Review: 2012 Kia Cerato Hatch

The Kia Cerato and its variants has been a model that has surprised a number of buyers and currently there are some great deals to be had on the outgoing Kia Cerato. This is why we decided to review the 2012 Kia Cerato Hatch SLi. 

The SLi variant that we reviewed has a 2.0litre four-cylinder producing 115kW and 194Nm of torque, and it sits at the top of the Cerato range. Previously in a Kia you did miss out on little comforts, but that isn’t the case in this Cerato. 

On the inside there are six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake distribution with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control. Additional features include climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth phone + audio, and auto headlights. 

The RRP at $30,000 faced stiff competition from other manufacturers but with demo and new models priced to make way for the new generation. It is already looking like to be a good buy.

Initial Impression

Visually the Kia Cerato Hatch SLi catches the eye with a European flavor that made us look twice when we were collecting the vehicle. The chrome handles and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior look.

On the inside you’re greeted with a fantastic leather steering wheel. It provides the feeling like it has been taken straight from a much more expensive Audi. The seats are comfortable, however did feel like we spent a little bit of time to find the perfect seating position. 

Overall the initial impression was a great one that made us eager to see if it could match its looks when it comes to performance.

Target Market

The Kia Cerato Hatch makes itself seem to be quite the adaptable car. When we picked the car up it had two baby seats installed, which hints at it being a capable car for a small family. On the flip side, the spritely engine would make it attractive for a young professional who likes to enjoy a good drive on weekends.

Practicality

Practicality for the Kia Cerato was oozing from the moment before we picked up the car. The driver who had a chance to drive the car prior to us had two baby seats installed in the rear and the boot was packed with gear. The best aspect of the Cerato and its practicality appeared to be its ability to quickly transform. Whether it was for needing to remove the baby seats quickly and easily or lowering the rear seats to make room for that larger than normal purchase from the hardware store.

Drivability

The drivability of the Kia Cerato wasn’t expected to be that surprising. However, the 2.0litre four-cylinder engine was lively and enough to have a little bit of fun when on the twisty back road on the way to work or to do the school pick up.

The front-wheel-drive didn’t take away from the driving experience and during the everyday commute it will make sure you get where you need to comfortably and safely. A big part of driving is the steering wheel, and the quality of the steering wheel is outstanding and makes the driving experience that much more satisfying. 

Fuel economy was also good, with our mixed driving meeting the manufacturers stated consumption of 7.7litres combined.

Livability

Sometimes a car that is great to drive hard on a mountain road or is quite the practical vehicle can be good but not a car you could live with. It could be because of its looks or even because of its fuel economy. The Kia Cerato SLi Hatchback is a car that you could live with quite easily. It looks great on the road, feels solid but nimble on the road and is practical when it needs to be.

Cost

This is the best part. Originally the car we tested was priced at over $30,000 but thanks to the arrival of the new 2013 Kia Cerato Hatch the price is now under $24,000. This makes some great value for the features that you get in this car.

If $24,000 is still a little out of reach or not within the price range that you are looking, there is a awesome selection of vehicles starting from $15,990, that is a saving up to $8,000 on some models. All of which come with capped price servicing, and fantastic warranties!

Conclusion

It isn’t every time you have to have the latest and greatest to get something good and the 2012 Kia Cerato Hatch is a great example. If you are after a hatchback which has a great number of features and a good safety rating, offers a good ride and satisfying drive and is significantly cheaper thanks to a new model.

This is the car you should check out. The Kia brand has come along way since first launching in Australia many years ago and the 2012 Kia Cerato SLi Hatchback definitely reflects this great progress and excellent direction the company is headed.