We say A rather frumpy, low-rent will-this-do hatch from Kia’s budget days. Lags behind rivals but just about cheap enough to be worth a look.Performance 1.6-litre petrol is limited but can perform reasonably if worked hard; 2.0-litre provides more get-up-and-go but is noisy and unrefined; 1.5-litre diesel has torque and power and is comfortable revving or cruising. None of the Cerato’s powertrains are very good.Emissions 57mpg combined and 127g/km of CO2 emissions are good on the Cerato’s 1.6 diesel engine.Driving The Cerato offers decent grip but poor body control lets the side down. Generally soft suspension lets harder bumps through and ensures the Kia hatch wallows disconcertingly through corners.Feel Noisy engines, lots of road noise and the unsettled ride don’t make the Cerato hatch a nice place to be.Space Decent space for four adults in the Kia hatch. Splitfolding seats boost the already excellent decent boot – 538 litres minimum.Equipment Aircon, CD player and remote central locking on the basic spec. Alloys cruise control and leather on higher specs only beg the question as to why you'd want leather seats on a budget Kia hatchback.Price Acceptable running costs, very good list prices, poor residuals. The Cerato sells for a song on the used market.Quality The Cerato is cheap inside but engines should be built to last, even if they are weak.Safety Basic models have reasonable amount of safety kit. The Cerato hatch netted a poor three-star Euro NCAP rating.Pros Good kit, cheap, decent space inside.Cons Average drive, cheap interior, basic engines.Alternatives Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Lacetti
