What’s the best C-segment hatch money can buy? The answer, which will inevitably stir argument, is a Golf. Finished and klaar. But what’s the best C-segment hatch that value for money can buy? The answer is here - Kia’s new five-door Cerato.
Kia unashamedly lists some big Japanese and German guns as competitors for its new hatch, but a quick flip through our price guide will reveal that there’s simply no competition at all when it comes to cost versus specification versus quality. Of course, exact spec-for-spec price comparisons are difficult because Kia’s really the only brand offering a two-litre petrol with an automatic transmission, as on test here for R215 995. Still, if you look beyond the finer details you’ll see that this Korean brand is making big quality strides yet still maintaining its value offensive.
It’s also putting paid to the old adage that you get what you pay for because, while the difference in build quality between this car and the closest Golf is indeed evident, it’s nowhere near fifty grand’s worth. In fact, I’d most closely compare this Kia’s overall feel with today’s Hondas quality-wise, and that’s a flattering supposition.
The Cerato hatch is a good-looking car too, and from all angles. None of those visual hangnails we know from yesterday’s Koreans. The front is styled with Kia’s angry new “Tiger Face” design that’s now found in many of its other models, and the rear end gets a race-style diffuser that probably doesn’t do much aerodynamically but looks very cool.
Standard rim size is a stylish 17”, and the tyres are a slim 45 profile but the ride is still cushioned well with none of the usual low-profile chatter. The suspension, nothing fancy with its McPherson-strut and torsion bar setup, is well damped and there are no notable clunks or creaks as found in some other, more expensive, C-segment competitors. Kia’s also focused on improved sound deadening, adding noise absorbing material to the A, B and C pillars as well as the boot area, and the result is excellent. The cabin is as quiet as rivals costing much more.
The interior is of the no-fuss variety, fresh and cleanly styled with red backlit displays in the instrument cluster and radio face that add a moody, ambient atmosphere at night.
Everything is simple to use with big, intuitive buttons and switches, and I really appreciated the standard fitment iPod and USB connectivity, steering wheel controls, dusk-sensing headlights, parking assistance, leather seats and cruise control - most of which would cost extra in other cars.
Some of the cost cutting is in engine technology. The Cerato Hatch comes with either 1.6 or two-litre naturally-aspirated engines - fairly low-tech compared to costly turbocharged, or even turbo/supercharged power available in competitor’s cars. Employed here is a two-litre Theta II motor, as Kia calls it; it’s somewhat unrefined and buzzy when being worked, but it never feels under-endowed when the need arises to open the taps. It makes 115kW and 194Nm, and while these figures are much lower than what market leaders are doing with fancy 1.4’s today, there’s at least none of the turbolag compromise associated with some of these newfangled wunder-motors.
The six-speed auto box (a R10 000 option) isn’t exactly a technological masterpiece either, but it does position the Cerato right in the middle of a price/spec/segment void occupied by no other car in South Africa.
It’s a rare for a low-powered four mated to an automatic gearbox to impress and this is no exception. It’s not terrible by any means, but it does hunt around for that ratio sweet spot at some inopportune moments.
Thankfully there are standard shift paddles with which the driver can override the indecisiveness.
VERDICT
You won’t find a better value for money deal in the C-segment hatchback category than the Cerato - but unless an automatic transmission is an absolute necessity, save yourself R10 000 and get the manual. - Star Motoring