Review: Kia YD.I Cerato (2013-16)

Overview

Released in April 2013, the Kia YD Series I (YD.I) Cerato was initially available as a sedan, with five-door hatchbacks following in August 2013 (the YD Cerato Koup has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Cerato was powered by 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines that were mated to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. As per the table below, the YD Cerato range consisted S, Si and SLi variants.

G4NB and G4NC engines

Of the engines,

the 1.8-litre G4NB ‘Nu’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable induction system, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 10.3:1; and,
the 2.0-litre G4NC ‘Nu’ GDI petrol engine differed in that it had direct fuel injection and a compression ratio of 11.5:1.

Kia YD Cerato specifications
Engine	Variant	Years	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
1.8-litre petrol I4	S	2013-16	6sp man., 6sp auto	110 kW at 6500 rpm	178 Nm at 4700 rpm
1.8-litre petrol I4	S Premium	2014-16	6sp auto	110 kW at 6500 rpm	178 Nm at 4700 rpm
2.0-litre petrol I4	Si, SLi	2013-14	6sp man.	129 kW at 6500 rpm	209 Nm at 4700 rpm
2.0-litre petrol I4	Si, SLi	2013-16	6sp auto	129 kW at 6500 rpm	209 Nm at 4700 rpm

Development and dimensions

Compared to the Kia TD Cerato which preceded it, the YD Cerato bodyshell had a higher proportion of high-strength steel (63 per cent) which contributed to a 37 per cent increase in torsional rigidity. For greater refinement, the YD Cerato had new vibration-damping front subframe mountings, dual-frequency engine mounts and new insulation materials for the engine bay and cabin floor.

The YD Cerato hatch was 4350 mm long, 1780 mm wider, 1450 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the hatch, the YD Cerato sedan, was 210 mm longer (at 4560 mm) and 15 mm lower (1435 mm), though width and wheelbase length were the same.

Suspension and steering

The Kia YD Cerato had MacPherson strut front suspension with wide L-shaped lower arms and a coupled torsion beam rear axle; both the front and rear suspension had coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. The YD Cerato, however, introduced a FlexSteer electric power steering system which enabled the driver to select from Normal, Sport and Comfort modes for varied levels of power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Kia YD Cerato included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Furthermore, the Cerato had hill-start assist control (HAC) and a vehicle stability management (VSM) system which interacted with the ESC to provide ‘corrective’ steering inputs to prevent the driver from losing control.

Brakes

The Kia YD Cerato had 280 mm by 23 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Kia YD Cerato sedan and hatchback models received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.51 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection for the front occupants was generally good, though there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver’s chest and lower leg and for the passenger’s lower legs. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Cerato S, S Premium, Si and SLi

Standard features for the Cerato S included 16-inch steel wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres (and a full-size spare), a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), air conditioning, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, black cloth upholstery, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, front corner and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Cerato S Premium was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touch screen with satellite navigation and a DVD player, and automatic headlights.

Initially, the Cerato Si and Cerato SLi were fitted with a 4.3-inch touch screen rather than a seven-inch unit with satellite navigation and a DVD player, though these features were made standard for the Si and SLi variants in June 2014 (coinciding with the release of the Cerato S Premium). Relative to the S Premium, the Cerato Si added knit and tricot upholstery, a reversing camera with parking guidelines, proximity key, push-button start and power folding mirrors. Visually, the Cerato Si and SLi variants could be identified by the chrome highlights on their belt-lines, door handles and exhaust outlets.

The range-topping Cerato SLi was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim, heated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable and ventilated driver’s seat, driver’s seat memory settings, xenon headlights, daytime LED running lights, LED tail lights, a powered glass sunroof, cooled glove box, 4.2-inch LCD colour instrument cluster and an electrochromic rear view mirror. Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Brochures

Specifications

Review: Kia YD.II Cerato (2016-18)