Review: Kia TD Cerato (2009-13)

Overview

Released in January 2009, the Kia TD Cerato was initially available as a small sedan (the TD Cerato Koup has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Hwaseong, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Cerato was powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. The Cerato range initially consisted of sedans which were available as S, Si and SLi variants; in October 2010, five-door hatchback models were introduced as Si and SLi variants. While the sedans were initially fitted with four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions, the hatchbacks had six-speed transmissions – these were fitted to the sedans from January 2011.

G4KD engine

The 2.0-litre G4KD ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable intake system and compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Dimensions

Compared to its LD Cerato predecessor, the TD Cerato sedan was 50 mm longer (at 4530 mm), 22 mm wider (1775 mm), 10 mm lower (1460 mm) and had a 40 mm longer wheelbase (2650 mm). Relative to the sedan, the TD Cerato hatchback was 190 mm shorter (at 4340 mm), though other measurements were unchanged.

Suspension

Sharing its platform with the Hyundai HD Elantra , the TD Cerato had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (the related Elantra, however, had multi-link rear suspension).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the TD Cerato consisted of dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Significantly, the Si and SLi were also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Cerato S sedan initially received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.63 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a moderate risk of serious leg injury for the driver. In the side impact test, the Cerato received maximum points. For models built after April 2009 – when protection of the driver’s knees was improved – the occupant protection score increased to 28.13.

Features

Standard features for the Cerato included a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, USB and auxiliary inputs, air conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Cerato Si added cruise control and steering wheel audio controls. The SLi was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift and trip computer.

2009 Cerato Limited Edition

In August 2009, a Limited Edition variant was released. Compared to the S, the Limited Edition was also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control; additional features included 15-inch five-spoke polished alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls and rear floor mats. The Limited Edition was also visually distinguished by its chrome grille.

2010 Cerato Limited

In July 2010, a Limited variant was released; based on the range-topping SLi, the Limited variant added leather seats, a power sunroof and bodykit, including a rear spoiler.

January 2011: Cerato update

With the introduction of the hatch models and updated sedan models – from January 2011 – standard features were extended to include Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, keyless entry and electric power steering; a revised suspension tune was also specific to Australia. Visually, the hatch and updated sedan could be identified by their redesigned grille, lower air-intake, fog lights and door mirrors with LEDs.

2012 Cerato eXtra

In March 2012, a limited-run eXtra variant was released. Compared to the Si, the eXtra was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome-tipped exhausts.

2012 Cerato SiR

In late 2012, limited-run SiR variants were released. Compared to the Si, the SiR was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights.

Brochure

• Brochure: Kia TD Cerato (December 2012)

Related links

• Specifications: Kia TD Cerato (October 2010)
• Wikipedia.org: Kia Forte (first generation)