2013 Kia Cerato Review: Features and Competitors
Tags:
2013 Kia Cerato: Comprehensive Review and Its Competitors
Kia launched the 2013 Cerato in the Middle East, competing against 20 other models in the compact sedan segment. It comes in two variants, 1.6L and 2.0L, with manual or automatic transmission options and various features. The price ranges from 55,000 to 69,000 AED.
Driving Experience
The driving experience began at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City, where representatives from Kia Motors and Al Majid Motors introduced the Cerato. We then headed to Bab Al Shams for lunch before proceeding to Rugby Sevens and returning to the hotel.
First Impressions
The Cerato boasts more interior features than most compact sedans, including:
- Rear air vents
- Touchscreen displays
- Navigation system
- Sunroof
This is a significant strength of the Cerato.
Driving Performance
In terms of handling, the Cerato performs admirably, although acceleration may feel somewhat sluggish on highways. This is typical for compact sedans with smaller engines, unless you are driving an Audi A4.
The fuel consumption ranges from 6.5 to 7.2 L/100 km depending on the engine type. During our test, we averaged 7.8 to 8 L/100 km.
Competitors of the 2013 Kia Cerato
In a Q&A session with Kia officials, they identified their competitors as:
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Civic
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Ford Focus
- Nissan Sentra
Conclusion
While a full test drive is necessary, the updates in the interior and the pricing alone make the Cerato an attractive option.
One concern is reliability. While the Corolla and Civic may not offer as many features as the Cerato, their reputations for reliability and resale value are well-established. This poses a challenge for Kia, especially given past concerns regarding reliability, as they tend to update their models more frequently than other brands.
Thus, while the Cerato offers numerous features and a commendable driving experience, it must prove itself in terms of reliability and resale value.
