KIA Cerato S

The new KIA Cerato is a fine looking device, one of a new wave of small to midsized cars beginning to snare sales from larger vehicles.
In my view the Kia has a more stylish form and classier detail differences than it's Hyundai Elantra sibling.
The Cerato is quite large, nudging the next segment for exterior size.
The steeply raked windscreen is enormous, adding to the aerodynamic flow of the body.
The cabin too is large and spacious with a light airy feel to it, and unlike others with tiny window openings,has reasonably good all round visibility.
When approaching the car at night and with the remote key fob handy, the Cerato swings out its electronically folded external mirrors and greets you with a soft pale mauve glow illuminating the door handles.
When the door is opened the very effective puddle lights in the door sills guide your way.
Other features include plenty of padding on armrests and central console lid, a welcome addition from the hard plastic used on some in its segment..Supersoft protective padding also found in the overhead sunglasses holder.
All windows wind all the way down, unlike some rear glass that stops well short of vanishing into the door. 
The central information screen is easy to use, seats are comfortable, and easily adjusted, but could be better shaped for more grip during spirited cornering.
A steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake, makes easy work of finding a good driving position.
The wheel itself has multiple function buttons for cruise, Bluetooth and audio.
There are three steering "feel" settings, but I couldn't detect any real difference from comfort to sport, and there's a wooden feel to the tiller when manoevering and turning corners. 
Commendably there's a full sized spare tyre.
Slide out extensions on the sunvisors, are a good idea.
On winding roads the Cerato remains flat, neutral and composed, and while not quite in the same league as a Golf or Focus for example, it's more than competent enough for most drivers.
In fact it's pretty good considering the Cerato's unsporting pretensions.
The suspension soaks up most road irregularities.
The 1.8 litre engine is no barnstormer, being not overly endowed with torque, (178 nm)but it acquits itself well, with better than average performance. There's more than enough power to stay out of trouble and it's a very relaxed highway cruiser.The six speed autobox goes about its business smoothly and unobtrusively.
I averaged about 9 litres per 100 kilometres, during a week of mainly urban driving.
The only thing spoiling the cabin ambience is tyre noise. 
It's especially noticeable on smooth urban roads...a whine from beneath that rises and falls with speed.
Just a tad annoying, but could easily be fixed with different tyres, once the originals have past their best.
If a small to medium sized sedan is your wont, you couldn't go far wrong with the Cerato.
It's a well built, capable, competent four seater and priced around 22K good value for money.
Peter Sellen