kia Cerato 2019 Review

In Malaysia's C-segment sedan market, value for money and balanced features have always been the core demands of family users and young consumers—after all, cars in this segment are required to meet the practicality of daily commuting while also balancing a certain level of comfort and technology. The 2019 Kia Cerato 1.6 is designed to meet these needs. With a price slightly over RM 100,000 (RM 103,348), it comes with premium features like 6 airbags, keyless entry, electric seats, and even paddle shifters and dual-zone automatic climate control. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its static functionality is truly practical, whether its dynamic performance meets daily needs, and whether these features are genuinely "useful" rather than just gimmicks.

Looking at the exterior, the design of the 2019 Cerato 1.6 follows a stable style with a touch of sportiness. The front features Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, adorned with chrome accents around the grille, paired with angular headlamp units that provide high recognition—these headlamps include halogen main lights and LED daytime running lights, with automatic headlight functionality as a standard feature, making it convenient for daily use. The body lines on the side are smooth, and the waistline running from the front to the rear is not overly exaggerated but adds a sense of layered depth to the body. The 17-inch rims paired with 215/45 R17 tires are mainstream in this segment and don't look underwhelming. The design of the rear is relatively simple, with tail lights echoing the design of the headlamps, and hidden exhaust pipes below the rear bumper. The overall design looks harmonious and avoids unnecessary flashy elements, suiting the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Stepping inside, the interior design focuses on practicality, with a clear dashboard layout that is easy to get accustomed to. In terms of materials, the top of the dashboard uses soft-touch plastic, while the middle and lower sections use hard plastic, but the seams are well-crafted and don't feel overtly cheap. Among the core features, the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, and while its response speed is not particularly fast, it covers all the basic functionalities. The instrument cluster comes with a 3.5-inch monochrome TFT display, capable of showing information such as fuel consumption, speed, and range. Although it’s not fully digital, it provides enough information for daily use. There are many standout features: the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable, which is practical for those who drive frequently; the dual-zone automatic climate control allows the front and rear passengers to set their own temperatures; keyless entry and start functions, paddle shifters, and 6 speakers are also standard. In this segment, these features are relatively generous.

Space is one of the key concerns for family users, and the Cerato 1.6 has a body size of 4560mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which is considered long in the C-segment. The front-row space is sufficient; a passenger with a height of 175cm will have more than a fist's worth of headroom and legroom. The rear seating space is even more impressive; a similarly tall passenger will have about two fists of legroom and a fist's worth of headroom without feeling cramped. In terms of storage capability, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, there’s a storage compartment under the center console for a phone, and the depth of the central armrest box is adequate. The rear door panels can also hold bottles of water, and there are two USB ports and rear air-conditioning vents, reflecting thoughtful consideration of details. The regular trunk capacity is not small, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, allowing for greater storage space to accommodate larger items when needed.

Dynamic performance: The Cerato 1.6 is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 130 PS and maximum torque of 157 N·m (data sourced from configuration table corresponding to torque RPM), paired with a 6AT transmission. The power performance is categorized as "sufficient," not feeling sluggish at startup, with a fairly linear throttle response suitable for daily commuting. During low to mid-speed acceleration, the gear shifts of the transmission are smooth without noticeable jerks. On highways, overtaking requires deeper throttle input, and the transmission will downshift to boost speed. Although it’s less aggressive compared to a turbocharged engine, it can handle overtaking as long as you provide enough throttle. There are two driving modes: Economic and Sport. In Economic mode, the throttle response is slower, making it suitable for city traffic. In Sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, the transmission delays shifts, and the RPM remains in a higher range, offering a more direct power delivery—good for occasional excitement.

Handling and suspension: The front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension (although the configuration table does not specify the rear suspension, this setup is commonly seen on similar Kia models). The steering wheel has a moderate feedback, with minimal play, providing precise control during day-to-day driving. The chassis is tuned more towards comfort, and when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters most of the vibrations well, not feeling too stiff. When cornering, body roll is not very apparent, and the support is decent, ensuring stability during regular driving. The braking performance is also commendable, with the brake pedal offering linear force feedback—it responds accurately to the amount applied, with no noticeable play. During emergency braking, the car stays stable.

Fuel consumption: The official combined fuel consumption is 6.8L/100km. During actual test drives, in city traffic conditions, fuel consumption is around 8.5L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to about 6L/100km. Overall, the fuel economy matches standard levels for a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine and is not considered fuel-intensive. In terms of noise control, the vehicle is relatively quiet when driving at low speeds in the city. At highway speeds exceeding 100km/h, wind and tire noise become more noticeable but remain within an acceptable range without affecting normal conversation. The seats are also quite comfortable—the front seats provide moderate support and cushioning, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats are soft with well-designed backrest angles, so passengers won’t feel fatigued even after sitting for a long time.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Kia Cerato 1.6 are clear: its 2700mm long wheelbase provides spacious rear seating, making it ideal for family use. Features such as standard electric seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 6 airbags offer high value for money within its class. With sufficient power and good fuel economy, it caters to daily commuting and occasional family use. Compared to the Toyota Corolla 1.6 in the same class, the Cerato features richer configurations. Compared to the Honda Civic 1.8, the Cerato is more affordable and offers more space.

This car is well-suited for a clearly defined group: family-oriented users who prioritize space and features, or young buyers with a budget of around 100,000 RMB, seeking a balanced performance. It does not have any particularly glaring shortcomings and does not carry overly aggressive designs; rather, it’s a well-rounded, practical, and sufficient family sedan. If you’re looking for a car that is worry-free for daily commuting, provides ample space for family use, and offers additional configurations, the 2019 Cerato 1.6 is worth considering.