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Kia Cerato

Our pick: Kia Cerato EX from S$100,999 with COE (September 2021)
Read our review of the 2021 Kia Cerato EX here

If you’re in the market for a mainstream sedan and haven’t considered a Korean car ‘because Korea’, then it’s truly your loss. The Kia Cerato has been a top contender for at least a decade now, with the second-gen car being Singapore’s best-selling automobile in 2008, and the third-gen improving on the formula.

The fourth-gen model, launched here in late 2018, only cements its podium status, with its classy style and impressive standard features. It has been recently been given a mid-life facelift, and the updated version has made the Cerato an even more compelling choice in this segment.

The update gives the Cerato sharper looks, as well as a new logo, but the general shape remains broadly similar. The interior design too is mostly unchanged, but the higher spec models now get a large 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that looks great and uplifts the cabin ambience considerably. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also now standard across the range.

Of the three trim levels available for the Cerato (L, EX and GT Line), the mid-spec EX is our recommendation, as it comes with most of the essentials included for a very reasonable price of S$100,999 including COE. For the money you get driver assistance systems such as forward collision assist and warning, rear traffic collision warning and lane keeping assist all available as standard.

The top-spec GT Line, which goes for seven grand more at S$107,999 with COE, gets all of the EX’s goodies, and adds luxuries like electric ventilated seats, a sunroof, dual zone climate control, electric ventilated seats, a wireless smartphone charger and a spiffy body kit. They’re nice features to pamper yourself with, but for the majority of folk we reckon the EX is more than adequate. If you’re on a budget though, the L trim is available at S$91,999 with COE, but it forgoes many of the features that are available on the other two trim levels.

The Cerato is not quite a class leader when it comes to driving, with its 1.6-litre engine with 128hp and 155Nm of torque being a fairly antiquated item. But it does offer a pretty relaxed drive, with excellent comfort and refinement all round. The Cerato’s appeal though lies in its excellent all round value, and for its price tag, you’ll be hard pressed to find another car that offers as much as the Kia.

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