Today, with the rise in popularity of SUV’s it’s very easy to overlook some established market segments. The small car segment is one – commanding 17.9 percent of the car market five years ago, shrinking to 9.4 per cent today representing 53,000 sales in the first half.  Hatchbacks dominate but sedans still have a following predominantly with older buyers. I’ve been driving Kia’s just updated Cerato available in four grades – I tested the entry S automatic sedan –  the manual version dropped, the auto S now kicking off at 25,990 drive-away offering enormous presence for the money – I think back to what small cars offered in the 1980’s and the Cerato S today would have been considered a prestige model, the equipment list so comprehensive.

Part of the Cerato’s update includes a modern interpretation of the Korean company’s logo  plus some fresh styling cues to headlights, radiator grille, front bumper, fog lights and tail lights. Nice looking with good accommodation front and back and a generous boot.

The 2.0-litre 112kW engine carries over linked to a six-speed automatic. This is a polished small car that frankly feels more medium sized with nice materials and seat covering for an entry model.  And with the benefit of a 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing every 12 months or 15,000k’s which ever occurs first.

I’m David Berthon

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