Comparative test 18 August 2010 Quiet Harbor (Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato, Nissan Tiida, Opel Astra, Renault Fluence)

The Russian market of popular passenger cars has become so diverse and unpredictable that it defies any systematization. But this stormy sea still has its own "safe haven". Cars for which stable demand remains, regardless of fashion, various incentive programs and other external factors. These are compact class sedans (segment C). In the published review, we will consider models with a price of 500,000 rubles, and next time we will talk about more expensive compact sedans costing from 600,000 rubles for a "base".

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Test drive January 29, 2009 Correct wording (Cerato 1.6; 2.0)

The first generation model was sold in Russia for several years. But it never became a bestseller. Perhaps because it was overshadowed by the more popular hatchback of the same class in our country - “cee’d”. Today the Koreans are making a second attempt, bringing a brand new sedan with the old name to the market. Kia's marketers hope it will outperform its predecessor. In any case, the designers and designers have done everything possible for this.

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19.11.2016

Kia Cerato of the second generation is one of the creations of the world famous German designer Peter Schreier. After his arrival at the KIA company, all cars of this brand received a bright design and a branded tiger grin, and Cerato is no exception. But the ordinary buyer is more interested not in appearance, but in the reliability and practicality of the car, you must admit that no one needs a constantly breaking, uncomfortable, but beautiful car. Fortunately, KIA engineers managed to combine beauty, comfort and reliability, but there were some drawbacks, and we'll talk about them today.

A bit of history:

The first generation was produced in South Korea. In its homeland, the car was named "Kia K3" and went on sale in 2003. In other markets, the car went on sale in 2004 and under different names: in Europe, Australia, Brazil and the CIS - Cerato, in the USA - Spectra. According to a number of Internet publications, this model immediately became a "bestseller" and in many countries occupied the leading positions in sales for a long time. The second generation of the model was presented at the 2009 Los Angeles Motor Show. The novelty, in comparison with the previous version, had a completely new appearance, which corresponded to the new design concept of KIA cars.

If the first generation was produced in the sedan and hatchback bodies, then in the second generation instead of the hatchback they began to produce cars in the coupe body (produced since 2010). All over the world the model was sold under the name "Kia Forte", and in some countries, including the CIS, the previous name was retained, due to the desire of the representative office to save money on the promotion of the new model. In the CIS, the car has been officially sold since March 2009. Kia Cerato of the second generation was built on the cheaper platform "Kia Sid", and "" is also built on it. Compared to the previous generation, the new product has become slightly wider and longer. Also, the wheelbase was increased, which has a positive effect on the stability and handling of the car. At the same time, the clearance was reduced by one centimeter, which in turn had a positive effect on aerodynamic performance.

At the 2009 Seoul Auto Show, a hybrid version of the car was presented, this concept Korean engineers equipped with a 1.6 petrol engine, and a 15 kW 20 hp motor, which is powered by a lithium polymer battery. It should be noted that such a battery was first used in the automotive industry. Unlike "", which has a big difference in appearance between the American and European versions, Cerato has only one difference - the color of the direction indicator in the rear lights (in the American version it is red, and in the European version it is orange). The second generation of the car was produced until 2013, after which the third generation of this model came to replace it.

Advantages and disadvantages of Kia Cerate with mileage

The paintwork, traditionally for cars from Korea, is very thin, plus it is made on a water basis, as a result, scratches and chips on the car body appear quite quickly. On copies older than three years, chrome elements begin to peel off, and paint on the trunk lid, rear doors, arches and windshield pillars may begin to swell. Despite this, centers of corrosion on cars in their native paint are extremely rare. As in most budget cars, the headlights fog up during temperature changes, and their glazing is often cracked. Due to the poor-quality rear door seal, moisture gets into the passenger compartment in rainy weather.

Power units

This model is equipped with simple atmospheric gasoline engines - 1.6 (125 hp) and 2.0 (150 hp). European and American copies, in addition to the two engines listed, are also equipped with power units - 2.4 petrol (176 hp), 1.6 diesel (140 hp) and 1.6 turbodiesel (128 hp). Some car owners complain that after starting a cold engine, extraneous sounds are heard from the area of \u200b\u200bthe power unit. This sound is very similar to the clatter of valves, as a rule, appears after 50,000 km. In most cases, the source of this knock is the timing chain, or rather its tensioner, and if the tensioner is not replaced in time, the chain jumps, and then the fatal meeting of the valves with the pistons is inevitable.

When buying a car with a mileage of 80-100 thousand km, I would recommend replacing the tensioner along with the chain. I will explain why, the replacement will not be cheap, about $ 200, but it will protect you from possible troubles for 70-100 thousand kilometers. At 120-130 thousand km of run, the engine starts to eat up oil, in order to eliminate this drawback, valve stem seals and rings have to be changed. In severe frosts, most car owners have difficulty starting the unit. This is due to the fact that the grease in the solenoid relay is not intended for operation in frost, and as a result, it thickens strongly. With a mileage of 100,000 km, the starter, thermostat and pump fail.

Transmission

Initially, a five-speed mechanics and a four-speed automatic were installed on the Kia Cerato. In 2010, a small technical upgrade took place, after which they began to use a six-speed manual and automatic transmission. The manual transmission, closer to 50,000 km, begins to hum when driving in reverse gear, and with an increase in mileage, the hum will only intensify. To fix the problem, it is necessary to replace the clutch kit, in the official service they ask for about $ 400 for this. The release bearing on this machine is sound, so don't be surprised if you hear a whistle and a squeak while squeezing out the clutch. Replacing the bearing solves the problem for a short time, for a maximum of 15,000 km. Many owners, in order not to listen to the squeak, lubricate the bearing and fork area with special grease.

There are no complaints about the reliability of the four-speed automatic transmission, but the six-speed one can give an unpleasant surprise. So, in particular, the owners complain about a burst of the hose, which removes the transmission oil for cooling. The explanation of the problem is simple, for some time the production was supplied with defective hoses. In most cases, this defect was repaired under warranty. Also, after 100,000 km of run, the valve body and the selector sensor (inhibitor) fail.

Problem areas of the Kia Cerate chassis

The chassis, in comparison with the previous version, was significantly modernized - in front, as before, a MacPherson-type suspension was installed, but instead of a comfortable multi-link, a non-killable semi-independent beam was installed at the rear. Knocks in the suspension of Cerato appear early enough, but you should not be afraid of them, since these inconveniences are caused by the detached boot of the shock absorber. The problem is solved easily and inexpensively, you need to install the boot in place and fix it with clamps.

As with most modern cars, you will most often have to change the struts and stabilizer bushings, approximately every 30-40 thousand km. The front shock absorbers, depending on the operating conditions, live 50-80 thousand km, the rear up to 150,000 km, but the rear springs can sink by 100,000 km. After 60,000 km, you need to monitor the condition of the CV joint boot, since on many copies it is on this run that cracks appear on it, which negatively affects the resource of the CV joint itself. Silent blocks, wheel bearings, ball joints with careful operation will last about 100,000 km. The steering rack is very weak here and by 60,000 km, 80% of cars require replacement or repair.

Outcome:

Kia Cerato of the second generation is a reliable and fairly easy-to-maintain car. Despite all the shortcomings, Cerate remains one of the most interesting options in the budget up to $ 11,000.

Advantages:

• Design
• Low price for spare parts.
• Moderate fuel consumption.
• Roomy trunk.

Disadvantages:

• Weak paintwork.
• Weak insulation.
• Small ground clearance.
• Over time, crickets appear in the cabin.

Sales market: Russia.

The premiere of the second generation KIA Cerato (TD) sedan took place in 2008 at the Sydney Auto Show. Subsequently, KIA introduced the Cerato Hatchback hatchback and the Cerato Koup coupe of the same name. The car received a new design, created under the leadership of Peter Schreyer, became wider, longer and slightly lower than its predecessor. In addition, the Kia Serato 2 has changed the design of the rear suspension, which has become simpler and stiffer. In some countries, the model was offered under the name KIA K3. In Russia, KIA Cerato II appeared in 2009. In 2012, SKD assembly of sedans for Russia was organized at the Avtotor Kaliningrad plant.

Overall dimensions of the second generation 4-door KIA Cerato: length - 4530 mm, width - 1775 mm, height - 1460 mm. The wheelbase is 2650 mm. Ground clearance (clearance) - 150 mm. The rear suspension of the car, in comparison with its predecessor, has become simpler and more maintainable: instead of the previous independent multi-link, engineers have installed a semi-independent one, based on a torsion beam. Front suspension - independent, McPherson type. The volume of the luggage compartment is 476 liters. The volume of the fuel tank is 52 liters. Front brakes - ventilated disc; rear - disc. The braking system is complemented by anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist system (BAS). The steering is rack and pinion with an electric amplifier. Drive type - front.

The line of engines for the second generation KIA Cerato Sedan consisted of two DOHC CVVT gasoline units of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. Both engines are inline 4-cylinder with a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism. The base 1.6-liter engine develops 126 hp. (156 Nm). Paired with the power unit is a 6-speed "mechanics" or 6-speed "automatic". Acceleration time from zero to 100 km / h - 10.3-11.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 190 km / h. In the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 6.6-7.0 liters for every hundred kilometers.

The more powerful 2.0-liter engine produces 156 hp. (194 Nm) and can only be combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from zero to first hundred takes 9.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 190 km / h. In the urban cycle, the power unit consumes 10.8 liters per 100 kilometers. In the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 7.9 liters per hundred kilometers.

In the salons of Russian dealers, the second-generation 4-door KIA Cerato (TD) was offered in three trim levels: Comfort, Luxe and Prestige. As standard, the car was equipped with tinted glass, 15-inch steel discs, a height-adjustable steering column, a height-adjustable driver's seat, front airbags, electric windows, central locking, an audio system with steering wheel control keys, air conditioning and an on-board computer ... Optionally, the list of equipment could be supplemented with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, push-button ignition, climate system, heated front seats, parking sensors and an audio system with CD / MP3 / AUX / USB.

The KIA Cerato II sedan has a modern exterior design, a comfortable and spacious interior, a fairly roomy trunk and a high level of safety. The car has good handling, dynamic and economical power units, as well as a reliable braking system. In addition, the advantages of the 4-door Kia Serato 2 include low fuel consumption, ease of maintenance and affordable prices for spare parts. The disadvantages of the car include low ground clearance, not too high-quality paintwork and poor sound insulation.

Read completely

But even though our Cerato Premium is the most equipped, it has a fabric interior. For me, that's good, the fabric is somehow more comfortable. But there are quite a few people who believe that skin is better. At least for reasons of practicality - the skin is easier to keep clean. There is no hatch in the list of trim levels - this restriction was made for the Russian market in order to keep the price within the "limits of decency". Navigation was abandoned for the same reasons. And it turns out that the premium here is somehow limited: leather only on the steering wheel and gear lever ...

A bit of taste about appearance

Outwardly, Cerato is very good. Despite the fact that the car was created on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra, Peter Schreier's team got an original and bright device, on which it is not a shame to drive up to a restaurant or drive to the country. And the taillights are a real design find! The luminous contour of dimensions in the dark will not confuse Cerato with any car. Do you know many models that are easy to recognize in the dark, and even from behind? I'm not really ...

About the driver's seat

And at first the salon was a little surprised, and not in the best sense. The original find of the developers - "waves" on the front panel in front of the passenger - look, to put it mildly, strange. As if the plastic had stood in the sun for a long time and warped. Free tip for Kia: When restyling, remove those bumps. You will see that such an insignificant move will allow the whole interior to "play" in a new way. However, these influxes are not the only detail that I would like to ... "unsee". How do you like the unvarnished carbon look? Somehow cheap and frivolous, don't you think? They are appropriate in the list of options on the tenth page in small print and for a lot of money. But in a car that claims to be a family car - bad manners.