2018 Kia Cerato K3 / Forte (BD Series) + 2021 Facelift

[Randy]

Hi All,

 

Finally get to test drive the New Cerato recently.

Here are my thoughts.

 

Exterior

Great looks, especially on the new design. 

Probably 1 of the best looker in this segment. 

Also big in dimensions.

 

Interior

Good space layout.

At this price point, you get the standard and more Bell and Whistles than even its Korean cousin.

Theres apple carplay, ventilated seats and reverse camera.

It even comes with rear vent aircon!

in terms of safety, standard affair but at least on certain variant it comes with 6 air bags.

Some Japanese model cost more yet offers only 2 air bags.

 

Drive

Now I can;t say the same for the drive.

I am appalled when i step on the accelerator. The engine roar is there but the car does not move in tandem.

So much so I keep looking at the gear to make sure the gear is engaged and not eco mode.

My friend who sat behind me gave me an equally puzzling as well.

 

When i came to a stop i try accelerating "normally" and true to my initial response, the car moved very very sluggishly. You really need to step on beyond 4000 rpm to move off briskly.

Overtaking definitely needs planning ahead.

I learn later that this engine is based on the previous generation. 

 

Suspension is on the softer side than the competition.

Good if you like comfort, but imo there's absolutely not road feedback and can get a tad rolly polly on turns.

 

The take away for me is, if you're looking for a bread and butter car, few  can match the its value.

Its relatively quiet and comfortable if driven sedately.

However the severe lack of power and driving feel severely impair the driving enjoyment.

 

[Vinceng]

Hi All,

 

Finally get to test drive the New Cerato recently.

 

Drive

Now I can;t say the same for the drive.

I am appalled when i step on the accelerator. The engine roar is there but the car does not move in tandem.

So much so I keep looking at the gear to make sure the gear is engaged and not eco mode.

My friend who sat behind me gave me an equally puzzling as well.

 

When i came to a stop i try accelerating "normally" and true to my initial response, the car moved very very sluggishly. You really need to step on beyond 4000 rpm to move off briskly.

 

Overtaking definitely needs planning ahead.

 

I learn later that this engine is based on the previous generation. 

 

However the severe lack of power and driving feel severely impair the driving enjoyment.

 

You are definitely spot on.

 

The Cerato is surprisingly very underpowered compared to other 1600cc cars in the market. It doesn't help that it is offered as a 1600cc turbo and 2000cc N.A. in other markets. That's what happens when you put a small engine in a large body.

 

Technology wise, it shares the same decade old engine as the 2009 Kia Forte, with some tuning to brush up the horse power.  Other countries get the latest engine but it was omitted for Kia Ceratos in Singapore due to the CEVS loading.  

 

You are also right that over taking needs planning ahead. Step pedal to metal and the rpm goes up and the engine roars in protest like a beast but the speed hardly picks up. It can be fatal if the car behind is approaching at a fast speed, especially in Malaysia.

 

The new Cerato is for sedated driving and never for performance.

 

For fuel consumption, buyers should also consider their driving patterns. If you drive mostly in the city and are often caught in traffic congestion in your commute, the fuel consumption will be below 10km/h. 

 

If you drive mostly on the highway, you should achieve 12km/l.  But because the body is heavy, the Cerato has the tendency to kick down to a lower gear at the slightest tap of the accelerator on even a gentle up slope on the highway. The jerk can be annoying at times. 

 

The base mode L variant also comes with rear drum brakes which makes the brake pedal feel very soft and brake is very ineffective compared to the EX and SX variants which comes with rear disc brakes. It is better to pay a bit more for at least the EX variant.  When you test drive, try both the L and EX simultaneously and you will know the difference.

Edited May 3, 2019 by Vinceng

[KeanNg]

March OMV as below:

SX - S$18,152

Ex - S$13,685

 

https://www.onemotoring.com.sg/content/onemotoring/home/buying/upfront-vehicle-costs/open-market-value--omv-.html?year=2019

Thanks bro

[Loks]

Yeah. My friend did complain to me regarding underpower, lack of accelaration. Coming off from a manual driver, I noticed that there's a lag that is close to 1sec when you shift gear in Sports mode. Also, I noticed that this car predominantly has a shorter gear 2 (where it is most useful when you wanna accelerate at 10km/h to 40km/h speed range). So when I drive this car, I usually modify the way I drive a bit. No doubt the best way when wanna over take or in speed driving is change to Sports and down gear once or twice. If in fully auto, I usually step pedal half way to warm the gear 1 then step further when at gear 2 taking advantage of the 1sec delay. So far I'm quite happy with that configuration in this way. I do agree with Bro Vinseng regarding the brake issue in L model. Anyway I have a habit of gradual braking so it's fine. But it's a problem if I perform a stab brake.

[Josaiah]

https://m.facebook.com/groups/274515723165903/

 

Link to join the exclusive Cerato Club Singapore 2019 FB group and group chat!

 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/CYEfs7Bahc26R0rJtpeG7H

 

We are on telegram now! More privacy and no splitting of group! Join our link to get verify and get into our exclusive chatroom!

[Waishstan]

Hi All,

 

Finally get to test drive the New Cerato recently.

Here are my thoughts.

 

Exterior

Great looks, especially on the new design.

Probably 1 of the best looker in this segment.

Also big in dimensions.

 

Interior

Good space layout.

At this price point, you get the standard and more Bell and Whistles than even its Korean cousin.

Theres apple carplay, ventilated seats and reverse camera.

It even comes with rear vent aircon!

in terms of safety, standard affair but at least on certain variant it comes with 6 air bags.

Some Japanese model cost more yet offers only 2 air bags.

 

Drive

Now I can;t say the same for the drive.

I am appalled when i step on the accelerator. The engine roar is there but the car does not move in tandem.

So much so I keep looking at the gear to make sure the gear is engaged and not eco mode.

My friend who sat behind me gave me an equally puzzling as well.

 

When i came to a stop i try accelerating "normally" and true to my initial response, the car moved very very sluggishly. You really need to step on beyond 4000 rpm to move off briskly.

Overtaking definitely needs planning ahead.

I learn later that this engine is based on the previous generation.

 

Suspension is on the softer side than the competition.

Good if you like comfort, but imo there's absolutely not road feedback and can get a tad rolly polly on turns.

 

The take away for me is, if you're looking for a bread and butter car, few can match the its value.

Its relatively quiet and comfortable if driven sedately.

However the severe lack of power and driving feel severely impair the driving enjoyment.

Very very well said which I fully agree.

[Will4081]

Hi All,

 

Finally get to test drive the New Cerato recently.

Here are my thoughts.

 

Exterior

Great looks, especially on the new design.

Probably 1 of the best looker in this segment.

Also big in dimensions.

 

Interior

Good space layout.

At this price point, you get the standard and more Bell and Whistles than even its Korean cousin.

Theres apple carplay, ventilated seats and reverse camera.

It even comes with rear vent aircon!

in terms of safety, standard affair but at least on certain variant it comes with 6 air bags.

Some Japanese model cost more yet offers only 2 air bags.

 

Drive

Now I can;t say the same for the drive.

I am appalled when i step on the accelerator. The engine roar is there but the car does not move in tandem.

So much so I keep looking at the gear to make sure the gear is engaged and not eco mode.

My friend who sat behind me gave me an equally puzzling as well.

 

When i came to a stop i try accelerating "normally" and true to my initial response, the car moved very very sluggishly. You really need to step on beyond 4000 rpm to move off briskly.

Overtaking definitely needs planning ahead.

I learn later that this engine is based on the previous generation.

 

Suspension is on the softer side than the competition.

Good if you like comfort, but imo there's absolutely not road feedback and can get a tad rolly polly on turns.

 

The take away for me is, if you're looking for a bread and butter car, few can match the its value.

Its relatively quiet and comfortable if driven sedately.

However the severe lack of power and driving feel severely impair the driving enjoyment.

It depends what’s your benchmark. Frankly, I have had the altis before and engine / perf are equivalent. My Cerato SX actually handles road better than my Altis, suspension is not really soft.

 

But that’s not a fast car, you’ll get similar perfs in an avante, altis or civic 1.6. If you want more punch, you need to look for a conti or at least a jap with turbo

[Kenomi]

It depends whatâs your benchmark. Frankly, I have had the altis before and engine / perf are equivalent. My Cerato SX actually handles road better than my Altis, suspension is not really soft.

 

But thatâs not a fast car, youâll get similar perfs in an avante, altis or civic 1.6. If you want more punch, you need to look for a conti or at least a jap with turbo

Altis i believe should be better. I had chance to drive last three generations of altis. I feel all of the last three generations do not need to rev up to 4k to have decent move off.

[kelaihoyin]

Altis i believe should be better. I had chance to drive last three generations of altis. I feel all of the last three generations do not need to rev up to 4k to have decent move off.

 

I am probably gonna get flamed for this..

 

I should point out on a technical perspective no matter how "rubber-band" a CVT is, it is far superior in putting down the power through the infinite gear ratios in a CVT than a 6AT to the wheels, always keeping the engine at peak power. Probably that's why the more decent moving off some feel.

 

But then again nobody is gonna compare 0-100 in these cars. Engine performance probably gonna be the last in their checklist anyway.

[Twich]

Hi All,

 

Finally get to test drive the New Cerato recently.

Here are my thoughts.

 

Exterior

Great looks, especially on the new design.

Probably 1 of the best looker in this segment.

Also big in dimensions.

 

Interior

Good space layout.

At this price point, you get the standard and more Bell and Whistles than even its Korean cousin.

Theres apple carplay, ventilated seats and reverse camera.

It even comes with rear vent aircon!

in terms of safety, standard affair but at least on certain variant it comes with 6 air bags.

Some Japanese model cost more yet offers only 2 air bags.

 

Drive

Now I can;t say the same for the drive.

I am appalled when i step on the accelerator. The engine roar is there but the car does not move in tandem.

So much so I keep looking at the gear to make sure the gear is engaged and not eco mode.

My friend who sat behind me gave me an equally puzzling as well.

 

When i came to a stop i try accelerating "normally" and true to my initial response, the car moved very very sluggishly. You really need to step on beyond 4000 rpm to move off briskly.

Overtaking definitely needs planning ahead.

I learn later that this engine is based on the previous generation.

 

 

Suspension is on the softer side than the competition.

Good if you like comfort, but imo there's absolutely not road feedback and can get a tad rolly polly on turns.

 

The take away for me is, if you're looking for a bread and butter car, few can match the its value.

Its relatively quiet and comfortable if driven sedately.

However the severe lack of power and driving feel severely impair the driving enjoyment.

I have driven my SX for 8 months.

If you want to compare my last car Altis. I could tell you the difference.

First, the road holding and corning are much better.

Second, I have switched between Esso 95 and 98. The pickup is not worst than my old Altis.

Third, the gearbox much smoother than Altis.

Forth, the breaking distance is half of my old Altis.

Lastly, I never feel my SX Cerato is lacking of Power.

Last reminder, this is a 1.6L family car. If you want good pickup, you should go for Kia Stinger.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Twich

[Kenomi]

I have driven my SX for 8 months.

If you want to compare my last car Altis. I could tell you the difference.

First, the road holding and corning are much better.

Second, I have switched between Esso 95 and 98. The pickup is not worst than my old Altis.

Third, the gearbox much smoother than Altis.

Forth, the breaking distance is half of my old Altis.

Lastly, I never feel my SX Cerato is lacking of Power.

Last reminder, this is a 1.6L family car. If you want good pickup, you should go for Kia Stinger.

I think last altis is old technology compared to newer cerato. Pertaining to braking distance i think is due to old age that why the difference. Edited May 4, 2019 by Kenomi

[Vinceng]

The Altis uses 196/65R15 tyres

 

The Cerato SX uses 215/45R15 tyres (wider and lower profile), and is also lower in height.

 

Naturally, these factors give the Cerato or any saloons with such tyre profile the advantage in cornering ability and road holding.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Vinceng

[Twich]

I think last altis is old technology compared to newer cerato. Pertaining to braking distance i think is due to old age that why the difference.

Incorrect. What is old and new? My cars always service by the agent.I am the owner of these 2 cars. So, I know the difference.

The Altis uses 196/65R15 tyres

 

The Cerato SX uses 215/45R15 tyres (wider and lower profile), and is also lower in height.

 

Naturally, these factors give the Cerato or any saloons with such tyre profile the advantage in cornering ability and road holding.

Wrong. 16" tyre. Look at the car body. Do you know the different? I know. Edited May 4, 2019 by Twich

[Twich]

You are definitely spot on.

 

The Cerato is surprisingly very underpowered compared to other 1600cc cars in the market. It doesn't help that it is offered as a 1600cc turbo and 2000cc N.A. in other markets. That's what happens when you put a small engine in a large body.

 

Technology wise, it shares the same decade old engine as the 2009 Kia Forte, with some tuning to brush up the horse power. Other countries get the latest engine but it was omitted for Kia Ceratos in Singapore due to the CEVS loading.

 

You are also right that over taking needs planning ahead. Step pedal to metal and the rpm goes up and the engine roars in protest like a beast but the speed hardly picks up. It can be fatal if the car behind is approaching at a fast speed, especially in Malaysia.

 

The new Cerato is for sedated driving and never for performance.

 

For fuel consumption, buyers should also consider their driving patterns. If you drive mostly in the city and are often caught in traffic congestion in your commute, the fuel consumption will be below 10km/h.

 

If you drive mostly on the highway, you should achieve 12km/l. But because the body is heavy, the Cerato has the tendency to kick down to a lower gear at the slightest tap of the accelerator on even a gentle up slope on the highway. The jerk can be annoying at times.

 

The base mode L variant also comes with rear drum brakes which makes the brake pedal feel very soft and brake is very ineffective compared to the EX and SX variants which comes with rear disc brakes. It is better to pay a bit more for at least the EX variant. When you test drive, try both the L and EX simultaneously and you will know the difference.

Have you tested when the SX Cerato rolled down from MachRitchni Viaduct towards Braddel Road?

Lastly, the gearbox is wonderful.

I do not find any problem to overtake on the highway.

But, you want to Chong. Wrong car. Please go for Stinger.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Twich

[Julian1014]

Absolute madness and ridiculous pricing with current Cat A COE @ $31,000.

 

At least $20,000+ profit margin for each bread and butter Kia sold.

 

When Cat A was $51,000 in Jan 2017, prices were as follows -

 

L - $82,999

EX - $88,999

SX - $94,999

 

COE now is $20,000 lower, but C&C is selling the Kia Cerato at $51,000 COE pricing.

 

The danger of a high priced car @ low COE is non existent paper value which will have practically no value when you trade in this Kia Cerato for your next new car.

Wow.. this type of pricing profit margin only around 5k+. No wonder so many competition for car sales now Edited May 4, 2019 by Julian1014

[Wormee]

Hi All,

 

Finally get to test drive the New Cerato recently.

Here are my thoughts.

 

Exterior

Great looks, especially on the new design.

Probably 1 of the best looker in this segment.

Also big in dimensions.

 

Interior

Good space layout.

At this price point, you get the standard and more Bell and Whistles than even its Korean cousin.

Theres apple carplay, ventilated seats and reverse camera.

It even comes with rear vent aircon!

in terms of safety, standard affair but at least on certain variant it comes with 6 air bags.

Some Japanese model cost more yet offers only 2 air bags.

 

Drive

Now I can;t say the same for the drive.

I am appalled when i step on the accelerator. The engine roar is there but the car does not move in tandem.

So much so I keep looking at the gear to make sure the gear is engaged and not eco mode.

My friend who sat behind me gave me an equally puzzling as well.

 

When i came to a stop i try accelerating "normally" and true to my initial response, the car moved very very sluggishly. You really need to step on beyond 4000 rpm to move off briskly.

Overtaking definitely needs planning ahead.

I learn later that this engine is based on the previous generation.

 

Suspension is on the softer side than the competition.

Good if you like comfort, but imo there's absolutely not road feedback and can get a tad rolly polly on turns.

 

The take away for me is, if you're looking for a bread and butter car, few can match the its value.

Its relatively quiet and comfortable if driven sedately.

However the severe lack of power and driving feel severely impair the driving enjoyment.

Honest review bro. Pros and cons are listed out with an unbiased mind. Not like some others reviews can talk until a 1.2L NA 3-cyclinder have a best FC, can topped at 180km/h on NSHW and can easily overtake any car with a breeze like that lol.

[xRyuno]

Cerato L Platinum Graphite, 69,999k 6 bids non guaranteed. Booked last year Sep/Oct period, COE secured in Dec and car collected 17Jan. (Can pm

me to intro you the SE from Ubi, he gave me dual cam, solar film, free HU upgrade, free leather seats and now with such profit margin, im sure he can top up more perks)

 

Overall drive experience great, I like how responsive the pedal is when in sports mode. For a point A to point B guy, its more than enough for me. FC ard 12km/l (half half for highway and city drive).

 

Everything was good until the fateful sunday. My car broke down on the 28th April. The morning drive to my office was normal, when i head out from my office to site, i realised my rpm cant seems to go up (<2k rpm), same goes to my spd, (10-40km/hr), if you step further on the pedal, it feels like the engine got cut off and lose power...

 

So, i drove my car to pandan service center with an escort behind with hazard lights on. On monday, they contacted me and told me that the catalytic converter spoiled (< 4 months this car lol). So i asked him how can this happened? Its a new car, was it due to driving behavior or etc? Pandan said most probably due to manufactured defects, 1 out of every few thousands.

[Vinceng]

Have you tested when the SX Cerato rolled down from MachRitchni Viaduct towards Braddel Road?

Lastly, the gearbox is wonderful.

I do not find any problem to overtake on the highway.

But, you want to Chong. Wrong car. Please go for Stinger.

You can definitely perform overtaking manouveres in the Cerato.

 

BUT you must anticipate with caution and overtake under the right road condition.

 

If, for example, you are on a gentle upslope and the car behind in the next lane is approaching fast from a distance, you should let it pass first.

 

Because by the time you signal, and depress the accelerator to overtake, plus the lag for the gear to kickdown, and yet another lag to pick up speed, the car behind would come crashing straight into you.

 

Trust me on this.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Vinceng